For over three decades, Rock Hudson was a household name, dazzling audiences with his charm and talent in some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. In 1955, just a year after earning rave reviews for his role in Magnificent Obsession, Hudson tied the knot with Phyllis Gates. Let’s dive deeper into their marriage, the challenges they faced, and what ultimately led to their divorce. Keep reading to uncover the full story.
Who Was Rock Hudson's Ex-Wife, Phyllis Gates?
Born on December 7, 1925, in Dawson, Minnesota, Phyllis Gates wasn't just your average Hollywood spouse. Before she became Rock Hudson's wife, she worked as the secretary for Hudson's agent, the legendary Henry Wilson. Wilson was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, representing other famous actors like Rory Calhoun and Tab Hunter. Gates found herself in the middle of Hollywood's golden era, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the film industry.
Their paths crossed in 1954 during a meeting orchestrated by Wilson. By the following year, amid growing rumors about Hudson's personal life and sexual orientation, the two decided to get married. According to Mark Griffin's insightful 2018 biography, All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson, Wilson believed marriage was the best way to silence the whispers about Hudson's sexuality. It was a decision that would change both of their lives forever.
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Gates opened up about the early days of their marriage in her 1987 memoir, My Husband, Rock Hudson. She recalled the heartfelt toast her husband made on their way to their honeymoon. Hudson emphasized the importance of staying united and ignoring the gossip that often swirls around Hollywood. "We must always stick together and not let anyone try to pull us apart," he said. "Hollywood is full of vicious people who spread rumors. You must never believe any of them."
When Did Rock Hudson Divorce Phyllis Gates?
After three years of marriage, Hudson and Gates parted ways in 1958. Their union, which was initially seen as a fairytale match, ultimately couldn't withstand the pressures of an arranged marriage. Stephen Kijak, director of the 2023 HBO documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed, shed light on their relationship. "At first, they seemed like a perfect match, but the arranged nature of their marriage didn't work out for either of them," Kijak explained.
Hudson's life took a tragic turn when he passed away on October 2, 1985, at the age of 59, due to complications from AIDS. Just months before his death, he bravely disclosed his diagnosis in a press release. Hudson also left a generous $250,000 donation to help establish the American Foundation for AIDS Research, an organization championed by his dear friend, Elizabeth Taylor.
What Happened to Phyllis Gates After the Divorce?
Following her separation from Hudson, Gates transitioned into a career as an interior designer in Los Angeles. She chose not to remarry and lived a quiet life until her death on January 4, 2006, at the age of 80, after a battle with lung cancer. Her story, like Hudson's, is a testament to the complexities and challenges faced by those in the spotlight.
