In a scenario akin to being an unnoticed observer, Rock Hudson, the renowned film actor, faced a confrontation from his spouse, Phyllis, in January 1958 regarding his homosexuality and rendezvous with other men.
The candid conversation was discreetly recorded by Phyllis, and the transcript, sourced from the archives of private investigator Fred Otash, has recently surfaced and been excerpted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Within the altercation, Phyllis initiates dialogue with the star of “Giant” about a recent Rorschach test he had undergone.
She references his interpretation of seeing numerous butterflies and snakes during the test.
“You disclosed that you witnessed thousands of butterflies and snakes,” she mentioned.
“[A therapist] informed me during my analysis that butterflies symbolize femininity and snakes connote the male genitalia.
I'm not here to pass judgment, but it appears that once you acknowledge your predicament, you would feel inclined to address it.”
Phyllis, who ended her marriage with the screen icon that same year following three years of matrimony, also expressed dissatisfaction with Hudson's “remarkable speed in our intimate moments.
Are you equally hasty with other men?”
In response, the 32-year-old Rock retorted, “Well, it's a physical compatibility… Men don't align well.
Hence, this is why [s-*ual activity] endures longer.”
Phyllis retorted indignantly, “It is common knowledge that shortly after our marriage, you started soliciting men off the streets and have continued to do so, assuming that being married would veil your actions.”
Hudson countered, “I have never propositioned any men on the streets…
I have never approached men in bars, never.
I have never solicited men, except when offering them a lift.”
The celebrated actor's concealed homosexual lifestyle was an open secret within the confines of Hollywood, where his close companions included frequent costars such as Doris Day and Elizabeth Taylor.
Despite this knowledge circulating within the industry, Hudson never publicly acknowledged his s-*ual orientation during his lifetime.
He succumbed to AIDS-related complications at the age of 59 in 1985, which triggered a more widespread, posthumous discourse on his sexuality.
Fred Otash, the individual responsible for the incendiary recording, conducted surveillance (in pursuit of substantial remuneration) on a plethora of notable personalities during his career, including Marilyn Monroe and her lover John F. Kennedy, Judy Garland, Liberace, Bette Davis, and numerous others.
“I am willing to work for anyone except communists.
I am prepared to undertake any task except murder,” he once proclaimed.
