In the year 1985, on October 2, Rock Hudson passed away at the age of 59 in his home after battling with AIDS.
The iconic movie star had received his diagnosis a year earlier in 1984 and had sought experimental treatment in Paris.
However, when he faced rejection and reached out to Ronald and Nancy Reagan for assistance, they reportedly turned him away.
According to a recent biography titled ‘Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon' by Kate Andersen Brower, the Reagans, who were longtime friends with Hudson, allegedly refused to help him gain access to a treatment program that could have potentially prolonged his life.
Despite their close relationship, the Reagans purportedly neglected Hudson during his time of need.
The narrative unfolds as Nancy Reagan suggested Hudson undergo a medical check-up after noticing his deteriorating health at a White House event.
Subsequently, in 1984, Hudson received the devastating AIDS diagnosis, sparking a plea for aid in seeking treatment options abroad.
Unfortunately, the Reagans declined to make the crucial call that could have facilitated Hudson's admission to a French hospital for innovative therapies.
As detailed in the biography, Hudson's publicist urgently contacted the Reagans just a day before the actor publicly disclosed his illness, seeking their intervention to secure his transfer to a more advanced facility in France.
Despite the critical situation, the Reagans purportedly chose not to extend a helping hand, leading to Hudson's continued struggle with the disease.
Although Hudson eventually managed to enter a French military hospital and received a well-wishing call from President Reagan, his condition had significantly worsened.
With medical options exhausted, Hudson opted to return home to Los Angeles via a chartered flight, where he met his unfortunate demise two months later.
The onset of the AIDS crisis coincided with Reagan's presidency in the early 1980s.
Despite the escalating fatalities among gay men due to the disease, Reagan did not prioritize increased funding for research until 1987 when he made his first public remarks on the matter.
This delayed response drew criticism, especially considering the personal connections the Reagans had within the entertainment industry, including those affected by AIDS.
Conversely, Elizabeth Taylor, a close friend of Hudson's, demonstrated unwavering support throughout his ordeal.
Taylor's compassionate actions, as recounted in Brewer's book, shed light on her dedication to aiding AIDS patients.
Taylor's advocacy led to the establishment of the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985 and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, marking her enduring commitment to the cause.
Rock Hudson's legacy in Hollywood remains prominent, with his extensive filmography showcasing his versatility as an actor.
From his early collaborations with renowned directors to his iconic roles alongside stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Hudson's contributions to cinema endure as a testament to his talent and enduring impact on the industry.
