Army Archerd, who served as a columnist for 52 years at Daily Variety, died today in Los Angeles at the age of 87, the trade magazine reported. Archerd, a WWII veteran, suffered from a rare form of mesothelioma cancer. Having emceed the red carpet at the Academy Awards for many years, Archerd was one of the first writers to link AIDS to Hollywood by printing that Rock Hudson was undergoing treatment for AIDS.
Archerd got his start on the entertainment beat in 1945 and launched his “Just for Variety” column eight years later. His last column ran in September 2005.
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So he basically outed Rock Hudson? Nice. So even old people can be douchebags.
Matt – You need to do some research on the original article. Even Hudson’s long time manager was complimentary of the story, and of Archerd’s careful handling of the situation.
I always enjoyed reading his work. He will be missed.
Have some respect for the deceased. You point fingers for what he did but what you’re doing now isn’t so classy either.
If you are from Southern California- this Man was pretty much a major player for Entertainment journalism. He was a Hollywood legend. I am saddened to read of his passing…He did so much for Hollywood.
He DID NOT and I REPEAT DID NOT OUT Rock Hudson. Rock gave him permission to write it in his column. He was not one of those sleazy tabloid journalist. He was praised for his integrity, truthfulness and kindness. To read a full obiturary of Army you should go on http://www.latimes.com and get to know how the stars (Peck, Newman, Poitier and Kirk Douglas)thought he was a great guy and a good friend.