Gunther’s Memoir: Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute
Show Notes with Links:
- Author Gunther Allen‘s background is filled with diverse activities: He taught aerobics in the ‘80s, (partially) painted the round World Arena for the 1984 Olympic Games, was a big deal on TV in Australia demonstrating the new Nautilus 20-minute workout, toured with the Long Beach University Chorus, took 1st place Water Polo trophy, steer wrestled, worked in photography and graphic arts, and is still a compassionate supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- And, according to the legendary Rock Hudson, Gunther was pretty cute!
- He tells us how he met Rock Hudson at the Silver Fox in Long Beach.
- Gunther plays guitar, and Rock asked him to play a party he was hosting at Dean Dittman’s place. (At 2 a.m., he finally played “the Whales,” astonishing everyone at the party).
- He invited Hudson to his parent’s home on the BIG Island, where he visited and found solace in Gunther’s friendship. I ask him about the kiss.
- I ask him about how the “fake news” threatened and ultimately outed him.
- Gunther had many impromptu performances and chance meetings with stars.
- The book is filled with intricate details and moments of suspense.
- He talks about how–with stage fright and dyslexia–he still managed to perform for an audience.
- Gunther received a telegram from Elizabeth Taylor to attend Hudson’s memorial service.
- In 1989, Gunther had intimate relations with Mark Christian, who lied about being AIDS free.
- Gunther is telling his story now to tell world about Mark Christian’s many lies and the court battle over Hudson’s estate.
- I ask Gunther about how Rock said goodbye to him.
- Gunther’s book is a testament to a man who “wanted to please everyone…” He was a genuine person who made people aware of the AIDS crisis.
- In his epilogue, Gunther calls himself an “ordinary person.” I would beg to differ.
- Gunther Allen brings Rock Hudson to life in a way no other biographer could.
- Follow him here:
https://guntherallen.com/ - Find the Book here: Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute
- Follow on Amazon: Gunther Allen
Watch for Gunther’s new book . . . coming soon!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Laurel Stuff:
Have a new book? Want me to help you market it? Let me know!
