Transforming a Gay Truck Driver into the Biggest Star in Hollywood: Rock Hudson's Rise & Fall

[@i_luv_hecklefish]

When you got to the part about how Elizabeth Taylor crawled into Rocks hospital bed to hold him, when he was near death, I broke down in tears. 😢 I'm so glad he was loved.

[@michelemiller3798]

Amen! Such kindness!

[@maggiesfarm7970]

Agree!

[@LJBSullivan]

What an amazing woman she was. To be a loved friend by her is saying something.

[@mogznwaz]

Elizabeth was fiercely loyal to her friends and surprisingly down to earth

[@pamelamanke6563]

Me too!!😢😢😢❤

[@robotdeer]

As a 40 year old gay, it is important to really understand just how much of an impact Elizabeth Taylor had in helping get AIDS research funding. We've come a long way in 40 years.

[@AngryKittens]

She was a hero.

[@colorado80401]

At 47, I can remember vividly the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS during the mid to late 80's and early 90's. As a young gay man, I was terrified of relationships that could turn physical so I remained single until my early 30's. The fear of catching a disease that at the time was fatal, instilled a fear within that I wasn't able to overcome until I was in my 40's. The fear of being sick, unable to work or support, or care for myself, and the thought always in the back of my mind of my society at large saying, SEE... Because you're gay, you got AIDS, WE TOLD YOU! It was all just too much. These stories about Rock, Tab and Anthony, well... they're amazing! These men had to live double-lives just to find a little happiness in a world that otherwise wanted nothing to do with any gay person. Please continue to share these. I love our history and it needs to be documented. Thank you! 🤓

[@nightowl5475]

@@colorado80401You’re right. Back in those days, I can only imagine what guys had to go through just to be together. We take for granted all the freedoms we have now, when the guys back then had to pay the ultimate price. A lot of them got married just to keep up the lie. In the end, everyone got hurt, just to keep up with society’s norms at the time. Can you imagine the pain those poor guys went through their entire lives?

[@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci]

I am 83 years old and I live through that nightmare and lost all of my friends I'm the only one left of my group. Elizabeth Taylor was the first one to speak swallow pathetic president did nothing

[@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci]

I wonder if the young gay men today have any idea they can't have any idea of what it was like during the AIDS crisis when you lost a friend everyday and I ended up losing my lover of 12 years. I just hope the younger gay men know about what happened to us back then. So sometimes at midnight I can remember getting ready to go out and dance at the the clubs that was all over 1 2 3 thank you for posting

[@QueenMegaera]

Armisted made me laugh out loud so hard with the "If I was f*ing Rock Hudson, I'd want my mother to know immediately" -line. 😂😂😂

[@edwardkantowicz4707]

@QueenMega... That made me crack up as well... also when Taylor expressed how she'd addressed herself as "Listen, Bitch, with reproach. I reckon she must have been hilariously great company in real life

[@kimeckard6778]

I giggled

[@matovicmmilan]

I don't know, he sounded a bit vulgar with that comment - you don't discuss secx life in front of your mother! Also, if there's one person who loves you no matter whether you're dating a celebrity or not, it's your mother!

[@justincronkright5025]

@@matovicmmilan The straight world's perspective on sexual communication is half subtle undertones & half out there raunch... It's everywhere, it infuses itself into everything. 1 Small Gay Comment to get past the B.S. is more than fine.

[@hughhaefner3317]

​@@matovicmmilanI disagree. As far as getting graphic about your sex life within moms ears, sure, not cool. But just saying you had sex with someone doesn't cross the boundaries. After all, your mom had sex to have you, so she knows the score as to how things happen.

[@midniteauthor]

It's funny how all the "anti-woke" crew complain about everything being gay now when in actuality the creators have always been gay they can just openly portray it now. Anyway, seeing Rock receive an outpouring of support before he died brought tears to my eyes. He got the acceptance he always feared he wouldn't, many get that support after they pass. I'm glad he got to experience that while still alive. Amazing work as always Matt.

[@midniteauthor]

@daniele.3361 who cares? It’s NYE stop crying online and go have some fun

[@CiCodiCadno]

​@daniele.3361what do you think woke means?

[@BozeDoesGodsWork]

I’m so tired of people misusing that word. It basically was a powerful saying in the black community during the civil rights era. It meant to be aware of racial injustices. For some reason the right wingers transformed it into a shield that they can use to spout out bigotry and not be held accountable. Like if your racist and homophobic just say that. Stop hiding and stand on what you hateful shot you believe. Your ancestors didn’t hide their bigotry and stood on it proudly so why are you Tf? 🥴👌🏽

[@broncoguy4862]

@@midniteauthor You brought it up.

[@midniteauthor]

Cheers for informing me Sherlock @@broncoguy4862

[@markmanning8832]

I just finished watching. I have known gay men and am bisexual myself. Married for 26 years to a woman. I just want to say two names of gay men I have known as friends who both passed away from AIDS. Charlie Miller and John Elliot. Charlie Miller worked at Unisys down at the Johnson Space Center area. He was brash, very out spoken, and always seemed to yell. The way I met him was he was talking to a couple of managers on the other side of a wall (we worked in cubicles) and his voice was so loud I finally just stood up and yelled at him "Could you please go yell at each other some place else?" He looked at me. I am 6'5" tall and he was 5'10" tall but he said "Why? Why can't we yell here?" I look at him and said "Because I'm trying to work and all I can hear is you yelling". So he said "Well! How about we go to lunch?" and I said "Sure! As soon as you are through talking to these guys". We became best friends. AIDS gave him stomach cancer. I cried like I'm crying now remembering him. He is buried in St. Louis next to his mom and dad. He said he wanted to do that because he hated both of them and that way he could haunt them forever...... I met John Elliot way back in the 1980s. He was a salesman at Computer Craft where I had bought my Apple ][+. He was in the resale part of the business. We hit it off immediately and we began going to restaurants for dinner. I had no idea he was even gay and really could care less that he was. In the middle of the 1980s, he had to go in for surgery. They had to take a part of his colon and gave him a coloscopy bag. Unfortunately, the surgery also gave him AIDS. The doctors had not tested the blood for AIDS. John weighed over 300 lbs and was around 5'6" tall (so very overweight). I went into the hospital to see him. The nurse gasped when I shook his hand so I asked her what was wrong. She said I was very brave shaking his hand. I said "Don't be foolish. If this were air borne you'd be infected and you are not. If it were transmitted by touching his skin - then we all would already be dead because I've shaken his hand numerous times. The nurse just kind-of stared at me. I ignored her. John, after only six months, died. He weighed around 50lbs. He lived in a small house behind another house. The main house was owned by gay men, John was the person who told me he was gay while in the hospital. I said I could care less that he was gay or not. I just wanted him to get better and promised I'd come and see him as much as I could. I'd come once a week or even two or three times as my work schedule permitted. John was cremated and the two friends who owned the main house put his ashes in the flower bed that John loved to work in. I stopped going over to see them after a while. It was too painful.

