The Tragic Truth About Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was best known for his dashing looks and roles in Giant and All That Heaven Allows. Behind Rock Hudson's fame was a troubled childhood, a manipulative Hollywood agent, and a struggle with his gay identity. He was also the first major celebrity to die with AIDs in 1985.

Rock Hudson didn't have the easiest start in life. Born Roy Harold Scherer, Jr. in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson's father abandoned him and his mother when Hudson was still a child. His mother later remarried a man named Wallace Fitzgerald. Hudson's new stepfather adopted the eight-year-old Roy, giving him the last name Fitzgerald.

One would think it would be indicative of some paternal feeling towards the boy. However, this turned out not to be the case. Wallace Fitzgerald was brutal towards his stepson, especially when the young Roy first revealed his interest in becoming an actor. Hudson learned early in life just how dangerous it could be to express his true thoughts and feelings.

Hudson later enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served from 1944 to 1946. After he was discharged, he moved to Hollywood and took a paying job as a truck driver. He lingered around movie studios during the day, hoping to be noticed by executives or talent agents.

Keep watching to see The Tragic Stories Behind Pop's Biggest Stars.

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Difficult childhood | 00:15
Dealings with Henry Willson | 01:04
Rock Hudson completely remade himself | 01:44
Initially bad at acting | 02:39
His roles often imitated life | 03:49
Fired Henry Wilson | 04:50
Numerous health issues | 05:53
Hated interviews | 06:45
Anonymously contacted lovers after diagnosis | 07:18
The face of the AIDS epidemic | 08:10
Died without his true love | 09:12

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