Richard Chamberlain's gay revelation

More than four decades after he captured women's hearts on television, Richard Chamberlain has decided to reveal his identity as a gay man.

"I'm not a romantic leading man anymore so I don't need to nurture that public image anymore," the 68-year-old Chamberlain says in a television interview to air in the United States today.

"I can talk about it now because I'm not afraid anymore."

Chamberlain starred in the title role in the television series Dr Kildare from 1961-1966.

The interview coincides with the publication of Chamberlain's new memoir, Shattered Love which will be released in the US tomorrow.

- NZPA