59-515: The Grass Is Greener is a 1960 British romantic comedy film starring Cary Grant , Deborah Kerr , Robert Mitchum , and Jean Simmons . It was directed by Stanley Donen , with a screenplay adapted by Hugh Williams and Margaret Vyner from the play of the same name they had written and found success with in London's West End . Victor and Hilary, the Earl and Countess of Rhyall, are dealing with
118-410: A number of times before. It was the third of four movies that paired Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum, the third time Jean Simmons had worked with Kerr and Mitchum, and Cary Grant's third collaboration with Deborah Kerr, with whom he had worked on Dream Wife (1953) and An Affair to Remember (1957). Moray Watson (Grant's butler) was the only member of the original stage cast to be retained for
177-662: A 21st-century source, it took 38 takes for Hudson to successfully deliver his only line in the film. Hudson was signed to a long-term contract by Universal-International . There he received coaching in acting, singing, dancing, fencing and horseback riding, and began to be featured in film magazines where, being photogenic, he was promoted. In 1949, Hudson received his first film credit, as Roc Hudson, in William Castle 's Undertow , made by Universal. In 1950, he acted in One Way Street , Shakedown , I Was
236-499: A Hollywood press conference, announcing the launch of her new cable TV show Doris Day's Best Friends , in which Hudson was videotaped visiting Day's ranch in Carmel, California, a few days earlier. He appeared gaunt and pale and spoke very little during the segment, most of which consisted of Day and Hudson walking around while Day's recording of " My Buddy " played in the background, Hudson saying he tired quickly. His emaciated appearance
295-691: A Shoplifter , Peggy , Winchester '73 , and The Desert Hawk . In 1951, Hudson was billed third in William Castle's The Fat Man . He played an important role as a boxer in Joseph Pevney 's Iron Man . Other acting credit in that period include Bright Victory , Tomahawk , and Air Cadet . Hudson was promoted to leading man for Scarlet Angel (1952), opposite Yvonne De Carlo . He co-starred with Piper Laurie in Has Anybody Seen My Gal? (1952),
354-465: A biography of Hudson's agent Henry Willson , titled The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson . He told The Village Voice that Phyllis Gates attempted to blackmail Hudson about his homosexual activities. The LGBTQ news magazine The Advocate published an article by Hofler, who claimed that Gates was actually a lesbian who believed from the beginning of their relationship that Hudson was gay. An urban legend states that Hudson "married" Jim Nabors in
413-466: A bitter divorce and produced no children. Hudson attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, the same high school as fellow movie stars Charlton Heston and Ann-Margret . At some point during his teenage years, he worked as an usher in a movie theater and developed an interest in acting. He tried out for a number of school plays, but failed to win any roles because he could not remember his lines,
472-658: A box-office disappointment. So too was his next film, a remake of A Farewell to Arms (1957). To make A Farewell to Arms , he reportedly turned down Marlon Brando 's role in Sayonara , William Holden 's role in The Bridge on the River Kwai , and Charlton Heston 's role in Ben-Hur . A Farewell to Arms received negative reviews, failed at the box office and became the last production by David O. Selznick . Hudson
531-493: A circulation of more than 2.8 million; as a result of this and other stories, Hudson's homosexuality became public. Hudson's revelation had an immediate impact on the visibility of AIDS and on the funding of medical research related to the disease. Shortly after Hudson's press release disclosing his infection, William M. Hoffman , the author of As Is , a play about AIDS that appeared on Broadway in 1985, stated: "If Rock Hudson can have it, nice people can have it. It's just
590-595: A client and changed the young actor's name to Rock Hudson; later in life, Hudson admitted that he hated the name. The name was coined by combining the Rock of Gibraltar and the Hudson River . Hudson later named his independent film production company Gibraltar Productions. In 1948, Hudson made his acting debut with a small part in the Warner Bros. film Fighter Squadron directed by Raoul Walsh ; according to
