# Rock Hudson Hollywood leading man (1925–1985), the closeted matinee idol whose July 1985 AIDS disclosure and October 2 death made the [[AIDS Crisis]] undeniable to mainstream America — the first major celebrity death of the epidemic. A personal friend of the Reagans, Hudson sought White House help transferring to a French military hospital for experimental treatment; the request was declined. His death moved public opinion and Hollywood money (Elizabeth Taylor's amfAR) years before it moved [[Ronald Reagan]]'s policy. See [[AIDS Crisis Timeline]]. ## See Also - [[AIDS Crisis Timeline]]