Rock Hudson rose to fame with his iconic performances in films like “Magnificent Obsession” and “Giant,” capturing the hearts of a vast fanbase during his early Hollywood days. However, as the mid-’80s approached, he significantly reduced his acting engagements due to health challenges that he preferred to keep private, shielded from public attention. This period marked a shift in his career trajectory and personal life, prompting curiosity about the events that unfolded in the life of this legendary actor.
What Happened to Rock Hudson?
Rock Hudson, originally named Roy Harold Scherer Jr., underwent a significant transformation after connecting with Hollywood agent Henry Wilson. Wilson, known for representing other young talents like Tab Hunter and Robert Wagner, envisioned Hudson as the epitome of a movie star and orchestrated a name change to align with this vision.
Mark Griffin, author of “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson,” discussed this name change in a June 2023 appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, highlighting the process of grooming Hudson to match his new persona. This shift played a crucial role in shaping Hudson’s public image and trajectory in the entertainment industry
Rock Hudson’s career skyrocketed in the 1950s with standout performances alongside Jane Wyman in “Magnificent Obsession” (1954), Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean in “Giant” (1956), and in three films opposite Doris Day. However, as his stardom grew, so did rumors about his personal life and romantic inclinations.
Was Rock Hudson Married?
In 1955, he married Phyllis Gates, who worked as secretary to his agent, Henry Wilson. Their union lasted three years before ending in divorce in 1958. During the 1960s, Hudson maintained a discreet relationship with stockbroker Lee Garlington, their romance concealed due to societal pressures.
What Was Rock Hudson’s Cause of Death?
Garlington reminisced about their time together, recalling their vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 1963 and praising Hudson as a kind and remarkable person. However, Hudson’s private life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984.
Despite the limited understanding of HIV and AIDS at the time, Hudson took the courageous step of informing his previous partners about his illness anonymously, emphasizing his desire to do what he believed was right. Sadly, he succumbed to complications related to AIDS on October 2, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and bravery in the face of adversity.