649-504: A disease, not a moral affliction." At the same time, Joan Rivers was quoted as saying: "Two years ago, when I hosted a benefit for AIDS, I couldn't get one major star to turn out. Rock's admission is a horrendous way to bring AIDS to the attention of the American public, but by doing so, Rock, in his life, has helped millions in the process. What Rock has done takes true courage." Morgan Fairchild said that "Rock Hudson's death gave AIDS
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#1732780453960708-627: A drink. After a stroll around the property together Charles invites her to visit him at the Savoy hotel in London where he is staying, making no pretensions over inviting her to have an affair with him. When Victor suddenly enters the room, he notices Hilary's attitude, and treats Charles with exaggerated courtesy. Hilary is clearly discomfited when it is obvious that Victor knows what game is on. That evening, Hilary makes an appointment with her hairdresser in London for early next day, explaining to Victor that she will have to stay overnight with their friend,
767-483: A grain of truth to the vicious rumor that movie and TV star Rock Heman and singer Jim Nelly were secretly married! Rock and Jim are just good buddies! I repeat, they are not married! They are not even going steady!" Over the years, the rumor persisted and continued to spread. As a result, Hudson and Nabors never spoke to each other again. Although he was raised Roman Catholic , Hudson later identified as an atheist . A week before Hudson died, his publicist Tom Clark asked
826-409: A large "Private" sign on the door and barges into the private quarters, finding the attractive young Hilary alone. At first annoyed, her behaviour is transformed when she learns that he is a millionaire American oil tycoon. Despite knowing that she is married, he makes very clear his attraction to her and his aggressive intentions. Initially put off, Hilary is attracted by his brazen charm, and offers him
885-576: A madcap heiress earned some praise and a Laurel Award nomination. Romantic comedy Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include the details below. Request from 172.68.168.237 via cp1104 cp1104, Varnish XID 213418641 Upstream caches: cp1104 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:54:14 GMT Rock Hudson Rock Hudson (born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. ; November 17, 1925 – October 2, 1985)
944-416: A priest to visit. Hudson made a deathbed confession , received communion , and was administered the last rites . Hudson also was visited by Shirley and Pat Boone . Politically, Hudson was a conservative Republican ; he campaigned and voted for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election . Unknown to the public, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS on June 5, 1984, three years after
1003-677: A problem that continued to occur through his early acting career. He graduated from high school in 1943, and the following year enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. After training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station , he departed San Francisco aboard the troop transport SS Lew Wallace with orders to report to Aviation Repair and Overhaul Unit 2, then located on Samar , Philippines, as an aircraft mechanic. In 1946, he returned to San Francisco aboard an aircraft carrier, and
1062-436: A string of romantic comedies co-starring Doris Day : Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961), and Send Me No Flowers (1964). During the late 1960s, his films included Seconds (1966), Tobruk (1967), and Ice Station Zebra (1968). Unhappy with the film scripts he was offered, Hudson turned to television and was a hit, starring in the popular mystery series McMillan & Wife (1971–1977). His last role
1121-420: A torch for him, arrives, anxious to tell him about his wife's affair. Victor phones Charles' hotel and invites him to visit; he accepts, against Hilary’s wishes, and even offers to give her a lift back from London. When they appear next day Victor is determined to remain civilized at all times, and initially acts as if he is still in the dark. The two men go fishing together and Victor tells Charles he knows about
1180-489: A wealthy horse breeder and a potential love interest for Krystle Carrington (played by Linda Evans ), and biological father of the character Sammy Jo Carrington ( Heather Locklear ). While Hudson had long been known to have difficulty memorizing lines, resulting in his use of cue cards, his speech began to visibly deteriorate on Dynasty. He was slated to appear for the duration of the second half of its fifth season; however because of his progressing ill health, his character
