100 Heroes: Rock Hudson
The gay man who became one of the most famous actors of his generation.
One of the most famous actors of his generation, Rock Hudson was one of the first widely-known people to die from AIDS-related illness.
Early life
Born in 1925, Rock Hudson - originally known as Roy Harold Scherer Jr. - grew up in Illinois.
At some point during his teenage years, he worked as an usher in a movie theater and developed an interest in acting.
After graduating from high school in 1943, Hudson enlisted in the US Navy during World War II.
Career
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Hudson moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
He sent talent scout Henry Willson a picture of himself in 1947, Willson took him on as a client and changed the young actor's name to Rock Hudson. He made his acting debut in 1948 with a small part in the Warner Bros. film Fighter Squadron directed by Raoul Walsh.
Hudson's breakthrough role was in Magnificent Obsession (1954), followed by All That Heaven Allows (1955), and Giant (1956), for which he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Hudson also found continued success with a string of romantic comedies co-starring Doris Day: Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961), and Send Me No Flowers (1964).
During the late 1960s, his films included Seconds (1966), Tobruk (1967), and Ice Station Zebra (1968).
Later, he turned to television, starring in the mystery series McMillan & Wife (1971–1977). His last role was as a guest star on the fifth season (1984–1985) of the primetime ABC soap opera Dynasty, until his health issues made it impossible for him to continue.
Personal life
Although Hudson didn't discuss his sexuality publicly, it was widely known within the entertainment industry that he was a gay man.
In 1955 - following a tabloid threat to out him - Hudson married Phyllis Gates. They divorced after three years together.
Significant relationships included Armistead Maupin, Jack Coates, Tom Clark, and Lee Garlington.
He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1985, dying soon after at the age of 59.
