Rock Hudson
Roy Harold Scherer Jr. (November 17, 1925 - October 2, 1985), better known as Rock Hudson, was an American actor. Born in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was the first major American celebrity to admit to being afflicted with AIDS. His announcement, and subsequent death from the disease, brought the disease and HIV into the mainstream of American consciousness.
Hudson served in the United States Navy during World War II as an airplane mechanic. His good looks and strapping size got him a Hollywood audition, and some capped teeth and a name change got him a small part in the forgettable 1948 film Fighter Squadron. His one line took 38 takes, because he kept forgetting it. In 1956 he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, and two years later, Look Magazine named him "Star of the Year".
During the 1950s and 1960s, Hudson was known for several fluff comedies, largely starring with Doris Day. The two made Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back and Send Me No Flowers together. From 1971 to 1978, Hudson starred opposite Susan St. James in the popular American television series McMillan and Wife that aired on NBC.
Hudson married studio employee Phyllis Gates in 1955, and the news was made known by all the major gossip magazines. The couple divorced in 1958. The studio was likely using this sham marriage in order to cover Hudson's homosexuality, which would have made him box office poison at the time if it were made known. Hudson remained in the closet until his sexual orientation became known towards the end of his life.
Following Hudson's death, his live-in lover filed a palimony lawsuit against his estate.
Hudson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6104 Hollywood Blvd.