1239-505: A weapon of his own. When the women learn of the duel and Victor's wound, Hilary cannot bring herself to leave her loving husband for Delacro, who drives off with Hattie in her stead. Roy Ward Baker wanted to make the film at Rank and tried to get the rights. Originally Cary Grant turned down the role of Victor. Afterwards the role was subsequently offered to his friend Rex Harrison , who accepted. However right before production began, Harrison's wife Kay Kendall fell gravely ill and he
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#17327804539601298-693: A year, and the show was canceled in December 1982 soon after it aired. His health issues forced him to turn down the role of Col. Sam Trautman in First Blood . Hudson was the first to narrate for Disney's Candlelight Processional at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for its opening year in 1971. His final appearance as narrator was in 1984. Hudson recovered from the heart surgery but did not quit smoking. He continued to work, appearing in several TV movies such as World War III (1982). He
1357-676: The Best Actor category. Another hit was Written on the Wind (1957), directed by Sirk and produced by Albert Zugsmith . Sirk also directed Hudson in Battle Hymn (1957), produced by Hudson, playing Dean Hess . These films propelled Hudson to be voted the most popular actor in American cinemas in 1957. He stayed in the "top ten" until 1964. Hudson was borrowed by MGM to appear in Richard Brooks ' Something of Value (1957),
1416-582: The Ritz Hotel in Paris on July 21, his publicist Dale Olson released a statement claiming that Hudson had inoperable liver cancer . Olson denied reports that Hudson had AIDS and said only that he was undergoing tests for "everything" at the American Hospital of Paris. Four days later, on July 25, 1985, Hudson's French publicist Yanou Collart confirmed that Hudson did, in fact, have AIDS. He
1475-571: The San Francisco Chronicle and that he was annoyed that producer Ross Hunter , also gay, denied it. In its August 15, 1985, issue, People magazine published a story that discussed his disease in the context of his sexuality. The largely sympathetic article featured comments from show business colleagues, such as Angie Dickinson , Robert Stack , and Mamie Van Doren , who claimed they knew about Hudson's homosexuality and expressed their support for him. At that time, People had
1534-768: The Napoleonic Wars. Back at Universal he played Harun al-Rashid in The Golden Blade (1953). There was Gun Fury (1953) and Back to God's Country (1953). Hudson had the title role in Taza, Son of Cochise (1954), directed by Sirk and produced by Ross Hunter . Hudson was by now firmly established as a leading man in adventure films. What turned him into a star was the romantic drama Magnificent Obsession (1954), co-starring Jane Wyman , produced by Hunter and directed by Sirk. The film received positive reviews, with Modern Screen Magazine citing Hudson as
1593-428: The action genre with Tobruk (1967), directed by Arthur Hiller . After the comedy A Fine Pair (1968) with Claudia Cardinale , he starred in the action thriller Ice Station Zebra (1968) at MGM, a role which remained his personal favorite. The film was a hit but struggled to recoup its large cost. In November 1969, Andrew V. McLaglen 's The Undefeated , a western with Hudson starring opposite John Wayne ,
1652-769: The arrest of Tab Hunter at a party in 1950. According to some colleagues, Hudson's homosexual activity was well known in Hollywood throughout his career, and former co-stars Julie Andrews , Mia Farrow , Elizabeth Taylor and Susan Saint James claimed that they knew of his homosexuality and kept Hudson's secret for him, as did friends Audrey Hepburn and Carol Burnett . Soon after the Confidential incident, Hudson married Willson's secretary Phyllis Gates . Gates later wrote that she dated Hudson for several months, lived with him for two months before his surprise marriage proposal, and married Hudson out of love and not (as it
1711-420: The channel between Wilmington, Los Angeles and Santa Catalina Island. The disclosure of Hudson's AIDS diagnosis provoked widespread public discussion of his homosexuality. In Logical Family: A Memoir (2017), gay author Armistead Maupin , who was a friend of Hudson, writes that he was the first person to confirm to the press that Hudson was gay in 1985. Maupin explains that he confirmed it to Randy Shilts of
