Rock Solid–A Glimpse into Classic Movie Leading Man Rock Hudson
When it comes to the silver screen’s leading men, few will ever forget the dynamic character of Rock Hudson. Born on November 17th, 1925, this American icon was noted for his chiseled and rugged good looks. There was, however, far more to this actor than met the eye. Not only was he a charming and attractive American actor, he was also a homosexual that eventually met his fate from AIDS on October 2nd, 1985.
Rock Hudson was the first known American actor to succumb to the effects of HIV, and its related illnesses. Rock Hudson died as a result of lymph glands cancer. Rock Hudson was 59 when this terrible disease stripped the film industry of one of its greatest stars. This loss did not only affect the American public, it affected the film industry worldwide. What is most notable from his death, was that the president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, whom was a very close friend of Hudson’s, elected that it was time for the American public to take a serious look at this dreaded disease known as AIDS.
Born to Roy Harold, and Katherine Woods, Roy Harold Scherer Jr. out of Winnetka Illinois, was adopted and acquired the name Roy Fitzgerald. Serving as an airplane mechanic for the United States Navy, Hudson did see the Second World War, as well as a very prominent acting career. When it came to charm and good looks, few at the time had more of either than Rock Hudson. With a fresh name change and freshly capped teeth, this strapping young man, won the Hollywood audition for the film Fighter Squadron, in the year 1948. Not only did he win the audition for the role, he gained much notoriety for it as well, adding to the list of producers that were interested in his talent and good looks. By the year 1956, Rock Hudson’s career was really starting to make its mark, when he was nominated for an academy award, for his role in the film Giant. Two years later, Rock was nominated for best actor, and actor of the year by Look magazine. At this time in his life, some of his best roles were a direct result of his very close association with Woman’s Pictures Douglas Sirk. Some of these fine works that included Hudson were All that Heaven Allows, The Tarnished Angels, Written On The Wind, and Magnificent Obsession.
One of the most ironic moments in Hudson’ life, would be the period where he co-starred next to the loveable Doris Day. There were in particular three movies that bring to light the far side to Rock’s existence. Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back, gave the audience the impression that the person that Rock portrayed was shy in order to lure women into the bedroom. The final movie of the three was about a husband who believed that he had a disease and did not have long to live. These three movies were done in the 50s and 60s, and to this day, people place where Rock went in his life travels directly shaped the performance that he gave in the three of these films.
Rock Hudson did not however, keep a unstained movie record, as the film Seconds, which was suppose to be ahead of it’s time, became a clear box office flop. Albeit the film’s failure, many of Rock Hudson’s fans felt that this was some of his finest work. Basically from 1971-1978, Rock Hudson concentrated his efforts on television. There was a major controversy where Rock felt cheated on a particular show called McMillan and Wife. It was believed that Hudson’s co-star Susan Saint James was making more money than the strapping actor, and this enraged him.
As much as the movies that this wonderful actor put out, unfortunately the public could not get over the fact that he was gay, and was carrying out homosexual relationships with other men. The industry that basically fed Hudson his roles did everything possible to cover up the fact that Hudson was gay. They even went as far as to arrange a sham wedding to a secretary that worked for Hudson’s agent. This vain attempt to thwart the media from revealing that Hudson was gay only made matters worse.
Regardless, Rock Hudson, gay or not, will always hold a place in the hearts of movie buffs for years to come. It was not his homosexuality that won his bid to stardom; it was his striking good looks, and his raw acting talent that made him what he was.
