Jan 01, 1960 - Los Angeles, CA, USA - A product of Hollywood's star system, ROCK HUDSON and Italian actress CLAUDIA CARDINALE. Hudson became an international symbol of heterosexuality, wearing a mask until it was savagely ripped off when the rumors that he was suffering from AIDS were confirmed. Hudson was the first major movie star to admit to having AIDS, and his death, along with that of entertainer Liberace in 1987, helped bring AIDS to the forefront of the public mind. (Credit Image: ? KEYSTONE Pictures USA)/ eyevine