One of the biggest stories of the week is 30 years old. In an episode that seems like yesterday to me, the world was shocked when Rock Hudson died of AIDS-related illness in 1985. According to documents that have recently surfaced, we now know that some close friends did not spring to his assistance. In a last-ditch effort to extend his life, Hudson flew to France to begin treatment with an experimental drug. While in transit, he collapsed and could not be admitted to the hospital because he was not a French citizen. Rock’s publicist, Dale Olson, sent a telegram to President and Mrs. Reagan asking them to intervene. “Only one hospital in the world can offer necessary medical treatment to save the life of Rock Hudson or at least alleviate his illness.” Olson felt confident they would help (Hudson and Olson were at a state dinner a year earlier – and seated at the First Lady’s table).

The telegram ended up with Mark Weinberg, an aide to the president. He says, “I knew the Reagans knew Rock Hudson, obviously from their years in Hollywood, and for that reason I decided to call her.” He documented his response: “I spoke with Mrs. Reagan about the attached telegram. She did not feel this was something the White House should get into and agreed to my suggestion that we refer the writer to the US Embassy, Paris. Mrs. Reagan asked, however, that we inform the press of the President’s telephone call to Rock Hudson today, which I did. You might want to keep this on hand just in case it resurfaces.”

Turns out, Hudson saw the doctor later that same day and was soon admitted to the hospital, due to the intervention of a French government official. There were rumors that the First Lady surreptitiously called French President Mitterrand asking for his help, a claim Weinberg doubts. “She would not get involved in those things. I can’t tell you she didn’t, but I cannot imagine it.” As it turned out, all of the negotiating was for naught – Hudson was told that the disease was too advanced. He returned to the United States, where he died a few weeks later.