[@LJBSullivan]

You're a good friend and a smart guy.😊

[@infernowarrior9884]

What a touching tribute. May their memories always be a blessing.

[@Njoofene]

Why are you outing them and discussing their private lives here?

[@markmanning8832]

@@NjoofeneFirst, in order to "OUT" someone - they would have to be alive and "hiding" as in a closet. Both of the people are dead and have been dead more than twenty years. Secondly in order to "OUT" someone - they would have to be trying to live a regular life as a heterosexual person. BOTH of these people were gay. Charlie Miller was flagrantly gay and John Elliot was a bit more discrete but not in a "I'm hiding my gayness" way. Once I knew that John Elliot (which is not even his real name I found out) had told me he was gay I was like "Oh! So that's why...". But Charlie Miller was openly, flauntingly gay, surrounded by gay friends on all sides of the street he lived on and he had men over lots of times for sex. Now, >I< never had sex with him because he told me he had AIDS and THAT was why he would not have sex with me. He did not want me to become infected. However, one of his neighbors tried to have sex with me but I asked him and he also had AIDS. So I said no. Am I gay? I'm bisexual. So sometimes I swing one way and at other times I swing the other and yes, I married a woman. Originally we were going to have four children but after we got married she decided she did not want to have sex. Ergo our divorce after 26 years of being together. And yes, she knew I was bisexual because I told her. So we enjoyed looking at strong men and other times I'd look at beautiful women. We enjoyed watching "Gay like me" and other shows and movies. "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" followed by "To Wong Fu - Thanks for everything. Julie Newmar" was a big hit with us both. Who would have thought that Wesley Snipes and Patrick Swayze would make such good looking women? The Australian film was more blatantly gay but was a lot of fun to watch also. Hopefully you have seen both.

[@The_momur]

The most tragic losses to AIDS are the people you know and love. Bernie Pock, extraordinary stuntman and dear friend. You could not meet him and not love him. Richard Breen, brother of my dear friend Candy.

[@Gr95dc]

Mark and George sound like amazing friends and people all around. I mean, getting angry on how Rock had treated Phyllis is not something all loyal friends are capable of some times.

[@potatoejauregui]

Truly. Real friends support you, but also hold you accountable.

[@mrluckyuncle]

It’s terrible to think of all the blackmail that went on - and must still go on to a lesser extent.

[@MattBaume]

For sure. There's a 1961 film called Victim that dramatizes the blackmail threat, it was a constant peril.

[@markmh835]

​@@MattBaume-- I own a VHS copy of "Victim." Harrowing film. But truly a landmark movie willing to tackle that subject over 60 years ago (1961).

[@TheWildwest666]

@@MattBaume Once again putting in my request for a Victim video. That shit slaps.

[@mrluckyuncle]

Yes, I know VICTIM. Come to think of it, have you ever done a video about Dirk Bogarde? Interesting case study of a technically closeted gay man but who also wrote multiple memoirs. He didn’t write about his longtime partner AS his partner and yet it was implicit. And I’m sure everyone knew. He made brave choices in his roles. In a sense he might have been as out as an actor could be in his time and yet still have a career.

[@SnarkierThan-U-R]

Yes it still goes on b ut more people aRE LESS CONCERNED ABOUT BLACKMAIL, because by being out, there is nmo shame in being gay. Democrats know this, ReThugNiKKKANS also know this that's why tey also engage, secure in the fact that....Who the F* knows what

[@QueenMegaera]

Mark and George are the effing heroes of this story. ❤ What a power couple.

[@racoonnewsnetwork8147]

Your videos so often make me cry not because of the tragedy but in the way you show love and compassion in the wake of tragedy. Thank you

[@pollitorsiones]

Exactly

[@Totalpyemove]

I wholeheartedly agree. I know much about the people and topics that Matt covers, but I have never heard someone convey them with such depth, warmth and compassion.

[@cardsfanboy]

Literally, I was thinking about making a comment like this as my first reaction to this video. Thanks for leading the charge.

[@eleanorgloria]

Literally sitting here bawling. His love for these people is moving.

[@sallymjmj750]

A “no-talent hack?” Why ruin a great video? That’s what’s a no talent hack would say.

[@ttintagel]

I didn't think I was going to cry, but the last section of the video flashed me back to growing up in the 80s and hearing about all if this as it happened. It did feel like a hopeless situation back then, and it's a miracle how far we've come. And I'm crying like a baby

[@cc1k435]

I remember what a game changer it was with two particular patients. One was Rock Hudson, and the other was Ryan White. The thought that a beloved Hollywood icon or that a child could die from this awful disease got a lot done in a hurry. It's still not a condition that I would wish on anyone, but treatment certainly started to improve within the next 10 years or so. Now so many people have survived to the life expectancy of a person who doesn't have HIV. Rock may have thought this would undo everything he ever worked for, but I would argue it cemented his legacy as a public figure. His name became attached to an important cause and made a world of difference to millions of people, both in getting funding for research and for bringing awareness to the public. ❤

[@DonMachado]

I was diagnosed hiv+ in 1988, the only thing available at that time was AZT, and that was only partially effective. I knew I was a dead man at 22 years old. I buried my head in the sand and tried not to think about it, watching friends die around me. In 1997 when I got very sick and nearly died. I was nearly fired from my job for all the sick days I was taking. The doctors prescribed pepto bismal and anti nausea suppositories because I was throwing up anything I ate. To this day I have tinnitus and tremors in my hands from that ordeal. I finally went to the doctor, and to no ones surprise I had full blown aids. They gave me AZT and a new drug, Combivir, that had just come out. 8 large caplets twice a day , and never miss a dose. I could barely leave the house with the severe diarrhea I had on that drug. Imodium every day. At my 1 month checkup, my viral load was going down and by 3 months it was undetectable. That's been my life since. The meds have gotten much better, I'm on only 1 pill per day and minimal side effects. I'm so grateful. Ironically it my have been the sticking my head in the sand that may have saved me. If I had gone on AZT immediately, it would have lost its effectiveness and the cocktail I started on in 1997 might not have worked at all. I lost so many friends including my boyfriend back then. It still haunts me.

