After appearing in several largely forgettable films and signing a long-term contract with Universal Studios, Hudson established his mark as an accomplished actor and romantic lead under the guidance of talented directors such as Douglas Sirk and George Stevens. He was taken under the wing of the powerful yet notoriously lecherous agent Henry Willson. Like Hudson’s friend Marilyn Monroe, his early recognition in Hollywood was largely attributed to his exceptional good looks, and he also experienced sexual exploitation on his path to stardom. Griffin then moves on to his various jobs and his brief stint in the Navy before he arrived in Hollywood. The author begins with Hudson’s difficult childhood: Born Roy Scherer, he and his mother were abandoned by his father when he was just 5, and his mother would eventually remarry an abusive alcoholic. Griffin ( A Hundred or More Hidden Things: The Life and Films of Vincente Minnelli, 2010) goes a long way toward rectifying this issue, casting a respectful light on some fresh as well as familiar details. Previous biographies came from past lovers and friends, and each seemed to have an agenda, often salacious. It’s surprising that in the three decades since Hudson’s death, there has been little written about him that could be considered comprehensive.
A thoughtful exploration of the career and elusive private life of Rock Hudson (1925-1985).
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