Rock Hudson. The name itself evokes images of classic Hollywood glamour, a figure as solid and imposing as the very mountains. But just how tall is the rock? Beyond the metaphorical weight of his stardom, Rock Hudson was indeed known for his impressive physical stature. Standing at well over six feet, he embodied a certain ideal of American masculinity on screen during the 1950s and 60s. This towering presence was a key component of his iconic persona, contributing to his roles as both a romantic lead and a figure of strength and reliability.
A new HBO documentary, Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed, directed by BU alum Stephen Kijak, delves into the multifaceted life of this screen legend. While the film explores the complexities of Hudson’s double life as a closeted gay man in Hollywood, it also implicitly acknowledges the significance of his physical image in shaping his career and public perception. His height, a frequently mentioned attribute, was part of the carefully constructed image that propelled him to stardom.
The documentary, as highlighted in a Bostonia article, reveals Hudson as more than just a handsome face. He was a dedicated actor who, despite lacking formal training, worked tirelessly to achieve fame. His commanding height and physique were undeniable assets in an era where leading men were expected to be larger-than-life figures. Films like Giant, where he starred alongside Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean, capitalized on his imposing presence, earning him an Oscar nomination and solidifying his status as a major Hollywood player.
While how tall is the rock might seem like a simple question, in Hudson’s case, it’s intertwined with his carefully crafted public image. He was marketed as the epitome of heterosexual virility, a stark contrast to his private life as a gay man. This dichotomy is a central theme in Kijak’s documentary, which examines the pressures of maintaining a fabricated persona in the face of societal expectations.
Stephen Kijak himself notes that Hudson “was impossibly handsome, he was 6-foot-5, he was this gentle giant.” This description underscores the importance of Hudson’s physical attributes in his stardom. The documentary further explores how being gay, ironically, might have added a layer of sensitivity to his on-screen persona, enhancing his romantic appeal. This nuanced portrayal goes beyond the surface level question of how tall is the rock, delving into the deeper complexities of his identity and career.
The article in Bostonia quotes Kijak reflecting on Hudson’s dedication: “He truly was one of those people who just had it. He was impossibly handsome, he was 6-foot-5, he was this gentle giant who without any formal training dedicated himself to the singular pursuit of fame—he really did work hard.” This emphasizes that while his height and looks were natural advantages, Hudson’s relentless work ethic was equally crucial to his success. He navigated the studio system, appearing in both acclaimed films and less successful projects, always striving for better material.
The documentary also sheds light on the societal context of Hudson’s era. As Kijak explains, maintaining a public image of “virile romantic heterosexuality” was paramount for actors like Hudson. This pressure shaped not only his career choices but also his personal life. The film reveals how Hudson skillfully navigated these two worlds, maintaining his stardom while concealing his true identity. In a pre-social media age, and with the support of the studio publicity machine, he managed to keep his private life largely separate from his public persona.
Mark Griffin, Hudson’s biographer, played a significant role in the documentary, providing valuable research and insights. His extensive interviews with people from Hudson’s life contributed to a rich and detailed portrayal of the actor. The documentary benefits from these firsthand accounts, offering a generational perspective on Hollywood and the evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
The film takes a poignant turn as it addresses Hudson’s AIDS diagnosis in 1984 and his subsequent death in 1985. This period marked a turning point, not only in Hudson’s life but also in public awareness of the AIDS crisis. As Kijak points out, Hudson’s announcement and death were globally significant, forcing mainstream society to confront the reality of AIDS and prompting crucial shifts in public policy and fundraising efforts.
Ultimately, Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed aims to present a comprehensive legacy of Rock Hudson, one that encompasses both his cinematic achievements and his unexpected role in the AIDS crisis. Kijak hopes viewers will understand Hudson’s importance in film history and recognize the significance of viewing his story through a queer lens. While how tall is the rock might initially draw curiosity, the documentary offers a much richer exploration of a complex man living in a transformative era of Hollywood and societal change. The film is now available for streaming on MAX and HBO platforms, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the life of this iconic figure.
