Film star Rock Hudson, victim of Aids, dies aged 59

Rock Hudson, the American film star who disclosed in July that he had Aids, died in his sleep in Los Angeles yesterday, aged 59.

He had been discharged from a Los Angeles hospital on August 24 after doctors said that there was nothing more that they could do for him.

Elizabeth Taylor said: "Please God, he has not died in vain". President Reagan, an old friend, said: "Nancy and I are saddened. He will be remembered for his humanity, sympathetic spirit and kindness." Linda Gray who appeared with Hudson in Dynasty, said: "His legacy will be our continued fight for a cure for Aids."

Hudson's last public action was to send a message of support to the recent benefit dinner, organised by Elizabeth Taylor, to raise funds for the medical battle against Aids. More than $1 million was raised.

In the last weeks of his life he had donated $250,000 to organisations working to find a cure for Aids. There are already reports that the star had planned to leave his fortune for research into the condition.

Disclosure that Hudson had Aids came when he was taken ill in Paris and admitted to the American hospital. At the time he was said to have been suffering from the syndrome for more than a year.

He had flown home after French doctors said that he was too weak to be treated with an experimental drug, called HPA 23, which causes remission in some cases.

The fund-raising dinner organised by Elizabeth Taylor became a testament of affection to one of Hollywood's most popular stars. "He is our brother," Miss Taylor said. "He is someone we have loved and broken bread with."

Hudson's own message said: "People have told me that the disclosure that I have been diagnosed as having Aids helped to make the evening an immediate sell-out."

Hudson's 62-film career had been one of solid distinction at the box office, rather than among critics.

He began a second career on television, making several series and appearing in Dynasty. His gaunt, haggard appearance, juxtaposed with earlier pictures, first caused rumours about his health which proved sadly accurate.