An Unforgettable Summer in Marfa, Texas

In the sweltering summer of 1955, the small town of Marfa, Texas, became the set for the epic film Giant. The heat was oppressive, but it wasn't just the weather that had tongues wagging. Locals were buzzing about the glamorous lead actress, Elizabeth Taylor, who reportedly strolled around in a negligee for her nightly dinners at co-star Rock Hudson's rented home. Interestingly, Rock's place was conveniently located just across the street from Liz's, making it easy for the two to spend time together. Townsfolk would often drive by, hoping to catch a glimpse of the duo chatting and sipping drinks over Rock's fence.

Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor Friendship: He Was ‘Very Sympathetic’ — Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

A Bond That Lasted a Lifetime

While it's possible that Elizabeth and Rock had crossed paths before Giant, the film set the stage for a friendship that would endure for three decades. Their camaraderie was palpable, as they spent countless hours chatting, laughing, and sharing silly moments. "We spent most of the time chatting and laughing and being silly," Elizabeth once said, encapsulating the lightheartedness of their connection.

For Elizabeth, the timing couldn't have been better. She had just given birth to her second son, Christopher, and was dealing with postpartum depression, a punishing crash diet, and marital strain with her husband, Michael Wilding. Rock, ever the supportive friend, played practical jokes on set to keep her spirits high. According to Mark Bego, author of Rock Hudson: Public and Private, Rock was incredibly sympathetic to Elizabeth's struggles.

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Adventures Beyond the Set

Rock and Elizabeth's friendship wasn't confined to the film set. Actor Earl Holliman, who played their son-in-law in the movie, recalls numerous escapades the pair embarked on together. Crossing the border into Ojinaga, Mexico, they indulged in mariachi music and margaritas. "We all learned to drink tequila real good," Holliman fondly remembered. Their adventures even included inventing the now-popular chocolate martini during a hailstorm that pelted them with golf ball-sized hail.

Facing Challenges Together

Tragedy struck when their co-star, James Dean, died in a car crash late in the production of Giant. Although Rock and James weren't close, both he and Elizabeth were deeply affected by the loss. Rock, who had initially been critical of James' Method acting, found himself grieving alongside Elizabeth, who had admired the young actor immensely.

A Friendship That Endured

After Giant wrapped, Rock, who won an Oscar for his role, and Elizabeth remained close. They were among the guests at a dinner party Elizabeth hosted when Montgomery Clift suffered a car accident in 1956. Years later, Elizabeth helped Rock and his lover, Lee Garlington, plan a discreet getaway to Mexico, where they stayed in a beach house that became a cherished retreat for the couple.

When Elizabeth decided to return to the screen in the early 1980s, she chose to reunite with Rock in The Mirror Crack'd. This decision was partly motivated by her desire to reconnect with her dear friend and perhaps discuss her struggles with marriage and substance abuse.

Facing Rock's Final Battle

Tragically, it was Rock who needed Elizabeth's support when he was diagnosed with AIDS in the early 1980s. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Rock confided in Elizabeth, who had already lost friends to the disease. This further fueled her determination to raise awareness and funds for AIDS research. Together with Dr. Michael Gottlieb, they founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Elizabeth remained a steadfast presence in Rock's life until his passing in 1985. She visited him frequently at his home and even arranged a private memorial service for 150 guests at his Beverly Hills residence. The evening was filled with music from a mariachi band, reminiscent of the ones they discovered during the filming of Giant. Elizabeth paid tribute to her friend, calling him a wonderful companion who "always made me laugh."