For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. In a more conservative era, Hudson's wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.Īs a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio's resident Adonis. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.ĭespite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. In the '70s and '80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the '50s and '60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.Īs an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood's Golden Age.ĭevastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star.

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