1770-472: The early 1970s. Not only was same-sex marriage not legalized by any American state at the time, but, at least publicly, Hudson and Nabors were nothing more than friends. The joke was in the mainstream by this time. In the October 1972 edition of MAD magazine (issue no. 154), an article titled "When Watching Television, You Can be Sure of Seeing..." – gossip columnist 'Rona Boring' states: "And there isn't
1829-515: The emergence of the first cluster of symptomatic patients in the United States , and one year after the initial conclusion by scientists that HIV causes AIDS. Over the next several months, Hudson kept his illness a secret and continued to work while at the same time, traveling to France and other countries seeking a cure, or at least treatment to slow the progression of the disease. On July 16, 1985, Hudson joined his old friend Doris Day for
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1888-418: The film because of this. Grant agreed to play Victor instead of Delacro, and both Rock Hudson and Charlton Heston were approached about playing the American character. Both refused, and Robert Mitchum was cast quite late in the proceedings, making no fuss at all about taking third-billing. Grant often claimed this had "saved the film" and praised his performance highly. Most of the cast had worked together
1947-499: The film version. British interior decorator Felix Harbord served as the film's special consultant for settings. Osterley Park was used as the location for the stately home. By January 1962, the film earned $ 3 million in box office rentals from the United States and Canada. Stanley Kauffmann of The New Republic wrote- "The film is an exceptionally deftly written piece of English "triangle" fiuff by Hugh and Margaret Williams, has good performances by Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, and
2006-460: The financial challenges of owning a large English country house and estate in twentieth century Britain when inheritance taxes have taken a toll on their financial situation. Like many other such estates, they have opened up their house for guided tours for the public at two shillings and sixpence per person, but are making a comfortable profit on it, growing mushrooms for market, and other minor estate-related enterprizes. Charles Delacro removes
2065-767: The first of his films directed by Douglas Sirk . He also appeared as a gambler in Bend of the River (1952). He supported the Nelson family in Here Come the Nelsons (1952). In Horizons West (1952) Hudson supported Robert Ryan , but he was star again for The Lawless Breed (1953) and Seminole (1953). In 1953, he appeared in a Camel commercial that showed him on the set of Seminole . He and De Carlo were borrowed by RKO for Sea Devils (1953), an adventure set during
2124-765: The miniseries Wheels (1978) and The Martian Chronicles (1980). He was one of several stars in The Mirror Crack'd (reuniting him with Giant co-star Elizabeth Taylor) (1980) and co-starred in The Beatrice Arthur Special (1980). In the early 1980s, following years of heavy drinking and smoking, Hudson began having health problems which resulted in a heart attack in November 1981. Emergency quintuple heart bypass surgery sidelined Hudson and his new TV show The Devlin Connection for
2183-845: The most popular actor of the year. It made over $ 5 million at the box office. Hudson returned to adventure films with Bengal Brigade (1954), set during the Indian Mutiny, and Captain Lightfoot (1955), produced by Hunter and directed by Sirk. In 1954, exhibitors voted Hudson the 17th most popular star in the country. Hunter used him in the melodramas One Desire (1955) and All That Heaven Allows (1955), which reunited him with Sirk and Wyman. He next acted in Never Say Goodbye (1956). Hudson's popularity soared with George Stevens ' film Giant (1956). Hudson and his co-star James Dean were nominated for Oscars in
2242-444: The next three years. Less popular was The Last Sunset (1961), co-starring Kirk Douglas . Hudson then made two hugely popular comedies: Come September (1961) with Gina Lollobrigida , Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin , directed by Robert Mulligan ; and Lover Come Back (1961) with Day. He made two dramas: The Spiral Road (1962), directed by Mulligan, and A Gathering of Eagles (1963), directed by Delbert Mann . Hudson
2301-421: The presence of Robert Mitchum. Stanley Donen, the director, has coped reasonably well with essentially uncongenial film material. The dialogue and Miss Simmons are warmly recommended as warm mid-winter tonics." On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 88% of 8 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.6/10. as of January 2024. At the time of its release, Jean Simmons 's performance as