[@sweethearteu]

​@@cc1k435 The problem is, that many of these younger jokers hv ridiculous numbers of partners (& "just take prep") & one day that's going to "not work." The Disease can mutate - & ppl would start dying again. It is the behaviour that causes the problem; biology & human physiology are that way - & unfortunately the lack of humility shown towards nature amazes me - it's like they learned nothing from what happened way back when before they were born & it's not smart, sorry (& I say this kindly, I have a PhD & anybody who does or an MD - will tell you caution would be wise🙏🏻💜🇬🇧💜🌏💜

[@matovicmmilan]

​@@sweethearteu What do you mean: "biology and human physiology are like that & lack of humility shown towards nature amazes me"?

[@kiogenic]

His precautions for that kiss makes me cry that was so thoughtful in the face of something so scary and at the time unknown

[@andyroo9381]

Rock Hudson's announcement of his HIV/AIDS diagnosis was TRULY shocking to the entire world. I was in high school and remember the coverage on CBS, ABC and NBC. I remember thinking to myself, 'If he can get it, anyone can get it." I do believe he changed the direction of this country when it came to AIDS patients. I think his death started the engines to a finding a real cure for the disease. It was all so devastating. I had such a crush on Rock Hudson! His voice. His voice. The sound of his voice was just so nice. When he died, I went into my bedroom and silently mourned him. It was just shocking to the world. Let's not forget Miss Elizabeth Taylor. She was a fierce advocate for the gay community and the fight against AIDS. May God rest the souls of Mr. Rock Hudson and Miss Elizabeth Taylor. It is time for a cure.

[@jennifersaar1611]

Same. Rock Hudson and Freddie Mercury really brought it to the forefront.

[@faithreturns333]

Same for me, I was a jr in high school. I remember when they were pushing that HIV/AIDS could be transmitted by women - turns out that is a lie. Gay sex is a sinful act. The media lied to us about all of it. Just like they do today. Never trust those who push the gay agenda

[@erossinema8797]

AIDS is curable. They just want to sell you drugs that don't do anything until you finally croak, instead.

[@vella4897]

God bless this world.

[@sizzurpr7608]

Rock Hudson & Freddie Mercury took it up the 🍑 many many times, bareback

[@AlsoSal]

Man, you broke my heart with this one Matt. I lived through this era. I remember my dad being so worried because I had a close friend who was gay - not even HIV positive but just gay - and Dad was terrified I’d catch it just by hanging out with him. The fear everywhere was palpable and hearing this story retold with your always-evident human empathy really brought it all flooding back. I never come away from one of your episodes unchanged. Even when I think I know a story well you always bring elements into play that I’d never heard or thought of. ❤

[@andyroo9381]

I lived through this nightmare era myself. We just didn't know anything about HIV/AIDS at the time. We only saw the devastation, the video of people in the very final stage. It really was scary, so terrifying and VERY ugly. It was such a painful time. Rock Hudson's death, from AIDS, really did help to change the mentality of people.

[@michaelbirch8666]

My story too and, indeed, so many of us.

[@ChrisJones-rm7uu]

​@@andyroo9381no it did not hiv still running rampant in the gay community

[@lemorab1]

I was visiting my cousin in Texas in 1993, very ill from AIDS. He picked me up at the airport in Houston and on the way home to Beaumont, we stopped at a fast food place and he officially told me he had AIDS (I already knew, but it was still a heartbreak.) My dad had learned from Will's mother, my Aunt Ruby, and dad was terrified I'd catch it just by staying with him. Will died on April 22, 1994 and I think about him and the fun we had as kids in the 1950's and 1960's every day. I miss him and God Bless Elizabeth Taylor for what she did.

[@ChrisJones-rm7uu]

@@lemorab1 was he gay

[@stephengreen-dowden9068]

Hi Matt, great video. I was 15 when Rock Hudson died. It was all anyone talked about. The horrible homophobic jokes were unbelievable. The regeans were terrible. I am glad that his death did lead to more research into AIDS/HIV. It took along time. So many gay men died in the 80s amd early 90s. Keep up the good work❤❤

[@willnoiles2001]

@stephengreen- dowden9, I was just a couple years older than you when Rock passed and I still remember the horrid gossip surrounding that kiss on ‘Dynasty’ and his death from AIDS. The response from the Reagan’s, not surprisingly, was as homophobic as could be. It wasn’t until I was older that I grew to truly appreciate the work Elizabeth Taylor did in starting up her AIDS charity. I was never a particular fan of either Taylor or Linda Evans, but grew to greatly admire their work (Taylor) and their sensitive commentary (both Taylor and Evans).

[@lemorab1]

@@willnoiles2001 R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor. God Bless You!!

[@richardlee2642]

I was 18 in 1985 (born 01/28/1967). I remember chatter from people who admitted to no longer liking Rock Hudson or his movies once it was confirmed that he was dying of AIDS. Sad...

[@eagandereagander6471]

Ronald Reagan and his cronies in Congress caused so much damage to the lives of people with HIV/AIDS. I hope he's roasting in hell!

[@rambosimpson]

Touched my heart to realize Rock Hudson is where my dad got the idea of knocking three times to mean “I love you”. We were really close when I was a kid, had real struggles and grew apart in my teen years. When I finally came out as a lesbian, he showed me nothing but support & we’ve been growing closer again ever since ❤

[@phaedrus4931]

This is the Rock Hudson biography we needed. Love that Hbomb shouted out this channel. Great content, fun streams. Pure wholesome entertainment steeped in learning.

[@samfisher6606]

I want a series of biopics about every Hollywood golden age masculine, macho, hunk who turned out to be queer in their personal life. Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, I think Cary Grant, etc. All of them!

