How Rock Hudson Befriended Gunther Allen

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 1^st 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.

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.