Which actor was named "King of the Mini-series" after appearing in such epics as "Centennial", "Shogun", and "The Thorn Birds"?

In the 1960s hit TV series 'Dr. Kildare' and several popular 1970s and 80s mini - series, including 'Centennial', 'Shogun' and 'The Thorn Birds', the actor Richard Chamberlain is the man who was the top star on the screen. He was so successful as a leading man in limited television features, that he became known as the "King of the Mini-series".

Noting Chamberlain's career, he began on 'Dr. Kildare'. He starred in a role as a kind, caring physician. This made him a household name and won him a Golden Globe Award in 1963. It also opened the door to other roles. Chamberlain was able to star in the 1963 dramatic film 'Twilight of Honor' and the 1965 drama 'Joy in the Morning'. 'Dr. Kildare' ended in 1966.

Chamberlain went to England in the late 1960s to work. When he returned to the U.S. in the 1970s, Chamberlain starred in such films as 'The Three Musketeers' (1973) and 'The Towering Inferno' (1974). He also worked steadily in TV; he appeared the 1977 adaptation of 'The Man in the Iron Mask' and the mini-series Centennial. In 1980, he starred in the popular mini-series 'Shogun', playing an English navigator in Japan during the 1600s. 'Shogun' is based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel; it became a big hit with American audiences.

Next, Chamberlain starred in the 1980 TV mini-series 'The Thorn Birds'. He played a priest who struggled to keep his vows. This drama was considered quite risqué for its time and got numerous accolades from popular critics.