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

Glad hbomb threw some good recommendations in there, welcome! His vid on tab was pretty great.. as are all of his videos! Glad to see he's getting some flowers out of this mess, don't forget he's got a new book out too if you're looking for some last minute gifting ideas! 💚💚

[@PosthumousAddress]

Also Alex Avila's video on Taylor Swift!

[@ninaschust3694]

💯

[@raymers]

Good news, Matt did one on Tab earlier this year!@@samfisher6606

[@comfycat9]

The love that he had for his friends and the love that they had for him is genuinely moving.

[@Leena79]

It's amazing to see how much his friends loved him to the last moments.

[@rj-ge1qr]

This is by far the best channel on KZbin when it comes to queer media. Every video is so heartfelt. I went from having no idea who Rock was before, to crying by the end. What a life he lived. There's still so much progress to be made, and you're helping to make it. Thank you Matt, and RIP Rock Hudson

[@sethfelson]

In 1985 I was 24. I was born and raised in NYC and watching my friends, family members, lovers and ex lovers die took a huge toll on me and all of us that survived. Survivors guilt is real. Matt, I've watched tons of videos about Rock but having lived through those days, I haven't cried about him since his death. Watching Ross Hunter cry as the hearse was led out of the gates of the house just ripped me to shreds. My generation and those that followed stand on the shoulders of Rock Hudson and all those that came after him. They are ALL loved, missed and remembered. Thanks again Matt for making relevant and important videos for all of the world to see.

[@richardlee2642]

You must have recognized Sue Simmons @ 53:03. There was a lot of news coverage being that New York was hit so hard. There was so little that they could report on (other than death figures) so when Rock Hudson and AIDS were mentioned in the same sentence, it was a big deal.

[@sethfelson]

@@richardlee2642 Of course - another closet case that still hasn't come out. Personally, I never liked Chuck & Sue, I was always an ABC news guy from GMA in the AM to Nightline in the PM. It's amazing that Wikipedia has allowed famous folks to remove/edit/replace 'personal life' with nothing (until they're gone when others replace it). Even though Liz Smith lived with Iris Love since the 1970's it wasn't until an Advocate piece (2000?) that she admitted it but said something about not wanting to be an LGBTQ role model. She was a huge supporter of LGBTQ causes but could have meant more to those who read her gossip for years - especially those in small towns that needed stable role models.

[@ThanaBrunges-mx7ji]

I was lucky to be working psychiatry during the eighties! 😅I missed the brunt of the AIDS epidemic . 😷

[@mummamortitia]

I've never been prouder to be distantly related to Elizabeth Taylor than I am watching this. She stood by her friend, his memory and her principles.

[@andrewjones9991]

You should be proud. She fought for people with AIDS and specifically for gay men when NOBODY would. She gave no fucks about her reputation and shined a light on the cruelty and hypocrisy of the media, the politicians, and a big part of the medical establishment. She was an absolute angel for gay men and not just her rich friends in Hollywood. She fought for all of us and I just think she's so amazing.

[@MF-nk7ve]

You do look like her. Not just the dark hair your bone structure & eyes. ❤

[@thanos7110]

​@@MF-nk7vewhy lie to people. No she does not. U just said that because she said she was related..

[@elouise5593]

​@@thanos7110 She does have a slight resemblance to her, imo.

[@WBFbySteefen]

You just made me remember their friendship on the film, Giant. Oh, my God.

[@chaosdestructionlove]

Breaks my heart hearing his costar describe how she knew something was wrong and that he was protecting her as they kissed on set.

[@johnlathramlll2092]

As a 31 year survivor of HIV, this hit home on so many levels. I remember all of this as if it were yesterday.

[@markmalbone1147]

Same here, remember it like yesterday. Seared into the fabric of my younger life when AIDS came to the fore yet was not well addressed by our president (shameful) and being terrified. Then losing one of the most viral men I watched growing up fall to it was shocking and he did not die in vain. It really was a beginning of awareness and change.

[@92106LibertyStation]

John, I hope you are well.

[@finderkeeperrrs]

John I hope you are doing great, beautiful man ❤.

[@finderkeeperrrs]

@@handyjones7626 what I do?

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

I was working at the CDC right at the transition from "GRID" to the hunt for "HIV/AIDS."

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson being drinking buddies is just so adorable.

[@garryd7748]

I’m writing this comment through tears…. Elizabeth Taylor is my new hero. And what a great tribute to the quality of a man that he collected lifelong friends who loved him to the end.

[@MiracleWinchester]

@54:17 "to Rock's surprise, an outpouring of love" This is about when I burst into tears while listening to this at work

[@Spacebanana-im5qt]

I loved Rock in McMillan and Wife. I still remember the scene where he was on his way to a masquerade party when he got called for a situation. He ran across the Golden Gate in a pink bunny suit. I laughed so hard. This was such a great tribute to Rock's memory, Matt. If people out there haven't seen it , look up Matt's story about Tab Hunter. It's great also.

[@bespectacledheroine7292]

His performance in Seconds is revelatory. He gets to shed his melodrama image (Not that this was bad, he was very good at it, it was just limiting) and plays a middle aged man placed into the body of Rock Hudson so eerily well. Being something you're not. He drew from his own life.

[@grittyinpink16]

Great movie!

[@denisewright4778]

I wish more people knew about Seconds! What a great film!

[@blortmeister]

I remember these days too well. It was Rock is sick, Rock is gay, Rock is dead. And as hard as certain people tried to make this about fear of closeted men, love won out. AIDS came far too close to our house in '85, and even though we were ill-informed we were still among the best informed in our social group. Even writing this still leaves me a bit shaky. May everyone out there have a happy and safe solstice.

[@jaywilliams8386]

Thank you for all that you do with these videos. This has moved me the most, I think. I'm a gay woman of 72 yrs old and I remember the days of fighting for survival when we had to hide to stay alive. I had a general idea of what was going on in Hollywood, but this has shown me the degree of strain these folks had to live through. The impact that Rock had on our culture throughout his illness is something I will keep in my heart for the rest of my life.

[@ellaeadig263]

Bless Mark and George for being the fathers Rock's biological father and stepfather refused to be.

