19 Gay Men Who Were Once Married to Women

18. Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson is best remembered as a leading man in the 1950s and 60s, starring in films like Magnificent Obsession (1954), All That Heaven Allows (1955) and Giant (1956). He also appeared in a number of romantic comedies alongside actress Doris Day. In 1955, Confidential magazine threatened to publish an exposé outing Hudson as gay. According to many, Hudson’s homosexuality was well known in Hollywood throughout his career. However, Hudson married secretary Phyllis Gates in 1955 and many believe the union was arranged to hide the actor’s true sexual orientation. The couple divorced after three years and it was later revealed that Gates was a lesbian who had always been aware of Hudson’s orientation. The Dynasty star died in 1985, becoming the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness.