Early life and career
Rock Hudson was born Roy Harold Scherer, Jr. on November 17, 1925 in Winnetka, Illinois. His parents divorced when he was six, and his mother quickly remarried.
As a result, young Roy took his stepfather’s surname, Fitzsimmons. A shy and introverted child, Roy found solace in movies. He particularly loved Westerns, and he later said that his favorite film was “Stagecoach” (1939).
After high school, Roy moved to Los Angeles in hopes of breaking into the movie business. He changed his name to Rock Hudson and landed his first role in the 1948 film “Fighter Squadron”. Although it was a small part, Hudson impressed the studio executives with his natural charisma and good looks. He soon landed bigger roles, including a starring role opposite Doris Day in the 1955 romantic comedy “Pillow Talk”.
From there, Hudson’s career took off, and he went on to star in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Though he maintained a successful career for over four decades, Hudson’s personal life was fraught with difficulties. He struggled with alcoholism and depression, and he was forced to keep his homosexuality a secret due to the prevailing social attitudes of the time.
Rise to fame
It was his roles in the 1950s that made him a star. He appeared in some of the biggest films of the decade, including Magnificent Obsession and Giant. His good looks and easy charm helped to make him one of the most sought-after leading men in Tinseltown. However, it was his work with Doris Day in Pillow Talk that solidified his reputation as a romantic comedy legend. In the 1960s, Hudson’s career continued to flourish with starring roles in such classics as The Italian Job and McHale’s
Personal life and AIDS diagnosis
Rock Hudson was one of the first major Hollywood stars to be diagnosed with AIDS. The news of his diagnosis was shocking to many people because up until that point, AIDS was largely thought of as a disease that affected only homosexuals. However, Rock Hudson’s diagnosis helped to raise awareness about the disease and its potential to affect anyone. Sadly, Rock Hudson died just a few months after his diagnosis.
His death helped to bring even more attention to the AIDS epidemic and raised funds for research into a cure. Today, thanks in part to Rock Hudson’s courage in coming forward about his diagnosis, AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was. Thanks to medical advances, people with AIDS can now live long and healthy lives.
Rock Hudson’s Legacy
Hudson’s life and death showed the world that AIDS existed and people with HIV needed help. In his honor, many organizations have been created to fight AIDS.
-Today, there are more options for those who are diagnosed with HIV and want to continue living a full life. Organizations like amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) are working hard to find a cure for AIDS. With continued research and education, we can end the epidemic of AIDS.
Rock Hudson was an American icon whose career spanned six decades in Hollywood. He was known for his good looks and charm, but most importantly he was loved by fans worldwide for his portrayals of strong characters on screen.
5 facts about the life of Rock Hudson:
1. Rock Hudson was born on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois.
2. His real name was Roy Harold Scherer Jr.
3. He originally wanted to be a writer and worked as a journalist before starting his acting career.
4. Hudson was one of the first major Hollywood stars to be diagnosed with AIDS.
5. He was married twice: first to Phyllis Gates from 1955-1958, and then to Marcia Huddleston from 1982 until his death in 1985.
“I’m just a nice, clean-cut kid who took acting lessons and learned how to stay in front of a camera and say lines.”
– Rock Hudson
