Which Classic American Medical Drama Originally Starred William Shatner?
“Dr Kildare” was a byword in America in the 1960s and set the pattern for many medical dramas after it. The series is associated in most viewers’ minds with Richard Chamberlain, but in fact it had a long history before Chamberlain appeared in it. Kildare began as a character created by novelist Max Brand, and then became the centre of several films starring Lou Ayres. Then in 1961 the series first aired, with William Shatner (better known for Star Trek and Boston Legal) in the title role as the idealistic young doctor. His wise, stick-in-the-mud senior, Dr Gillespie, was played by Raymond Massey. However, Shatner soon left to work elsewhere, and thereafter the role was made famous by Chamberlain. The show lasted for 5 years and gained an audience of over 5 million. Finally in 1966, with Chamberlain sick of the role and ratings beginning to slide, the show was cancelled.
