Daily Variety’s Army Archerd is retiring his 52-year-old celebrity gossip column to concentrate on writing a book. Archerd’s final “Just for Variety” column will run in the Sept. 1 issue, Daily Variety announced Thursday. He will, however, cover certain events and news for the entertainment industry newspaper while he writes his memoirs. Archerd hated the term “gossip columnist” and never considered himself among that crowd, Variety said. It was Archerd who broke the news in 1985 that Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson was being treated for AIDS. His revelation — which was picked up and reported world wide — was credited by many with putting a familiar face on the disease. He has appeared as a celebrity expert on numerous TV shows, played himself in about 100 movies and has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Archerd and actress Selma Archerd have been married more than 30 years. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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