[@slc2466]

Another great video. I remember shortly after Rock died, Susan Saint James mentioned that the public couldn't disregard him (knowing now he was gay) because they had loved him for decades. However, since then it seems some have tried to downplay how big a Hollywood icon he was in the 1950's and 1960's, by simply focusing on his sexuality a lot more than his filmography and career achievements- love that you are giving him his due here. I'm a big fan of Rock (specifically admire how he switched to comedy and handled it so deftly using his low-keyed personna- he never appears to be trying too hard in comedy) and I did a tribute to him this year using clips from his movies, if anyone wants to check it out.

[@ThreadBomb]

I think the downplaying of Rock's fame is due to the films themselves being downgraded and disregarded. Rock made his name in melodramas and rom-coms, but films in those genres tend to be forgotten unless they are exceptional in cinematic or historic terms.

[@slc2466]

@@ThreadBomb I understand not every Hudson film is great, but Rock's work with Douglas Sirk is highly regarded, specifically "Written on the Wind," "All That Heaven Allows" and "The Tarnished Angels," while "Giant" and "Seconds" also are considered top classic films, with "Pillow Talk" often pointed to as one of the best classic rom-coms. There's definitely some major films in his career, and Hudson did have one of the most successful careers of any leading man- I think more emphasis could be placed on this, along with the talk about his sexuality.

[@sethfelson]

@@slc2466 I know where you're coming from but you're the one focusing on his 'sexuality'. Film buffs discuss his films while the general public (especially youngins) only know that he was the first major celebrity to die of AIDS. That he was gay was only a shock to his heterosexual fans in middle America. We all knew. Anyway, TCM and other movie outlets discuss him without mentioning that he was gay; just that he was talented despite himself.

[@slc2466]

@@sethfelson Of course not everyone knew, including millions who had viewed Hudson as the top leading man of his era, and not just those in middle America. I wish you were right regarding me as the sole person even mentioning his sexuality being brought up in regards to (and more than) his career, but the reality is that, in general (outside of TCM), the focus is largely there, hence my original post stating I wish his career achievements were given more credit.

[@ThanaBrunges-mx7ji]

Rock Hudson was one CCC of my favorite actors! ❤❤❤❤

[@SeaTravelr123]

OMG. You do such wonderful work. It’s a story we all “knew” and the older generation still identifies with. But your retelling it, with all the details was a wonderful tribute. I think the saddest part is that we STILL, 70 years later, are being threatened by the closeted and powerful, and the haters to stay as a hated group of perverse beings. I hope our younger generation still has the fight in them to stop the onslaught. 🙏🏼🤞🏻. Happy Holidays Matt. Thanks for this. ❤

[@maundamartin59]

I was 11 or 12 when the News of Rock Hudson died was announced. I HAD NO IDEA WHO HE WAS. BUT I SEEN HIM ON DYNASTY.....RECENTLY IN 2023.

[@katiestott1449]

I didn't think I would cry since I already knew about the later years and end of Rock's life but I here I am blubbering like a baby. He deserved so much better than the secrecy and fear he had to live with, and we all deserved better than the f*cking Reagan administration. I think the love and support he received from his friends, fans, and colleagues after his diagnosis is a real testament to the kind of man he was. The effort he made to visit and support his old friends and the lengths he went to to keep Linda Evans safe with the limited information he had is a great illustration of that. He chose to put his entire life story and most private moments out into the world to generate support for people with HIV/AIDS. He had no obligation to do that AT ALL, but he did and it helped save countless lives. It's so frustrating that the AIDS crisis needed a beloved icon like Rock Hudson to bring attention to it and inspire compassion in people who otherwise may not have cared. It's also frustrating that his illness still makes up such an outsized part of his legacy. But knowing that he received such overwhelming support and love when his sexuality was made public, after a life of being terrified of what living authentically could cost him, makes me glad. I just wish it could have happened more on his terms...

[@AuthorCertifiedGoof]

Matt, watching your videos costs me so much money! Been binge buying Rock Hudson movies on Amazon while watching this video!!!

[@MattBaume]

Aww haha glad to boost Rock's profile!

[@michelemiller3798]

Thriftbooks are cheaper - they sell movies too!

[@tonystone1016]

I'm proud of Rock Hudson. He overcame during difficult times. It's hard to imagine how iemotionally difficult Rock's life must have been.

[@lisawilliams2013]

This reminded me what a boss Liz Taylor was. Loved her. Loved Rock. Great video. Thanks, Matt! 🙏🏼 🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈

[@annika_panicka]

44:35 "If I was f**kin' Rock Hudson, I would want my mother to know _immediately."_ -Armistead Maupin I must see this entire interview with this courageous and hilarious man.

[@FRADAVE01]

Those of us who lived through the horror of the 1980's and live with HIV today will always remember the courage Rock Hudson showed at the end and the strength of Elizabeth Taylor and and Mathilde Krim !

[@rhyfeddu]

That Friend Code of Silence you mentioned: That makes me feel better about an interview I saw with an older Lauren Bacall. This was well after Rock died, but when Rock's gayness was brought up, she aggressively pushed back, seemed uncomfortable and even put off by the notion. I had known she was liberal and a personal friend of his and certainly acted with plenty of gay men on stage and so I was very confused (and put off ) by her reaction. It may have been more to do with what you say, in her eyes, she was keeping the code, and being a "loyal friend".

[@jenm3056]

100%, and this is the weird place when you are a beard, you've been trusted to protect someone, asked to be a date often and will even give up some of your own romantic life out of friendship. Then if confronted, do you lie bc the person you care so much about asked you to please lie or tell the truth and out someone? I understand your frustration with LB, she and others def came out of time where protecting their friends was numero uno priority. And it's also not her place to out Rock, that would be a betrayal as was denying his truth...it's a very tough intersection. I've been there in academia, and you can be the bad guy no matter what you do. Loving and listening to friends, strengthening them and changing the space of hate without making your friend vulnerable---I think that is the best you can do...for what it's worth, I'm sorry LB's denial was hurtful, that is not cool either...xoxo.

[@lemorab1]

Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart had other close gay friends, notably Clifton Webb. In her biography, "By Myself," Bacall very discretely does not refer to Clifton Webb as gay. Whenever they invited Clifton to a party, his mother Maybelle also came along. Spencer Tracy was also a close friend.

[@rhyfeddu]

@@lemorab1 Thanks for reminding me. Clifton and Maybelle were apparently quite the host/hostess.

