| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 million at the time of his death in 1985 (equivalent to $23 million today) | N/A | November 17, 1925 | Winnetka, Illinois | Male | N/A | Actor | American |
What is Rock Hudson’s Net Worth?
Rock Hudson, a popular American actor born on November 17, 1925, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1985. Adjusted for inflation, this amount is approximately equivalent to $23 million today. Hudson, who hailed from Winnetka, Illinois, had a remarkable acting career, amassing 75 acting credits and starring in several successful films, including “Magnificent Obsession,” “All That Heaven Allows,” “Giant,” “Pillow Talk,” “Send Me No Flowers,” and “Seconds.”
Highlights
– Rock Hudson, born as Roy Harold Scherer Jr., was an American actor who achieved tremendous success in the film industry.
– He had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1985.
– Hudson’s major film credits include “Magnificent Obsession,” “All That Heaven Allows,” “Giant,” “Pillow Talk,” “Send Me No Flowers,” and “Seconds.”
– Although Hudson’s homosexuality was not publicly known, he was among the first celebrities to pass away from complications related to AIDS.
– His estate faced a lawsuit after his death due to a former lover not being informed about Hudson’s HIV status.
Early Life
Roy Harold Scherer Jr., later known as Rock Hudson, was born on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois. He was the only child of Roy Sr., an auto mechanic, and Katherine, a homemaker of Swiss, German, Irish, and English descent. During the Great Depression, Hudson’s father abandoned the family, and his mother later remarried. Hudson attended New Trier High School and developed an interest in acting, although he initially struggled to land roles due to difficulties in remembering lines. After graduating, he served in the US Navy until 1946.
Career
Hudson’s journey in the entertainment industry began when he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s. He took on various odd jobs while pursuing an acting career and eventually caught the attention of talent scout Henry Willson, who renamed him Rock Hudson.
His film debut came in the 1948 war film “Fighter Squadron,” and he signed with Universal Studios shortly after. Hudson appeared in numerous films throughout the 1950s and gained significant recognition with roles in movies like “Taza, Son of Cochise,” “Magnificent Obsession,” and “Giant,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
In the 1960s, Hudson starred in successful romantic comedies such as “Pillow Talk” and continued to work in both film and television. Notably, he portrayed police commissioner Stewart “Mac” McMillan in the popular series “McMillan & Wife.” Hudson’s career continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with his final film credit being the 1984 political thriller “The Ambassador.”
Personal Life
Although Hudson’s homosexuality was not public knowledge during his lifetime, it was widely known within Hollywood circles. To maintain his public image, Hudson married his secretary Phyllis Gates in 1955. However, the couple divorced in 1958. Hudson had relationships with several high-profile men, including authors Armistead Maupin and Tom Clark, and actor and stockbroker Lee Garlington. He also dated Marc Christian, who later won an emotional distress lawsuit against Hudson’s estate after the actor’s passing.
In 1984, Hudson was diagnosed with HIV, but he kept his illness hidden from the public. His condition was initially announced as liver cancer, but the truth was revealed shortly afterward. Hudson’s battle with AIDS helped raise awareness of the disease and led to increased support for AIDS medical research.
Net Worth Over Time
At the time of his death in 1985, Rock Hudson’s net worth was approximately $10 million. Adjusting for inflation, this amount would be equivalent to around $23 million in today’s currency. It is important to note that the majority of Hudson’s estate was split between charity and former lover George Nader, and was not affected by the lawsuit brought forth by his former lover who was not informed about his HIV status.
Components of Net Worth
Hudson’s net worth primarily consisted of his earnings from his successful acting career, including film and television appearances. As one of the most popular film stars of his era, Hudson commanded significant fees for his work. However, it is important to remember that his career’s success was ultimately overshadowed by the personal and tragic circumstances of his life, particularly his battle with AIDS.
In conclusion, Rock Hudson, with a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1985, was a highly acclaimed actor known for his performances in films like “Giant” and “Pillow Talk.” Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life and the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing, Hudson’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impact. His openness about his battle with AIDS helped raise awareness of the disease and garnered support for medical research for future generations.