2360-465: The show a hit. During the series, Rock Hudson appeared in Showdown (1973), a western with Dean Martin , and Embryo (1976), a science-fiction film. Hudson took a risk and surprised many by making a successful foray into live theater late in his career, and the best received of his efforts was I Do! I Do! in 1974. After McMillan ended, Hudson made the disaster movie Avalanche (1978) and
2419-421: The single Hattie Durant. Rather than behave outwardly jealously, Victor offers her train times and affects not to know the real reason for her trip. Meanwhile, Charles tracks down Hilary’s hairdresser and appointment, and is outside waiting when she leaves. They go back to Charles’ hotel room and into the bedroom. Next day, Hilary does not return home; instead, Hattie, an ex-girlfriend of Victor's who still carries
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2478-443: The tryst and that he feels a compulsion to defend his honour, and challenges Charles to a duel, which Charles feels he cannot refuse. In a long corridor in the mansion, they go through with it, firing once apiece, with Victor wounded in the arm and Charles unharmed. It is later revealed that both men fired to miss, as Victor expected Charles would do, while Sellers, the family butler, an ex-army man and an expert shot, wounded Victor with
2537-484: Was a box-office disappointment. So too was A Very Special Favor (1965), despite having the same writer and director as Pillow Talk . Hudson next appeared in Blindfold (1966). Then, working outside his usual range, he starred in the science-fiction thriller Seconds (1966), directed by John Frankenheimer and co-produced through his own film production company Gibraltar Productions. He also tried his hand in
2596-436: Was abruptly written out of the show and died off-screen. While his career developed, Hudson and his agent, Henry Willson , kept the actor's personal life out of the headlines. In 1955, Confidential magazine threatened to publish an exposé about Hudson's secret homosexuality . Willson stalled this by disclosing information about two of his other clients. Willson provided information about Rory Calhoun 's years in prison and
2655-469: Was among the earliest mainstream celebrities to have been diagnosed with the disease. Hudson flew back to Los Angeles on July 30. He was so weak that he was moved by stretcher from the Air France Boeing 747 he had chartered; he and his medical attendants were the only passengers. He was flown by helicopter to UCLA Medical Center, where he spent nearly a month undergoing further treatment. He
2714-638: Was an American actor. One of the most popular movie stars of his time, he had a screen career spanning more than three decades. He was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood . He achieved stardom with his role in Magnificent Obsession (1954), followed by All That Heaven Allows (1955), and Giant (1956), for which he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor . Hudson also found continued success with
2773-448: Was as a guest star on the fifth season (1984–1985) of the primetime ABC soap opera Dynasty , until an AIDS-related illness made it impossible for him to continue. Although he was discreet regarding his sexual orientation, it was known among Hudson's colleagues in the film industry that he was gay . In 1984, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS . The following year, he became one of the first celebrities to disclose his AIDS diagnosis. Hudson
2832-487: Was discharged the same year. Hudson then moved to Los Angeles to live with his biological father (who had remarried) and to pursue an acting career. Initially he worked at odd jobs, including as a truck driver. He applied to the University of Southern California's dramatics program, but was rejected because of poor grades. After he sent talent scout Henry Willson a picture of himself in 1947, Willson took him on as
2891-519: Was forced to leave the production in order to tend to her. Grant, out of respect for cast and crew, and to keep the filming running according to schedule, decided then to finally take the part. It was originally intended by director Stanley Donen that Grant would play the part of Delacro, the American tourist, while Harrison and Kendall were respectively cast as "Victor Rhyall" and "Hattie". But Kendall died soon after completing an earlier Donen film, Once More, with Feeling! , and Harrison dropped out of