[@rhyfeddu]

@@jenm3056 Thanks. It was definitely tricky I'm sure, plus Ms. Bacall lived through decades of vastly different attitudes towards gays, hard to keep up.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Yeah, I think LB wanted to back a friend, but she did it with the past, not the present. Your right, it can be hard to keep up, even in my case, a straight/demiflux ally male.

[@joshuaconnelly2415]

Matt Baume, great story. Not a dull lull. The hour flew by. And you showed what a great guy Rock Hudson was and is. Thank you.

[@Clinically2Chaotic]

I thought I would be prepared but I was still crying by the end. The absolute inhumanity with how people were treated, even by healthcare workers, when they had AIDS is always heartbreaking to me. But you did still manage to end on a sweet note with Elizabeth Taylor, I was giggling through my tears at the clip of her going “b*tch…. Do something yourself”

[@RedSmirk54]

Rock Hudson and Ryan White did more for AIDS research than anything else in those days. It was a horrible time. I remember when it was called Gay cancer. Another banger Matt.

[@SigmundJaehn]

Don’t forget Freddie Mercury!

[@RedSmirk54]

@@SigmundJaehn God forbid anybody forget Freddie

[@chedmacr]

I am 33 next year, I never know Rock Hudson, but watching this, is so inspiring. RIP Rock.

[@eddiegardner8232]

Excellent story telling about Rock Hudson, and the struggle he had with who he was inside, and the way the world demanded he appear on the outside. The people in his life who stuck with all the way to the end deserve the special recognition you have given them in this documentary. Good work, sir.

[@DapperMrAlex]

I literally only knew he was an old actor when I started this video and by the end I'm crying. You do such an excellent job at bringing humanity to the stories you share about queer figures. Tysm for all the work you do! ❤

[@BiggerinRealLife]

The way you presented this story was so wonderful and respectful of who he really was. Great watch.

[@ericbaysinger314]

In the stories you tell and the impact they have on your audience, you're on par with Ken Burns. Thank you very much.

[@markmh835]

Agree! So true. That's high praise. 😊👍🌈

[@MyKrabi]

Ken Burns that is actually interesting and relevant storytelling ....

[@Venemofthe888]

Its really so crazy how much blackmail was in this industry but unfortunately it still happens to some degree nowadays. Thank You for telling all these stories because im learning so much as well as giving me pages of films to watch in future lol.

[@markgriffin8708]

Excellent work as always, Matt Baume. And your Rock-style flannel shirt is 'straight' out of "All That Heaven Allows." Douglas Sirk would definitely have approved of the wardrobe.

[@dreadstheheart]

This was very touching, felt the love in this episode. Sidenote: Elizabeth Taylor goin “Biiiitch -“ was something I didn’t know I needed.

[@melaniesheldon8013]

Rock and every gay man deserves a decent, safe life where they live as they truly are❤free from oppression

[@marsay82]

My mom and I watch Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies all the time when I was younger. I loved their chemistry and playfulness with each other. I knew they had to be great friends off-screen.

[@TeagueChrystie]

Elizabeth Taylor pulling down the sheets made me start bawling. Fantastic as always.

[@latronqui]

"One VOCAL COACH had him deliberately get sick and then scream for hours in order to teae his vocal chords, so they'd sound deeper when they healed" WHATTTTTTT???

[@jamieforrest6575]

I know, to deliberately have to permanently scar himself 'what a pro vox coach ', Hollywood's a sick old place!

[@alexandrac591]

Robbing him of his normal voice and singing is just so cruel. All in the name of burying his true self.

[@thelostone6981]

It really struck me while watching this that so many people work very hard on branding themselves because they don’t know who they are, while others are forced into it by those who don’t know…However, I really did learn a lot about Rock Hudson that I never knew. Thanks Matt Baume!

[@calboy2]

Thank you Matt for this heartfelt and sensitive story….you are a great storyteller and hero to the community

[@EugeneGM1]

I've never cried like this to one of your videos before. Thank you so much for covering Rock Hudson.

[@NiKiMa023]

There were so many folks closeted in Hollywood. From clothiers to executives. I always wonder if they’d all put their feet down and said “we also have stories to tell” how different things could have been

[@dieucondorimperial2509]

Henry Wilson is the most cartoonishly mustache-twirling joyless gay monster and I’m here for it

[@MattBaume]

He's SUCH a bad guy! I have a whole video about him on Patreon about some of his sillier lies, like how he said he was the grandson of Uncle Sam

[@dieucondorimperial2509]

@@MattBaume Sadly I’ll have to wait until I’m financially independent to see that, can’t really ask my parents to get me a patreon subscription to a queer creator, but I already love your videos so much ! I discovered you through the recent hbomberguy video where he mentioned you near the end, and I’m so glad I did, I binge-watched over half your catalog and Mannequin ( God this movie is so much fun, tysm for making us discover it) in the last week.

[@DAsrada]

As a queer actor, I'd love to play him on screen or draw inspiration. He sounds so eminently despicable that it'd be amazing fun. Villains are a passion of mine.

[@michelcomenta]

@@dieucondorimperial2509I was so happy when hbomberguy mentioned Matt, he is truly an amazing KZbinr and much better than the other one who makes views and money by stealing people's work.

[@wabbajack2]

​@@dieucondorimperial2509can I subsidize your subscription?

[@raydunn8262]

Great deep dive. Thank you. 'Mcmillian and Wife' was a comedic detective show more like 'I Spy' than 'Columbu'. It was fun because of Rock, Susan St. James, and Nancy Walker; all icons. Susan played the wife who was Rock's McMillian's equal. Nancy was their housekeeper who always helped with the snooping.

[@elra39]

I could see your feelings getting to you at minute 45:56 when you talk about Rock's diagnosis..... you moved me almost to tears as well. Such a painful thing to happen to anyone and such a scary period for... the world. Your research and delivery is fantastic and I truly thank you for the work you do!

[@victreebel170]

Elizabeth Taylor's delivery of the line "...bitch?" proves she's always been an ally. 😂 But on a more serious note, she did so much good later in her life. I'll always love her, just like I'll always love every person who had to deal with the horrors and indignity of AIDS treatment in the 80s and 90s. And I hope the Reagans are burning in hell.

