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In 1944, Hudson joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Philippines. After he was discharged in 1946, he moved to Hollywood to try his hand at acting. He worked as a truck driver but spent his free time around studios, handing out headshots to get noticed. With his looks and charisma, it didn’t take long for him to catch people’s attention.
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In 1947, talent scout Henry Wilson spotted Hudson and decided to represent him, giving him the name “Rock Hudson” after the 'Rock of Gibraltar' and the 'Hudson River.' Hudson didn’t have any acting training, which made it challenging at first. He eventually signed a contract with Warner Brothers and got his first role in 'Fire Squadron'. In 1948, Universal Pictures took over his contract and provided him with acting lessons to help him improve his skills.
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Hudson initially played small roles in various films, but his big break came when he was cast as the lead in 'Douglas Sirk's Magnificent Obsession' (1954). This role turned Hudson into a major star, and his career quickly took off. He went on to star in several dramatic films, including the highly praised 'Giant' (1956), for which he earned an Academy Award nomination.
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Hudson married Phyllis Gates, an aspiring actress, in 1955. However, their marriage was arranged by Hudson's agent, Henry Wilson, to maintain a public image. At the time, Hudson was not open about his homosexuality due to the social stigma and the potential impact it could have on his career.
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The marriage lasted only three years, ending in divorce while Hudson was in Italy filming 'A Farewell to Arms' in 1957.
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In 1971, Hudson joined the cast of the hit TV series McMillan & Wife, where he played a police commissioner. In the 1980s, he made a memorable appearance on the soap opera 'Dynasty', further showcasing his versatility in television.
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Throughout his career, Hudson maintained a spotless public image, while privately, his life was filled with struggles. He had several homosexual lovers but kept his sexuality a secret due to the fear of damaging his career. In June 1984, Hudson sought medical attention for an irritation on his neck, which was later diagnosed as a lesion. This turned out to be a sign of Kaposi sarcoma, a cancerous tumor often associated with AIDS.
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Rock Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS on June 5, 1984. A year later, on July 25, 1985, he publicly revealed his diagnosis, becoming one of the first celebrities to do so, and also one of the first to openly acknowledge his homosexuality. His decision to speak out helped raise public awareness about the global AIDS epidemic.
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Hudson spent his final months surrounded by close friends and family. He passed away from AIDS-related complications on October 2, 1985, at the age of 59, in Beverly Hills, California. He was the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness
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Today, Rock Hudson is remembered not only for his talent as a screen actor but also for his bravery in publicly revealing his AIDS diagnosis, which helped raise awareness about the disease.
Take a look back at Rock Hudson’s iconic Hollywood career, where he starred in classics like 'Giant' and 'Pillow Talk'. Known for his charm and screen presence, Hudson became one of the most beloved actors of his time.
His death in 1985 from AIDS-related complications brought major awareness to the AIDS epidemic and helped change public perceptions.