A Look Back at Rock Hudson's Life in Photos
In light of the new Netflix series, Hollywood, we gathered the best photos of the iconic movie star.
In the new Netflix series Hollywood, Rock Hudson, played by Jack Picking, is a chiseled small-town boy hoping to become an actor while also figuring out his sexuality. Hudson, however, did not just exist in Ryan Murphy's entertainment ecosystem. In real life, he was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1950s and '60s, and a television actor in the '70s and '80s. He was nominated for an Academy Award and starred in films with the likes of Doris Day, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Julie Andrews. In real life, he indeed did struggle deeply with his sexual identity, remaining closeted for his entire career and eventually tragically dying of AIDS in 1985.
No one can question that Hudson was an icon, and made his mark on Hollywood. Here, we take a look back at the real life movie star, in the best photos from throughout his career.
Late 1940s
In this early Rock Hudson photo, the actor posed on the diving board at Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel.
Late 1940s
In another early shot, Hudson posed for a photographer. Hudson got his first role in 1948, in the Warner Brothers film Fighter Squadron. Supposedly, it took the star 38 takes to correctly deliver his only line in the movie.
1950
Here, Hudson posed for a photo holding a cigarette. The actor held small parts in three features that year, Peggy, Winchester '73, and The Desert Hawk.
1951
This photograph was a promotional shot for Joseph Pevney's film, Iron Man. Hudson played boxer Tommy 'Speed' O'Keefe (a.k.a. Kosco) in the movie.
1952
Hudson and actress Veronica Hurst met a young Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Film Performance in Leicester Square, London.
1953
Hudson campaigned for mayor of Universal City, home of Universal-International film studios. The small town consisted of only 400 people, and had its own post office, fire department, and police force. Here, Hudson received kiss from his "campaign manager," Kathleen Hughes.
1954
From top to bottom, Hudson, Tony Curtis, and Robert Wagner, all actors, posed on a ladder together.
1955
On their wedding day, Hudson cut cake with his wife Phyllis Gates. Gates was Hudson's agent, Henry Willson's, assistant. It was later revealed that the pair married to hide Hudson's homosexuality, though they divorced after three years.
1955
In a star lineup, Hudson posed with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The pair, of I Love Lucy fame, were some of the most notable comedy icons of the era.
1956
This year, Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor teamed up for the film Giant. The movie led to Hudson's only Academy Award nomination. He lost to Yul Brynner and his performance in The King and I.
1956
Hudson, Taylor, and actor Paul Fix relaxed in a car on the set of Giant.
1959
Hudson smiled with famous actress Doris Day, with whom he starred in the movie Pillow Talk. The film was a huge hit and Hudson was voted the most popular movie star in the U.S. that year.
1960
Hudson was photographed relaxing on his couch.
1960
Hudson and Doris Day laughed and drank together. The pair remained friends for the duration of Hudson's life.
1962
At the Playboy Club in New York, Hudson autographed a Playboy bunny's cuff. The star was at the club for a Motion Picture Pioneers Association dinner.
1965
At an event, Hudson danced with famed actress Sophia Loren on a crowded dance floor.
1966
On the show Carol and Company, Hudson danced with Carol Burnett.
1967
Chatting on his car phone, Hudson was captured with his dog in his convertible, just outside his Hollywood villa.
1970
On the MGM lot, Hudson sat surrounded by his female costars from the film, Pretty Maids All in a Row.
1974
Hudson posed with actress Susan Saint James in a publicity shot for their television show, McMillan and Wife. The show was Hudson's most successful television series, running from 1971 to 1977.
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