#35: Rock Hudson

Year They Came Out of the Closet: undisclosed

Rock Hudson, born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. on November 17, 1925, was a celebrated American actor who rose to fame during Hollywood’s golden age. His final role was as a guest star on the fifth season of ABC’s Dynasty, a performance cut short due to complications from AIDS.

While Hudson kept his sexual orientation hidden from the public and industry peers, it was an open secret in Hollywood that he was gay. Tragically, he became the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness on October 2, 1985, at age 59. Although he never officially came out, his life was surrounded by whispers and speculation.