[@queenofallfrance]

Amen to them burning in hell.

[@jwallah346]

I already liked Taylor and could never stand Reagans but after this I absolutely love Taylor - that "bitch" line, that she cuddled with Hudson in the hospital. And Nancy Reagan, I thought was pretty bad, but now I think she's really despicable. And the fact the Taylor cuddled with him in the hospital when he had AIDS, wow! what an amazing, beautiful person.

[@92106LibertyStation]

Publicly, one face for the Reagans. Privately, a different face. Either way, cowardly.

[@yasminlahm]

Thank you for this video, Matt! Rock Hudson deserves to be remembered with the care and affection you put into your work ❤

[@LonelyDistance]

I knew that the Regans did nothing to help Rock, but I didn't realize how ACTIVE their inaction was. 😭

[@Jayjee762]

This is an incredible video. I had no idea about Hudson’s death from AIDS, and I certainly wasn’t aware of the resulting impact it had. I’m very glad to have watched this, thank you.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I was in high school when the news about Rock Hudson broke. I was in rejection of myself as homosexual (in fact only accepted myself three years ago in my late 40s), and overcompensated with aggressive homophobia. The AIDS crisis coming to a head was so traumatic because I desperately rejected homosexuality and saw it as a sign that I needed to be straight. I feel so much for this man. I enjoyed the Hollywood series of Netflix that reimagines a homosexual friendly Hollywood and a more positive outcome for Rock. Great video!

[@christopherg313]

Wonderful video. Thank you. Side note… Madonna and Elizabeth Taylor were the only public and powerful people that I am aware of who showed compassion, love, and suport for people with hiv. Brought a tear to my eye hearing Elizabeth crawled into bed with him and held him when he was so sick. I know Madonna also did this with her close friends that were positive. She even held one as he took his last breath. I have tremendous respect for both for not bowing to the fear and hysteria that was in the public sphere and chose to led with love and compassion. Most other celebrities remained silent or chose to be agents of hate and ignorance. .

[@92106LibertyStation]

Elton John, Greg Louganis - both in the late 80s.

[@BenChurchill76]

I knew about Henry Wilson from various sources, but not a lot of details. But, thanks to your recent video about Tab Hunter, and now this one, I have a bit more insight into how much of a villain he really was. Sure, society as a whole was villainous toward gay people back then, but this guy...he truly ruined lives. Thank you for all of the work you put into your videos.

[@jairvargas6839]

This one was specially heartfelt, by the 4/4th I was in tears. Thank you Matt for the equanimity in which you carry on the storytelling 🙌🏽

[@johnpinegar8027]

Thank you so very much for this. Rock Hudson has always been the epitome of perfection for me. ❤

[@lemoniscandy9949]

started this video not knowing who rock hudson was, ended it with tears in my eyes, thank you for sharig his story!

[@magical571]

Ok, this video had me crying 😢nobody should have to live hiding their true selfs like this. He started a great movement that outlived him, but he shouldn't have had to hide, or choose between health and his dream job just because of homophobia. and i know it's something still present, but hearing it in such detail, with the details of his last year alive, it really had me in tears.

[@Stefarooh]

I was 9 when he died. I knew he was one of my mother's favorites growing up. She cried her eyes out when he died. HIV was incredibly scary back then. I was also slowly starting to realize I had an attraction to the same sex myself and this would later on into the nineties scare the shit out of me.

[@frackstonwilson685]

This is an excellent highly detailed video that teaches us of the hardship endured in an era when social values were limited to a very small box of what was acceptable and what was not. This video is also a master piece of research done very well on the complicated life of Rock Hudson who many of us love. My hat is off to you Matt Baume for your job very well done in the making of this video!

[@henriksievertsrvad6281]

Thank you for this! So moving and you tell the stories with so much passion, humour and sincerity. I have to say the last part made me cry but also proud that a man who lived such a secretive life became such a light coming out in death.

[@wrenche]

god this made me sob. absolutely brilliant and a reminder that celebrities are human too - and just as fallible, love this

[@tracyroweauthor]

I remember when it was announced that Rock Hudson had AIDS. It was heartbreaking then, but I also remember how his death changed the perception of the disease. In high school I had a number of gay friends--everyone accepted their sexuality and I don't remember any of the other kids treating them any differently so I was kind of shocked that people were making such a big deal over Rock Hudson being gay. I do know that up until then, the Reagan administration ignored the epidemic (one of many reasons to hate Reagan) and how this forced them to do something. It's just sad that so many people had to die painful deaths surrounded by ignorant people even in the healthcare field who refused to treat them. It moved me to tears to hear you talk about how his coming out was met with an outpouring of love, but it's sad that it took the confession of an iconic movie star to consider gay men and AIDS patients human beings who deserved dignity, love and respect.

[@MrPeteykins]

This was excellent. I've only heard bits and pieces of the story over the decades, so it was great to hear everything tied together. Well done.

[@yerocb]

An incredible story well told. Thank you. I was only 11 when he died, and i didn't know him as a movie star at all, but I remember what a big deal it was. Especially the kiss and her coming out ti defend him when people thought she might have been able to catch it that way. There's so much I didn't remember or know, but the name Rock Hudson is absolutely synonymous with AIDS in my mind and this pretty much explains why.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Great to see this channel get a bump in subs after Hbomberguy's shoutout. I'd never heard of James Somerton, but if, as Hbomberguy says, Matt is the platonic ideal of 'what if James Somerton was good?' that's all I need to know :P

[@seamusburke639]

“What if we had a gay KZbinr who actually did his research?”

[@apathybronson]

​@@seamusburke639and didn't hate women for some reason. And didn't steal. And didn't emotionally bully the people that make it possible for him to do his job.

