Rock Hudson

 Rock Hudson, born Roy Harold Scherer, Jr (November 17, 1925 – October 2, 1985)

Although he was widely known as a leading man in the 1950s and 1960s, notably in romantic comedies opposite Doris Day, Hudson is also recognized for dramatic roles in films such as Giant and Magnificent Obsession. In later years, he found success in television, starring in the popular mystery series McMillan & Wife and the soap opera Dynasty. Hudson made his acting debut with a small part in the 1948 Warner Bros. film Fighter Squadron, and took 38 takes to successfully deliver his only line in the film. Director Douglas Sirk gave Hudson his first leading role, in the 1954 film Magnificent Obsession, co-starring Jane Wyman. His popularity soared with George Stevens' film Giant (1956). Hudson and his co-star James Dean were both nominated for Oscars in the Best Actor category. In the 1950s, Hudson made nine films with acclaimed director and father-figure Douglas Sirk, with Sirk's own favorite being The Tarnished Angels (1958). Following Richard Brooks' acclaimed film Something of Value (1957) was a moving performance in Charles Vidor's box office failure A Farewell to Arms (1957). In order to make A Farewell to Arms, Hudson reportedly turned down Marlon Brando's role in Sayonara, William Holden's role in The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Charlton Heston's role in Ben-Hur. Hudson sailed through the 1960s on a wave of romantic comedies. He portrayed humorous characters in Pillow Talk, the first of three profitable co-starring performances with Doris Day. This was followed by Lover Come Back, Come September, Send Me No Flowers, Man's Favorite Sport?, The Spiral Road, and Strange Bedfellows. However, his popularity on the big screen diminished after the 1960s.

During the 1970s and 1980s, he starred in a number of TV movies and series. His most successful television series was McMillan & Wife opposite Susan Saint James, which ran from 1971 to 1977. Hudson also appeared on the soap opera Dynasty in the 1980s, however his health had deteriorated greatly by this time, and his character was written off. He had been diagnosed with HIV in 1984, but kept that a secret for another year, when it developed into full AIDS. It was at this time the public became aware of his homosexuality. Rock Hudson died in 1985 at age 59 from the disease, and is interred at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City, CA.