Video: 'Rock Hudson dies of AIDS at 59 | Watch original 1985 WABC news coverage'

(Wednesday, October 2, 1985, at around 9:00 a.m. PDT) — Rock Hudson, the actor whose handsome looks and flair for comedy made him a romantic idol of the 1950’s and 60’s, died today in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles.

Video: 'Rock Hudson Dies of AIDS. KNBC news 1985'

In 1984, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS. The following year, he became one of the first celebrities to disclose his AIDS diagnosis.

Hudson was the first major American celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness, at age 59.