[@jomama5186]

My Uncle died HIV Positive. I used to go out with him when I was old enough. He was my very closest, bestest friend all my life, from the time I was born. One night, we were out at one of the gay bars and a couple that were his oldest friends came in and one of the couple was visibly ill and the other gay men were behaving badly, acting like he was a leper. We walked up to the couple and my Uncle introduced me and I gave them both, the ill man first, a big hug and kiss on the lips. I wanted to show them all that they were all behaving badly and show I wasn't afraid to show the man and his partner the respect they deserved, my kindness and true heart. Idk if my Uncle was proud of me, but I was proud of myself. I felt I did the right thing and made the couple's night a little better. It was one of the last times he was strong enough to go out in public. It angered and upset me so much, how he was treated by his own kind ! He died shortly afterward. Thank you for covering Rock's story. He and my Uncle went thru this at the worst, most toughest time for this to happen. The nurse told me not to touch my Uncle as he lay dying. I refused to be told that. He was my most beloved Uncle and bestest friend. I miss him still all the time. I lost all my very best and most favorites of my family members. I know when my time comes, I will get to see them all again, so I have zero fear of death. My Uncle was sick and there weren't the drugs they have now, and even if they did, he could have never afforded them back then. I would have sold my soul had they been available. I so wish things could have been so much different and I am so relieved for the people today, for the medications and continued research and so proud of all Elizabeth Taylor did. What an amazing woman she was too. ❤ 🙏

[@92106LibertyStation]

Touching story. GOOD FOR YOU not to cave and to follow your heart. Pretty sure your uncle was proud of you that night in the bar. Hope you're well. -60+ lesbian

[@joelbuchanan471]

Henry Wilson was a predator that's clear. Rock Hudson movies are lots of fun and he is a joy to look at. I have seen most of the movies that Matt references in this video. Giant was an amazing movie. I hope he enjoyed his life, because he sure gave us lots of joy. I am sorry he was so ill, but it was the time when AIDS was rampant and the government lead by Reagan just ignored it until thousands of people were dead. Thanks for this wonderful video telling Rock's truth.

[@jimacheson]

Worse than ignored it…and it wasn’t Reagan, it was Anthony Fauci, who knowingly poisoned everyone treated with AZT. Furthermore, Fauci told the world your kid could catch AIDS by touching the same cereal box as someone with AIDS…and he knew better

[@virtual_fairy]

liz taylor always had such a way with words. "this huge, loud silence."

[@Takumi_Did_Nothing_Wrong]

My personality is similar to Rock Hudson's: shy, gentle, effeminate in manner. I'm not nearly as handsome as he was though. But I can only imagine the weight he had to carry throughout his life and career. I can't imagine being famous on top of being closeted in a world that's hostile towards queer people. That would be too much pressure for me to bear. He was really such an amazing guy.

[@CarolynSmith-ld5dz]

So being a gay man means he thinks he's a woman? Swinging his hips and limp wristing are gay male attributes? First we are told that gay men can't be distinguished from straight men that thinking they are effeminate is stereotypical. Apparently not. Confused men who didn't get along with their estranged dad is stereotypical too we were told but here it is again. Confused men.

[@agentgauntlet4092]

"If I was ****ing Rock Hudson, my mother would know immediately" - on the ground laughing

[@HoneyHoneyBaby]

💀

[@CarrieBradshawSATC]

I would have kissed his luscious lips, rubbed noses with him, stroked his abs and felt his biceps while walking arm in arm with Rock Hudson himself, that's for sure.

[@sophiawatson1970]

Matt, you're such a compelling storyteller. I did cry a little towards the end....😢

[@ChrisStockslager]

On a happier note, Elizabeth Taylor, Sinatra, Doris Day, and support from others warms my heart in their support for Rock.

[@GuiOpsDev]

OK. I'm a 58 yo gay man and I FULLY support this video. I'm also a high-functioning autistic, so keep my attentions is almost always a chore. Not with this video. EXCELLENT job.

[@PapaTaurean]

It is a shame Rock couldn't live to today. He could have lived the life he was meant to live and love who he wanted to love.

[@R0291-l1l]

Just knowing that even when things were way more taboo for lgbtq folks, they still had great friends who stood up for them makes my heart warm ❤

[@Luka_Griffin]

Hi Matt! Thank you for telling Rock Hudson's story. Your channel is a gem. It would be great if you did a video on Elizabeth Taylor. She went through a lot and she seemed to be a very special person.

[@silva7493]

I was born in the mid 1959s. For most of my early life, i was aware of adult women saying VERY complimentary things about the way seeing his image, or thinking of Rock Hudson made them feel, several years before I even saw what he looked like. What mixed blessings great outer beauty can bring! When I found out in the mid 1970s from friends who knew the truth that he'd long struggled to keep hidden, I've felt sad about how he'd lived with danger, keeping his own personal identity a secret. Then we all learned more about the person he really was, only as he made his exit, succumbing to that brutal disease along with so many others in those terrible, awful days...

[@Gilraen15]

Thank You for another beautiful video! It shows how deep and complicated a human being can be and you just feel so sad for him to have to hide his true self to be able to service in the goal that he wanted to do with his life. Thank you for all of the great work you put into your documentary-style videos. They are amazing!

[@photokunstler]

Such a moving video. Thanks so much for sharing. It really breaks my heart that he went so long without being himself. A good chunk of my thesis show in graduate school was based on gay undercurrents in media throughout the century of film, and Rock was definitely one of my favorites. I saw how much he and producers/writers were still working/writing/telling stories With gay context even though it was taboo - keeping them employed. I’m really happy that he meant so much to everyone even in his last days that would benefit so many LGBTQIA+ folks with HIV. ❤

[@ifsaica]

Hello, I had first put watching this video off several times. The subject made me sad and I figured I wouldn’t learn anything new. What a mistake. This was the most concise look into the man known as Rock Hudson. Without being long winded, or filled with rumors the video tells his story in an honest way without being too sappy. My eyes filled with tears at several times making me understand just how difficult these LGBTQ individuals had to hide and live their lives by something they had no control over. I also realized that there are so many good people in this world who do good deeds without public fanfare. You’ve got to love his good friends who stood by his side during this time. Thank you for sharing, it helped shape my perspective about this legend of a man. Be well and holiday blessings…Alex from LA🙏💙

[@addieberg3460]

Not only do you handle tragedy with compassion, you also do a great job being even-handed, not sugar-coating but trying to explain why people made the choices they did when forced into tough situations by homophobia and other factors.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

So excited to learn more about him in the ‘Dynasty’ video and now we get into more juicy details.

[@gwynevans6440]

God damn Elizabeth Taylor was an amazing woman.

[@denisewright4778]

Exactly!

[@CarrieBradshawSATC]

Absolutely she was.

[@robgronotte1]

They're just a couple of rugged roommates, driving around shirtless in a convertible!