| Full Name | Roy Harold Scherer Jr. |
| Born | November 17, 1925 in Winnetka, Illinois |
| Died | October 2, 1985 at age 59 |
| Cause of Death | AIDS-related complications |
| Height | 6‘5" |
| Spouse(s) | Phyllis Gates (m. 1955–1958) Marc Christian (m. 1991–1985) |
| Total Films | Over 70 |
| Notable Films | Magnificent Obsession, Giant, Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Social Profiles | Instagram, Facebook, Twitter |
Early Life and Path to Stardom
Born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. in 1925, Hudson had a difficult upbringing in Illinois marked by poverty and abuse. After a stint in the Navy, he moved to Hollywood in 1947 to pursue acting. He caught a few minor roles but struggled to make it big until a prominent agent, Henry Willson, took interest in the unknown 6‘5" hunk.
Willson gave him a new name, "Rock Hudson", and signed him to a contract with Universal Studios in 1954. That same year, Hudson made his breakout performance in the melodrama Magnificent Obsession opposite Jane Wyman. Though inexperienced, Hudson‘s natural charm and magnetic physique shot him to stardom.
He soon established himself as a versatile leading man adept at both drama and comedy. Hudson shone opposite Elizabeth Taylor in the 1956 epic Giant and gained acclaim for his first romantic comedy Pillow Talk (1959) with Doris Day, earning an Oscar nomination.
Reign as Romantic Idol
By the early 1960s, Hudson was Hollywood‘s top box office attraction, considered the era‘s most bankable heartthrob. He lit up the screen with charisma in romantic comedies like Lover Come Back (1961), Send Me No Flowers (1964), and several popular films with Day.
movie quote
Hudson displayed effortless chemistry with his female co-stars. Off-screen, the studios fabricated his public image as a ladies‘ man to cover up his homosexuality. Hudson would also struggle privately with alcoholism during the peak of his fame.
Despite these pressures, Hudson‘s popularity never waned. He was the first actor to earn $1 million for a film with The Undefeated in 1969. However, Hudson began facing declining roles in the 1970s as younger actors took the spotlight.
Activism and Death
In the early 1980s, Hudson started speaking publicly about AIDS research and prevention as one of the first celebrities to disclose an HIV diagnosis. This helped humanize the disease and fight stigma. However, it prematurely ended Hudson‘s acting career. He passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1985 at just age 59.
Hudson‘s courageous decision to come out made him an inspirational icon for the LGBTQ+ community. He paved the way for other actors and left a lasting mark through his perennial films and groundbreaking activism.
Legacy
Despite his short life, Hudson‘s contributions still resonate decades later. His performances stand the test of time, especially his romantic comedies, which demonstrate impeccable comic timing and charm.
As an activist, Hudson also changed public perception of HIV/AIDS and fostered acceptance for LGBTQ+ rights. Though gone too soon at 59, Hudson remains a beloved star whose talents and impact continue to be appreciated by generations of fans.