George Nader was an American actor and writer who appeared in a variety of films and TV shows from 1950 to 1974. He is best known for his roles in Sins of Jezebel, Congo Crossing, The Female Animal, and the German series Jerry Cotton. He was also a close friend of Rock Hudson, one of the most popular and handsome actors of his time. But behind the scenes, Nader faced many challenges and struggles that eventually led to his death in 2002. Here is the untold story of George Nader, his life, career, and cause of death.
Contents
Early Life and Career
George Nader was born on October 19, 1921, in Pasadena, California, to George Garfield Nader Sr. and Alice Scott Nader. He had Lebanese ancestry and grew up in a Christian family. He attended Occidental College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts. He served in the US Navy as a communications officer in the Pacific theater during World War II from 1943 to 1946.
After the war, he pursued his acting career and started with small roles in films and theater. He made his film debut in Rustlers on Horseback in 1950 and appeared in several productions at the Pasadena Playhouse. He also did episodic television and starred in several series, including NBC’s The Man and the Challenge.
His first starring role was in Robot Monster, a low-budget 3-D sci-fi film directed by Phil Tucker in 1953. The film is considered one of the worst films ever made, but it was financially successful and gave Nader more exposure. He then starred in more films, such as Sins of Jezebel, Carnival Story, Miss Robin Crusoe, and The Female Animal. He also worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Paulette Goddard, Joan Crawford, and Hedy Lamarr.
Personal Life and Relationship with Rock Hudson
George Nader was discreetly gay during his acting career, as homosexuality was taboo and illegal at the time. He met his life partner, Mark Miller, in 1947, when they were both acting in a local play. They remained together until Nader’s death in 2002. They also adopted a son, Michael Nader, who became an actor as well.
Nader and Miller were among Rock Hudson’s closest friends. They met Hudson in 1951 and formed a bond that lasted for 34 years. They shared a similar sense of humor, a tendency towards mischief, and a shared misery of the closet. They were also supportive of each other’s careers and personal lives. Hudson even named Nader as one of the beneficiaries of his $27 million estate when he died of AIDS in 1985.
Nader and Miller also helped Hudson cope with his illness and visited him regularly. They even had a proper farewell with him on April 6, 1985, when they drove through Joshua Tree National Park and sang their favorite song, “Mockin’ Bird Hill”.
Later Career and Death
In the 1960s, Nader moved to Germany, where he became a star of the Jerry Cotton series, playing an FBI agent. He also appeared in some European films, such as The Million Eyes of Sumuru and The Human Duplicators. He returned to the US in 1972, but his career was hampered by a car accident that damaged his eyesight. He suffered from glaucoma and had to undergo several surgeries.
He then turned to writing and published his first novel, Chrome, in 1978. The novel was a science-fiction story that dealt positively with a same-sex relationship. He also wrote some scripts for TV shows, such as The Secret Empire and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.
Nader died on February 4, 2002, in Woodland Hills, California, of cardiopulmonary failure, pneumonia, and multiple cerebral infarctions. He was 80 years old. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. He was survived by his partner, Mark Miller, who died in 2015, and his nephew, Michael Nader.
George Nader was a talented and versatile actor who left a mark on the film and TV industry. He was also a loyal and loving friend who stood by Rock Hudson’s side until the end. He was a pioneer of gay literature and a role model for many. He was a Hollywood star who lived a remarkable life and died a peaceful death.
