Richard Chamberlain '56 :
A Star for
Dr. Kildare
On the sidewalk in front of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in the Johnny Grant Building, actor and artist Richard Chamberlain '56 was honored February 29 with this own star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. A crowd gathered to witness the dedication, and Johnny Grant, honorary mayor of Hollywood and chairman of the Walk of Fame committee, listed Chamberlain's many television and film credits.
"On this leap year day, we honor this star who leaped to the forefront of his profession," said Grant. "Richard originally planned to be an artist, but changed his plans after discovering theatrical success while a student at Pomona College." Chamberlain, who graduated in 1956, began his college career as an art major, but found his true calling on stage with some coaching from Pomona's theatre faculty.
International stardom has not diminished Chamberlain's love of his hometown of Los Angeles. "I remember, as a little kid growing up in L.A.," he told the crowd that had gathered to watch the ceremony, "saving up our change to take the bus to Grauman's Chinese Theatre, which we thought was just the bee's knees. I remember we'd get hot fudge sundaes at the ice cream shop next door."
A star of stage and screen, Chamberlain was first known for his run as the title character in the 1960s Dr. Kildare television series. His television and film performances have won him two Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy nominations, a People's Choice Award and an Us Magazine 1983 Reader's Poll Award.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd have one of these stars," said Chamberlain. Acknowledging the television logo on the gleaming new star, he noted, "I love doing feature films and stage productions, but television has been my home base. I'm grateful to the medium and to everyone I've worked with."
Grant closed the celebration with a dedication of his own: "I proclaim this day 'Richard Chamberlain Day in Hollywood!'"
Too bad it's a leap year, Mr. Chamberlain.
