Aldo Ray played opposite Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn as a boxer named Davy Hucko in 1953's Pat and Mike. The director was George Cukor, a more or less openly gay man who held pool parties where handsome young male actors swam nude in his pool to entertain the guests. The photo below shows, Tracy, Hepburn, Cukor, and our hero on the set.
There have been persistent rumors that Aldo Ray did more than just swim nude to gain Cukor's favor, but after researching this for years, I haven't found any proof either way. When asked about the parties, Aldo was quoted as saying, "I don't think what I did with Geoge Cukor compromised me in any way."
Below, a low chemistry shot of Aldo Ray and Katherine Hepburn.
Yeah, perhaps Cukor wanted him to wear no undies. Check Pat & Mike, when he's jogging in his trainers with Katherine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracey rides along on his bike. Flip flop it goes. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteWhoever had the no undies idea, it was a good one.
DeleteA friend said Aldo Ray had a rod that pushed 10 thick inches. He would come into the "gay" bar were my friend worked and tease the patrons saying, "I bet you boys would like to get hold of this one..." He said he never saw him go into the "men's room" nor leave with a man. My friend also said he turned down an intimate offer from Johnny Mathis. We put too much stock in our labels of gay and straight. Maybe someday it won't matter.
ReplyDeleteYou make some very good points. By most accounts, Aldo Ray wasn't too concerned about labels and approaced life with humor.
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