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Mamie Van Doren Remembers Rock Hudson’s Unexpected Advances
Mamie Van Doren, the iconic star of Hollywood’s Golden Era, continues to captivate audiences with her stories from a bygone era. At 94 years old, she is set to receive the Legacy Award at the prestigious Cincecon Film Festival, where she will also present a screening of her renowned 1959 film, “Guns, Girls and Gangsters.” Recently, she shared with Fox News Digital that she is currently working on a new documentary about her life and has a memoir scheduled for release later this year.
Catalyst for Fame Through Arranged Dates
Prior to transforming into a celebrated Hollywood sex symbol, Van Doren’s career relied on a unique promotional strategy employed by Universal Studios, which arranged several dates with well-known movie stars. This initiative aimed to boost her visibility in the competitive film industry.
A Surprising Encounter with Rock Hudson
One of those orchestrated dates was with legendary actor Rock Hudson. Van Doren candidly reflected on their meeting during a recent interview with IndieWire. She mentioned that despite rumors of Hudson’s sexuality circulating around Hollywood, her experience was quite different. “With Rock Hudson, they said he was gay at the studio. . . . ‘You don’t have anything to worry about,’” she revealed. “But that’s not true. That’s not true at all.”
Passion Behind Closed Doors
Van Doren claimed that Hudson, regarded as one of the era’s most desired leading men, made romantic advances towards her. She described a vivid memory in her forthcoming book, detailing how Hudson became quite passionate during their time together, rolling on the kitchen floor with her while she wore a Crimmins skirt. This revelation offers a glimpse into the complexities of Hudson’s public persona, which was maintained by the studio system to protect his image as a heartthrob.
Rock Hudson’s Legacy and Readiness for Change
Hudson’s untimely passing in 1985 due to AIDS complications shocked the world. At the time of his diagnosis, many of his colleagues and friends described it as an open secret that he was gay. Van Doren recalled the public’s reaction in a 1985 cover story, stating, “We all knew Rock was gay, but it never made any difference to us.” She understood the pressures Hudson faced, noting, “Universal invested a lot of money in Rock, and it was important for his image to remain that of a ladykiller. Rock did what was expected of him.”
Recollections of Arranged Dates and Regrets
In her memoir, “Playing the Field: My Story,” published in 1987, Van Doren discussed not only her experiences with Hudson but also her encounters with other notable actors. She mentioned Gig Young, her co-star from the 1958 film “Teacher’s Pet,” and expressed her reluctance to get involved with him despite his interest. “I had a problem with that one,” she admitted. Through her candidness, Van Doren highlights both the allure and pitfalls of Hollywood relationships.
A Dramatic Fate for Gig Young
Gig Young’s life ended in tragedy when he fatally shot his wife, Kim Schmidt, before taking his own life in 1978. Young’s dark turn serves as a cautionary tale within the industry, providing further context to Van Doren’s reservations about the men she encountered.
Reflecting on a Colorful Life
Despite her experiences, Van Doren found empowerment and strength through her tumultuous journey. Having been married five times, she reflected on her early motherhood and the societal expectations of the time, stating, “I found myself pregnant, and I got married afterward … that was unheard of. At least it got me out of my contract at Universal.”
A Grateful Reflection
Van Doren expressed a deep sense of gratitude for her life, especially when juxtaposed against the tragic fates of some of her contemporaries, such as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Their deaths at young ages remind her of the precarious nature of fame and life in Hollywood.
A Spiritual Connection and Moving Forward
She firmly believes in the presence of guardian angels in her life, explaining, “I’ve got a couple of wonderful angels on my shoulder. I have a connection with God. And everything I do, there’s a reason why I do it. It’s to help and be kind to people.” Her philosophy encourages kindness, even towards those who may not reciprocate.
Early Impressions of Rock Hudson
In a 2020 interview, Van Doren recalled her initial interactions with Hudson, stating that she had no idea he was gay. She described a nervous anticipation when the publicity department informed her about her date with him, but also stressed that Hudson was friendly and down to earth. Their budding friendship blossomed during their time together, leading to feelings of devastation when she learned of his illness.
Choosing a Different Path
Eventually, the lure of Hollywood diminished for Van Doren. She decided to relocate to Newport Beach to escape the chaotic lifestyle of the Hollywood scene. “I moved out here to Newport Beach simply because I didn’t like it in Hollywood,” she recalled. This decision allowed her to seek a more peaceful existence for herself and her son.
Embracing Her Legacy
As a proud figure of the sex symbol stereotype, Van Doren acknowledges the complexities of her image. She stated, “Well, being sexy is nice. I like being sexy. Hell, I like sex. I like it better than rock ‘n’ roll.” With her infectious enthusiasm and unapologetic nature, she remains a captivating figure, a true embodiment of the artistic spirit from her time.
Timeliness and Influence
Van Doren reflects on her role as a trailblazer in the industry, recognizing her impact on the cultural norms of the time. She was ahead of her time and firmly believed that sex appeal originates from within. Having broken down barriers during a conservative epoch, she paved the way for subsequent generations of performers.
