Rock Hudson's friends, acquaintances, and colleagues reflect on his career, personal life, and death, particularly his closeted homosexuality. He treated his public persona, "Rock Hudson," as a studio creation, but sometimes struggled to maintain the façade. His marriage to Phyllis Gates was a convenient arrangement, and his film career often featured him opposite more effeminate or nebbish characters. Hudson's life took a turn when he was diagnosed with AIDS, a disease that was poorly understood and carried a grim prognosis. Despite the physical and emotional toll it took, his diagnosis helped raise public awareness about the disease, as he became its first public face.
Rock Hudson: Dark and Handsome Stranger
The documentary delves into the life and enduring legacy of Rock Hudson, examining his impressive acting career, private struggles, and untimely passing, with a particular emphasis on the shocking discovery of his hidden sexuality and its profound repercussions.