Rock Hudson’s Life In Photos: See The Hollywood Legend Through The Years

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June 28, 2023 6:00AM EDT

Rock Hudson’s life and legacy are at the center of the Max documentary ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed.’ See photos of the screen legend through the years.

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Rock Hudson Through The Years

Rock Hudson Through The Years
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson was a Hollywood actor who rose to fame in the 1950s. He became one of the biggest screen actors at the time, especially because of his good looks. Rock, whose real name was Roy Fitzgerald, had his breakout role in 1952’s ‘Magnificent Obsession.’

He went on to star in the 1955 film ‘All That Heaven Allows.’ He earned an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 1956 film ‘Giant,’ which co-starred Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. He co-starred alongside Doris Day in a number of rom-coms in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Rock would later star in the 1970s series ‘McMillan & Wife.’

Rock was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, but he did not publicly disclose his diagnosis until July 1985. He would later pass away from AIDS-related complications in October 1985. See more photos of the great Rock Hudson through the years in our gallery now.

June 25, 2023, 4:16PM
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Rock Hudson In 1951

Rock Hudson In 1951
Snap/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson shows off his boxing moves in 1951. This was just before his big break in Hollywood.

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Rock Hudson & Elizabeth Taylor

Rock Hudson & Elizabeth Taylor
Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor co-starred in the 1956 film ‘Giant’ along with James Dean. Rock received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his performance.

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Rock Hudson In 1956

Rock Hudson In 1956
Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson was the ultimate leading man in Hollywood by 1956. He had found fame after roles in ‘Magnificent Obsession,’ ‘All That Heaven Allows,’ and ‘Giant.’

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Rock Hudson & Doris Day

Rock Hudson & Doris Day
Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson and Doris Day were co-stars in the hit 1959 rom-com ‘Pillow Talk.’ They went on to star in more movies together.

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Rock Hudson With Marilyn Monroe & Charlton Heston

Rock Hudson With Marilyn Monroe & Charlton Heston
Mediapunch/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlton Heston were 3 of the biggest stars in the 1950s and 1960s. Rock can be seen hugging Marilyn at the 1962 Golden Globes after her big win.

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Rock Hudson & Julie Andrews

Rock Hudson & Julie Andrews
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson and Julie Andrews starred in the 1970 film ‘Darling Lili.’ The film was billed as a romantic musical.

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Rock Hudson, Kim Novak & Elizabeth Taylor

Rock Hudson, Kim Novak & Elizabeth Taylor
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson,Kim Novak, and Elizabeth Taylor starred in the 1980 film ‘The Mirror Crack’d.’ This reunited him with his ‘Giant’ co-star, Liz Taylor.

June 25, 2023, 4:16PM
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Rock Hudson & Linda Evans On ‘Dynasty’

Rock Hudson & Linda Evans On ‘Dynasty’
Courtesy Everett Collection

Rock Hudson played Linda Evans’ love interest Daniel Reece in a series of ‘Dynasty’ episodes in 1985. This marked one of his final roles. 

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Rock Hudson Later In Life

Rock Hudson Later In Life
Mediapunch/Shutterstock

In the 1970s, Rock starred in the popular TV series ‘McMillan & Wife.’ The series ran from 1971 to 1977.

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Rock Hudson In His Final Years

Rock Hudson In His Final Years
Cynthia Gould/Shutterstock

Rock Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984. He died in October 1985 at the age of 59.

June 25, 2023, 4:16PM