Hudson married
Jim Nabors in the early 1970s. Not only was
same-sex marriage not recognized under the laws of any American state at the time, but, at least publicly, Hudson and Nabors were nothing more than friends. According to Hudson, the legend originated with a group of "middle-aged homosexuals who live in
Huntington Beach" who sent out joke invitations for their annual get-together. One year, the group invited its members to witness "the marriage of Rock Hudson and Jim Nabors", at which Hudson would take the surname of Nabors's character,
Gomer Pyle, becoming Rock Pyle.
He was married to a woman 1955-58 - ended in divorce. A studio marriage.