Rock Hudson was an American actor who is best known for Giant, Pillow Talk, and McMillan & Wife. Born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. in Winnetka, Illinois, he became one of the leading stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Personal and Family Life
Rock Hudson was born to Katherine Wood, a telephone operator, and Roy Harold Scherer, an auto mechanic. His parents divorced when he was eight years old. Although he struggled in school drama classes, he found his way into acting after serving as a mechanic in the Navy during World War II. He was married briefly to Phyllis Gates from 1955 to 1958, and he had no children.
Career Highlights
Rock Hudson’s acting career took off when he transformed himself after signing with a studio. He starred in many popular films, often showcasing his charm in romantic comedies alongside Doris Day. His performance in Giant earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also had a successful television career, notably with the series McMillan & Wife and a key role in Dynasty.
Death and Legacy
Rock Hudson passed away on October 2, 1985, from AIDS, becoming the first major celebrity to openly acknowledge his battle with the disease. His illness highlighted the AIDS crisis and increased awareness worldwide. Following his death, there were significant discussions regarding his private life and the challenges he faced as a gay man in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Giant | 1956-11-08 | Jordan “Bick” Benedict Jr. |
| Pillow Talk | 1959-10-07 | Brad Allen |
| McMillan & Wife | 1971-09-29 | Stewart ‘Mac’ McMillan |
| Seconds | 1966-10-05 | Antiochus ‘Tony’ Wilson |
| The Martian Chronicles | 1980-01-15 | Col. John Wilder |
| Look magazine’s Star of the Year | 1958 | N/A |
| Dynasty | 1981-01-12 | Daniel Reece |