Early Film Endeavors

Mr. Chamberlain made his first film appearance in the 1960 crime drama, The Secret of the Purple Reef, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. He followed this debut with a role in Joy in the Morning (1965), where he portrayed a young doctor—an extension of his well-known character from “Dr. Kildare.” While this performance was not particularly complex, it served as a stepping stone into more significant roles.

Notable Film Performances

Chamberlain’s career took a dynamic turn as he tackled various challenging roles in films such as:

• Julie’s Christie’s volatile husband in Petulia (1968)
• Octavius in Julius Caesar (1970)
• Tchaikovsky in The Music Lovers (1971)
• Aramis in The Three Musketeers (1973) and its sequel
• A cowardly electrical engineer in The Towering Inferno (1974)
• An Australian lawyer encountering Aboriginal culture in The Last Wave (1977)

These performances were often lauded for their complexity and depth, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Theater and Broadway Experiences

Chamberlain’s stage career began on a rocky note with the 1966 Broadway musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which unfortunately closed in previews. However, he later redeemed himself with acclaimed portrayals in classic plays such as:

• Richard II
• Cyrano de Bergerac
• Hamlet

In the 1970s, he garnered Drama Desk Award nominations for his roles in Tennessee Williams’s The Night of the Iguana (1976) and Fathers and Sons (1978), with the latter being his personal favorite.

Return to Broadway

After years, Chamberlain returned to Broadway with notable performances in:

• Blithe Spirit (1987)
• My Fair Lady (1993)
• The Sound of Music as a replacement in 1999

His musical appearances reminded audiences of his hit record from the ’60s, featuring the “Dr. Kildare” theme song.

Television Contributions

In addition to his film and theater work, Chamberlain starred in several made-for-TV movies, including:

• F. Scott Fitzgerald and ‘The Last of the Belles’ (1974)
• The Man in the Iron Mask (1977)

He also led the series Island Son in 1989, although it only lasted one season due to his dissatisfaction with its direction.

Exploration of Identity

After publicly coming out, Chamberlain embraced roles that challenged traditional gender norms. He showcased this in various appearances, including a memorable performance in full drag on the sitcom The Drew Carey Show. His versatility continued with guest spots on Will & Grace and a cameo in the film I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007).