A new HBO documentary offers new insights into the closeted life of actor Rock Hudson. Here are 11 photos of the Hollywood heartthrob throughout his life.

Eve CrosbieJun 30, 2023, 23:15 IST

Rock Hudson photographed in 1950.Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images

Rock Hudson is the subject of a new HBO documentary that examines his closeted life.
As one of Hollywood's celebrated leading men of the 1950s and '60s, he never revealed his sexuality.

Almost 40 years after his death from AIDS-related complications shocked the world, Rock Hudson's life and legacy have been re-examined in a new HBO documentary.

"Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed," directed by Stephen Kijak, charts the matinee idol's rise through Hollywood in the 1950s to become a leading man and Oscar nominee, all while keeping his private life decidedly out of the press.

The actor left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world, first exemplifying the newly-emerged ideal man following the end of World War II during his movie career and then, in his diagnosis and death, as the catalyst for a wake-up call to the public about the pervasiveness of the AIDS epidemic.

Here are 11 photos of Hudson throughout his life.

Rock Hudson was born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois.

A childhood portrait of actor Rock Hudson aged around 10, taken circa 1935.Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images

After graduating high school, Hudson enlisted in the United States Navy. He was discharged after the end of World War II and decided to move to Los Angeles.

Rock Hudson in a photo taken sometime during his stint in the US Navy between 1944 and 1946.HBO

After expressing a desire to act, Hudson was advised to get some photos taken of himself that he could send to agents. He reportedly only got one response — Henry Willson.

Henry Willson and Rock Hudson together.HBO

After expressing a desire to act, Hudson was advised to get some photos taken of himself that he could send to agents. He reportedly only got one response — Henry Willson.

The actor starred in 24 films before he landed the leading man role in "Magnificent Obsession" (1954) opposite Jane Wyman.

Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson holding hands at a table in a scene from the film "Magnificent Obsession" (1954).Universal/Getty Images

Leading roles in box office hits such as "Pillow Talk," "Bengal Brigade," and "All That Heaven Allows" followed and helped establish Hudson as a Hollywood heartthrob.

Rock Hudson circa 1955.Archive Photos/Getty Images

In 1955, at the height of his career, he married Phyllis Gates, who had been the secretary of his agent. The marriage ended in divorce three years later.

Rock Hudson and his wife Phyllis Hudson photographed in their honeymoon house in the hills above the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood in 1955.Bettmann/Getty Images

The following year, Hudson starred in "Giant" alongside Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. The Western epic received widespread critical acclaim and was a box-office success. It also earned Hudson his only Academy Award nomination.

Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor on the film set of "Giant" (1956).API/GAMMA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The following year, Hudson starred in "Giant" alongside Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. The Western epic received widespread critical acclaim and was a box-office success. It also earned Hudson his only Academy Award nomination.

Hudson had many secret relationships with men throughout his life and had several long-term relationships that he hid from the public.

Rock Hudson and his partner Lee Garlington in Puerto Vallarta in 1963.HBO

In 1970s, he pivoted to television, starring in a number of TV movies and series, including "McMillan & Wife" and "Dynasty" — the latter of which was his final role.

Rock Hudson with his "Dynasty" costars in John Forsythe and Linda Evans.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

In 1970s, he pivoted to television, starring in a number of TV movies and series, including "McMillan & Wife" and "Dynasty" — the latter of which was his final role.

Hudson learned he was HIV positive in 1984, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. As the disease took a toll on his body, speculation about his health drew worldwide attention.

Rock Hudson photographed at home in November 1984.Bob Riha Jr/WireImage/Getty Images

Hudson learned he was HIV positive in 1984, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. As the disease took a toll on his body, speculation about his health drew worldwide attention.

Hudson died at the age of 59 on October 2, 1985. He was the first major public figure to acknowledge openly that he had AIDS.

Daily News front page October 3, 1985, announcing the death of Rock Hudson.NY Daily News via Getty Images

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A new HBO documentary offers new insights into the closeted life of actor Rock Hudson. Here are 11 photos of the Hollywood heartthrob throughout his life.

Rock Hudson was born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois.

After graduating high school, Hudson enlisted in the United States Navy. He was discharged after the end of World War II and decided to move to Los Angeles.

After expressing a desire to act, Hudson was advised to get some photos taken of himself that he could send to agents. He reportedly only got one response — Henry Willson.

The actor starred in 24 films before he landed the leading man role in "Magnificent Obsession" (1954) opposite Jane Wyman.

Leading roles in box office hits such as "Pillow Talk," "Bengal Brigade," and "All That Heaven Allows" followed and helped establish Hudson as a Hollywood heartthrob.

In 1955, at the height of his career, he married Phyllis Gates, who had been the secretary of his agent. The marriage ended in divorce three years later.

The following year, Hudson starred in "Giant" alongside Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. The Western epic received widespread critical acclaim and was a box-office success. It also earned Hudson his only Academy Award nomination.

Hudson had many secret relationships with men throughout his life and had several long-term relationships that he hid from the public.

In 1970s, he pivoted to television, starring in a number of TV movies and series, including "McMillan & Wife" and "Dynasty" — the latter of which was his final role.

Hudson learned he was HIV positive in 1984, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. As the disease took a toll on his body, speculation about his health drew worldwide attention.

Hudson died at the age of 59 on October 2, 1985. He was the first major public figure to acknowledge openly that he had AIDS.