Rock Hudson (born Roy Harold Scherer Jr.) was one of the most popular movie stars of his time, and a prominent heartthrob of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Although he was discreet regarding his sexuality, it was known by many that he was gay. He was the first major public figure to announce he had AIDS, and his worldwide search for a cure drew international attention. He was the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness, at aged 59.