2950-455: Was good friends with novelist Armistead Maupin , who states that the two had a brief fling. The book also names some of Hudson's lovers, including Jack Coates; Tom Clark (who published the memoir Rock Hudson: Friend of Mine ), actor and stockbroker Lee Garlington, and Marc Christian (born Marc Christian MacGinnis), who later won a suit against the Hudson estate. In 2005, Bob Hofler published
3009-494: Was in ill health while filming the action-drama The Ambassador in Israel during the winter months from late 1983 to early 1984. He reportedly did not get along with his co-star Robert Mitchum , who had a serious drinking problem and often clashed off-camera with Hudson and other cast and crew members. From December 1984 to April 1985, Hudson appeared in a recurring role on the prime time soap opera Dynasty as Daniel Reece ,
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#17327804539603068-501: Was raised as a Roman Catholic. During the Great Depression , Hudson's father lost his job and abandoned the family. Hudson's parents divorced when he was four years old; a few years later, in 1932, his mother married Wallace Fitzgerald, a former Marine Corps officer whom young Roy despised. Roy was adopted by Fitzgerald without his consent, and his legal name then became Roy Harold Fitzgerald. The marriage eventually ended in
3127-620: Was released from the hospital in late August 1985 and returned to his home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles for private hospice care. At around 9 a.m. on October 2, 1985, Hudson died in his sleep from AIDS-related complications at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 59. Hudson requested that no funeral be held. His body was cremated hours after his death and a cenotaph later was established at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City, California. His ashes were scattered in
3186-579: Was released. He co-starred as a World War I flier opposite Julie Andrews in the Blake Edwards musical Darling Lili (1970), a film notorious for its bloated budget. During the 1970s and 1980s, he starred in a number of TV movies and series. His most successful television series was McMillan & Wife opposite Susan Saint James , which ran from 1971 to 1977. Hudson played police commissioner Stewart "Mac" McMillan, with Saint James as his wife Sally, and their on-screen chemistry helped make
3245-524: Was reported later) to prevent an exposé of Hudson's sexual past. Press coverage of the wedding quoted Hudson as saying: "When I count my blessings, my marriage tops the list." Gates filed for divorce after three years in April 1958, citing mental cruelty. Hudson did not contest the divorce and Gates received alimony of $ 250 per week for 10 years. She never remarried. According to the biography Rock Hudson: His Story (1986) by Hudson and Sara Davidson , Hudson
3304-547: Was reunited with the producer, director and two stars of Written on the Wind in The Tarnished Angels (1958), at Universal. He then made Twilight for the Gods (1958) and This Earth Is Mine (1959). Ross Hunter teamed Hudson with Doris Day in the romantic comedy Pillow Talk (1959), which was a massive hit. Hudson was voted the most popular star in the country for 1959 and was the second most popular for
3363-519: Was still voted the third most popular star in 1963. Hudson went back to comedy for Man's Favorite Sport? (1964), directed by Howard Hawks and the popular Send Me No Flowers (1964), his third and final film with Day. Along with Cary Grant , Hudson was regarded as one of the best-dressed male stars in Hollywood and received Top 10 Stars of the Year a record-setting eight times from 1957 to 1964. Strange Bedfellows (1965), with Gina Lollobrigida ,
3422-440: Was such a shock that the reunion was broadcast repeatedly over national news shows that night and for days to come, with media outlets speculating on Hudson's health. Day later acknowledged: "He was very sick. But I just brushed that off and I came out and put my arms around him and said 'Am I glad to see you. ' " Two days later, Hudson traveled to Paris, France, for another round of treatment. After Hudson collapsed in his room at
3481-419: Was the first major American celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness, on October 2, 1985, at age 59. Hudson was born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois, the only child of Katherine (née Wood), a homemaker and later telephone operator, and Roy Harold Scherer Sr., an auto mechanic. His father was of German and Swiss descent, while his mother had English and Irish ancestry. He
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