Pop Culture

The Rise of Rock Hudson: From Truck Driver to Hollywood Star

The April 1963 Good Housekeeping article explores Rock Hudson's rise to fame, drawing comparisons to Cary Grant, highlighting his charisma, early struggles, and eventual success in film and television.

The April 1963 edition of Good Housekeeping magazine published a 6 page article. It was about film star Rock Hudson titled, “Is he the Next Cary Grant?”. Rock Hudson had been a movie star for more than a decade by 1963. He had excelled at both comedy and drama. The same was true for Cary Grant, who was 20 years older. Both Hudson and Grant were known for their charisma, good looks, and style.

Rock Hudson Article – “Is He the Next Cary Grant?” – written by Kirtley Baskett -Good Housekeeping April 1963

The article described his early life and pursuit of stardom. The actor was originally named Roy Scherer. His agent changed it to Rock Hudson after he was finally labeled as a future star. The actor had left Illinois for Hollywood. He hoped to be “discovered” and was working as a truck driver delivering produce in the LA area. He had zero experience acting. However, his charm and determination worked in his favor. It didn’t take long before he was starring in movies.

He’s the man next door, also the knight in shining armor. And whatever they idealize in him they also feel they can rely on. He’s always a friend, too.

The article is available for download below.

Rock Hudson continued to have a great career in both movies and TV as a leading man. Here is a movie ad promoting Rock Hudson’s 1959 movie “This Earth is Mine”.

Rock Hudson movie Ad for This Earth is Mine – Good Housekeeping July 1959

Sadly, Rock Hudson died in 1985 at age 59 from Aids. According to Wikipedia, “He was the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness”.

More Information

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Hudson

Unknown's avatar

About Janet

I'm an American baby boomer with a strange hobby. I collect mid-century women's magazines. My blog, MidCenturyPage.com is a result of a 20 year passion to scan the pages of these magazines and share them with anyone who wants to understand what mid-century women thought about, cared about, and worried about while living in the 1950's and 1960's

0 comments on “The Rise of Rock Hudson: From Truck Driver to Hollywood Star

Leave a comment