LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a highly anticipated documentary titled 'All That Heaven Allows', which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, legendary 'Dynasty' actress Linda Evans opened up about her late co-star Rock Hudson and his fears surrounding their kissing scenes. The documentary sheds light on the challenges Hudson faced as he navigated his career, sexuality, and private battle with AIDS at a time when little was known about the disease and its transmission.
The '50s heartthrob, who was diagnosed with AIDS in June 1984, made every effort to ensure Evans' safety during a kissing scene shot in the same year. In the documentary, Evans, now 80, became visibly emotional as she spoke about Hudson's concerns. "It breaks my heart, even now," she said, fighting back tears, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Nancy Reagan's surprising intervention
The revelation that something appeared to be wrong with Hudson's health came from an unexpected source. Former first lady Nancy Reagan reportedly notified Hudson after a state dinner for President De La Madrid of Mexico in 1984. Reagan sent over photos from the event along with a note suggesting that Hudson should get the blemish on his neck checked by a doctor. Following this, Hudson received his AIDS diagnosis, and the impact of the disease was soon evident in his physical appearance. Evans recalled that Hudson looked "so much thinner," a sentiment also shared by producers.
The documentary also references a diary entry from Hudson's close friend George Nader, dated December 19, 1984, in which he noted Hudson's deteriorating condition on camera due to his significantly slimmer figure. Another entry described the kissing scene between Hudson and Evans, with Nader expressing his concern, comparing it to "watching somebody receive a possible lethal injection." Hudson, aware of his condition, took extensive precautions before shooting the scene, using various types of mouthwash and keeping his mouth closed throughout the kiss.
Linda Evans' reflection on the scene with Rock Hudson and industry discrimination
Evans expressed how challenging it was to film the scene, revealing that the director wanted Hudson to be more passionate, but he constantly delivered the same kind of kiss, emphasizing his efforts to protect her. Looking back, Evans tearfully acknowledged the depth of Hudson's actions, stating, "It makes me cry because I know he was protecting me. At the time, I was confused. Thinking back, part of the reason I get so upset is that he was doing everything he could for me because nobody knew in those days about that."
Following Hudson's public announcement of his AIDS diagnosis, Evans faced discrimination in the film industry, as people refused to work with her out of fear that she, too, had contracted the disease. Friends even distanced themselves, refusing to come over for dinner due to unwarranted paranoia. As Hudson's condition worsened, he sought treatment in Paris but eventually faced expulsion from the hospital upon his AIDS diagnosis.
While Hudson could have continued treatment at another hospital with the intervention of the Reagans, the documentary suggests that they refused to do so, potentially to appease the evangelical voters who supported President Reagan's campaign. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hudson had to spend $250,000 of his own money to charter a plane because no airline was willing to transport him. He spent his final days at his home in Beverly Hills, ultimately succumbing to his situation with a sense of disbelief and sadness.
'All That Heaven Allows' is set to stream on HBO from June 28, offering viewers a closer look at the struggles faced by Rock Hudson and the emotional impact his illness had on those around him.
