He had known Rock Hudson the way he knew many other Hollywood stars: by reputation chiefly but by occasional encounter as well. And it wasn’t unusual that he had acknowledged the actor’s passing in October 1985. “Nancy and I are saddened by the news of Rock Hudson’s death,” Reagan declared in a written statement released by the White House. “He will always be remembered for his dynamic impact on the film industry, and fans all over the world will certainly mourn his loss. He will be remembered for his humanity, his sympathetic spirit and well-deserved reputation for kindness. May God rest his soul.” None denied the graciousness of the president’s gesture, but many found the statement late and lacking. Rock Hudson had been visibly wasting for months. “He had been to a White House dinner and had been at my table,” Nancy recalled. “I remember sitting across from him and thinking, Gee, he’s thin. I asked if he had been dieting, and he said he had been hard at work on a new picture and had lost weight.”
