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Rock Hudson

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Rock Hudson was a prominent American actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped)
Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped)

His career in motion pictures spanned more than three decades. He became one of the most popular film stars of his era. Hudson was known for his roles as a leading man. He was also recognized as one of the best-dressed male stars in the industry.

President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan with Rock Hudson
President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan with Rock Hudson

Hudson's journey to fame began with a difficult childhood in Winnetka, Illinois. He was born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. on November 17, 1925. His father was an auto mechanic of German and Swiss descent. His mother was a homemaker of Irish ancestry. During the Great Depression, his father lost his job and left the family. His parents divorced when he was only four years old. He was later adopted by Wallace Fitzgerald, a former Marine Corps officer. This changed his legal name to Roy Harold Fitzgerald.

Before acting, Hudson served in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted in 1944 and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He worked as an aircraft mechanic in the Philippines. After he was discharged in 1946, he moved to Los Angeles. He initially worked various odd jobs, including serving as a truck driver. He eventually met talent scout Henry Willson in 1947. Willson changed his name to Rock Hudson. This name combined the Rock of Gibraltar and the Hudson River.

Los Angeles (California, USA), Hollywood Boulevard, Rock Hudson -- 2012 -- 4974
Los Angeles (California, USA), Hollywood Boulevard, Rock Hudson -- 2012 -- 4974

Hudson's early professional training was very rigorous. He signed a long-term contract with Universal-International. The studio provided coaching in several different skills. He studied acting, singing, and dancing. He also learned fencing and horseback riding. His first film appearance was a small part in the 1948 movie Fighter Squadron. It reportedly took him 38 takes to deliver a single line. He soon moved into adventure films and became a leading man.

Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped)
Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped)

His rise to superstardom occurred in the mid-1950s. The 1954 film Magnificent Obsession made him a massive star. That movie earned over $5 million at the box office. In 1956, he starred in the film Giant. This role earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Taylor - Hudson - Giant
Taylor - Hudson - Giant

He was voted the most popular actor in American cinemas in 1957. He remained in the "top ten" most popular stars until 1964. He received a Top 10 Star of the Year ranking eight times between 1957 and 1964.

Hudson also achieved great success in romantic comedies. He often co-starred with the actress Doris Day. Their successful films included Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back, and Send Me No Flowers.

Rock Hudson - Julie Andrews
Rock Hudson - Julie Andrews

To gain more control over his professional roles, Hudson became a producer. He formed 7 Pictures Corporation in 1955 with several partners. He later created Gibraltar Productions in 1959. These companies allowed him to lease his services and keep a percentage of film profits. This gave him more freedom to choose his own scripts.

In his later career, Hudson transitioned to television. He starred in the mystery series McMillan & Wife from 1971 to 1977. In 1984, he was diagnosed with AIDS. He chose to disclose his diagnosis to the public. This was a significant moment as he was one of the first celebrities to do so. Hudson was the first major American celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness. He passed away on October 2, 1985, at the age of 59.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped).jpg
Rock Hudson, January 1953 (cropped).jpg
File:Taylor - Hudson - Giant.jpg
Taylor - Hudson - Giant.jpg
File:Rock Hudson - Julie Andrews.JPG
Rock Hudson - Julie Andrews.JPG
File:Rock Hudson, Gene Roddenberry, Roger Vadim, and cast of Pretty Maids All in a Row.jpg
Rock Hudson, Gene Roddenberry, Roger...
File:President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan with Rock Hudson.jpg
President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan...
File:Los Angeles (California, USA), Hollywood Boulevard, Rock Hudson -- 2012 -- 4974.jpg
Los Angeles (California, USA), Hollywood...
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