Fire Island Celebrity history- Rock Hudson
1925-1985
Rock Hudson was an American actor. One of the most popular movie stars of his time, Hudson's screen career spanned four decades. Hudson lived a double life as a Hollywood heartthrob and a closeted gay man. Rock Hudson was one of the last stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era, but he was forced to keep his private life a secret, concealing his sexuality to protect his leading man image. But after decades of secrecy, Hudson’s revelation that he had AIDS shortly before his death in 1985 proved to be a critical turning point in the fight against a deadly disease that killed millions worldwide. It was a turning point in public awareness of the epidemic.
Rock Hudson
Like many gay celebrities he too found his way to Fire Island.
1979
Having been to the Pines before Rock Hudson arrives as a guest of Owner of Pines commercial district John Whyte.
Throughout his career were the rumors of being gay as he kept the company of men. Most notably actor George Nader.
1985
With his final admission of having AIDS he defined himself finally as a gay man, but more important was the spotlight he brought to AIDS itself.
