Friends of Rock Hudson Say a Final Farewell

About 100 of Rock Hudson’s close friends gathered for a memorial service in the home where the AIDS-stricken actor spent his final days, concluding their tribute with the margaritas, Mexican food and mariachi music that Hudson loved so well.

Elizabeth Taylor, standing under a canopy before a group that included some of Hollywood’s biggest names, spoke early in the service of her affection for her late co-star and then invited others to share their remembrances as well, according to a guest.

An eyewitness said the assemblage in the backyard of Hudson’s Beverly Hills estate included Susan St. James, his longtime television co-star; actors Robert Wagner, Stephanie Powers, Esther Williams, Lee Remick, Tab Hunter, George Maharis, Jessica Walters, Angie Dickinson and Roddy McDowall; Dr. Rex Kennemer, Hudson’s personal physician; arts supporter Olive Behrendt, and Dr. Michael Gottlieb, who cared for the actor as he was dying.

A tearful Carol Burnett told of co-starring on stage with Hudson in “On the Twentieth Century,” calling it one of the greatest experiences of her career.

After a number of reminiscences about the late actor, Taylor invited the crowd to celebrate Hudson’s memory by sharing the entertainment he liked best--Mexican food and strolling mariachis. About two dozen musicians moved through the crowd.

Apparently absent from the service was producer Ross Hunter, who in the weeks after Hudson’s death questioned whether the actor was fully aware of the efforts rallied around his name.

Heavy security kept onlookers, reporters and photographers largely at bay and out of range as celebrities passed through the gates of the hilltop estate.

Others attending the late afternoon service were producer Stockton Briggle, who played a key role in organizing the event; Mark Miller, Hudson’s personal secretary; Tom Clark, his business manager and friend, and Hudson’s ophthalmologist, Dr. Wes Wheadon.

Hudson died Oct. 2 at age 59. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea last week. Hudson, who made his movie debut in 1948, became a top box office attraction in the 1950s and ‘60s. He starred in 62 films and such television hits as “McMillan and Wife” and “Dynasty.”