Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, he rose to fame in the 1960s as the titular character in the television series "Dr. Kildare," which earned him widespread recognition. He quickly became a leading heartthrob and transitioned to film and stage, starring in classics like "The Three Musketeers" and the miniseries "The Thorn Birds." His career spans over six decades, marked by diverse roles across TV, film, and theater, solidifying his status as a versatile and enduring actor.