Origins & Early Life

Rock Hudson (born Roy Harold Scherer Jr.; November 17, 1925 – October 2, 1985) was an American actor. One of the most popular film stars of his time, he had a screen career spanning more than three decades, and was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Hudson 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 a string of romantic comedies co-starring Doris Day: Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961), and Send Me No Flowers (1964).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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 formed his own film production companies, first 7 Pictures Corporation, then later Gibraltar Pictures, to have more control over his roles; later he turned to television, starring in the mystery series McMillan & Wife (1971–1977). His last role 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...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Bandura — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Prominent South African politician and long-serving ANC leader.
• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Iconic Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• Billy Magnussen — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): American actor known for film roles in 'Aladdin' and 'Bridge of Spies'
• Bruno Mars — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Pop icon known for retro showmanship and versatile songwriting.
• Abba Eban — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Auguste Rodin — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (1917): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Al-Suyuti — Shared historical date (10-02 · Born) (1445): Egyptian Sunni polymath, renowned for authorship across nearly all Islamic sciences.
• Ayumi Hamasaki — Shared historical date (10-02 · Born) (1978): Japanese Pop Icon, 'Empress of Pop,' best-selling solo artist in Japan.
• 1925 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1925
• November 17 (11-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 17
• 1985 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1985
• October 2 (10-02) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 2