‘Richard Chamberlain, who starred in popular 80s TV series such as ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds,’ passes away at the age of 90′

LOS ANGELES — Richard Chamberlain, best known for roles in the hit 80s television miniseries “Shōgun” and “The Thorn Birds,” has died. He was 90.

The iconic actor passed away on Saturday night, just 48 hours shy of his 91st birthday, in Waimanalo, Hawaii due to complications stemming from a stroke, as confirmed by his publicist Harlan Boll.

In a heartfelt tribute, his lifelong partner Martin Rabbet expressed, “Our dear Richard has transcended to the realm of angels. He is now free, reunited with our departed loved ones. We were truly fortunate to have crossed paths with such a remarkable and affectionate spirit. Love is eternal, and our affection acts as a gentle force propelling him towards his next extraordinary journey.”

One of his standout career milestones occurred in 1961 when Chamberlain rose to fame portraying “Dr. Kildare” on television. His portrayal of the dashing and compassionate young doctor catapulted him to superstardom in the realm of television and transformed him into a teen heartthrob of that era.

His work would continue on television and in the movies for decades.

In 1973, he starred in “The Three Musketeers,” and a year later, the cast reunited for “The Four Musketeers: Milady’s Revenge.”

That same year, Chamberlain was part of the epic star-studded disaster film, “The Towering Inferno.”

In 1978, he returned for another star-studded disaster film, “The Swarm,” about deadly killer bees.

Chamberlain found great success on television again in 1980, playing John Blackthorne in the original “Shōgun” miniseries, which was a massive hit with viewers. The show marked one of Chamberlin’s four Emmy nominations.

He received another nomination a few years later for “The Thorn Birds,” which was even more popular than “Shōgun.” He played a Catholic priest tormented by his love for a beautiful woman.

In the 80s, Chamberlain starred on the big screen in “King Solomon’s Mines” and its sequel, “Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold.” Then, in 1989, Chamberlain spent one season playing a TV doctor again, but this time in Hawaii on a show called “Island Son.”

After about 45 years in show business, Chamberlain released his autobiography, “Shattered Love: A Memoir,” where he revealed he was gay, sharing how he came to terms with his true self.

Chamberlain, who was also a singer, spent more than 60 years working in show business, on both the big and small screens and even on Broadway.

He was a graduate of Beverly Hills High School and served in the Army where he was stationed in Korea.

He returned home and became an instant star.

ABC News contributed to this report.