Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was an American actor, singer, film producer, and author who became a 1950s Hollywood teen idol.

Tab Hunter was an American actor, singer, film producer, and author who became a 1950s Hollywood teen idol. He later became known for his memoir and for speaking publicly about being gay after decades of privacy. He died in 2018 at age 86.

Early life and rise to fame

Tab Hunter was born Arthur Andrew Kelm (also reported as Arthur Andrew Gelien) on July 11, 1931, in New York City. He was later renamed by talent agent Henry Willson. He rose to fame in the 1950s as a studio-era heartthrob and leading man, becoming one of Hollywood's best-known teen idols.

Film and music career

Hunter built a career as an actor and pop singer, appearing in more than 40 films. His recording of 'Young Love' reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1957. He starred in films including Battle Cry, Damn Yankees!, The Sea Chase, Polyester, Lust in the Dust, and Grease 2. He was especially associated with romantic leads and musical roles.

Later career and memoir

After his peak years, Hunter continued acting in film and television, including cult and comedy projects such as Polyester and Grease 2. In 2005, he published his memoir Tab Hunter Confidential, which detailed his life and career.

Personal life and legacy

Hunter later spoke openly about being gay after decades of privacy. He had a long-term relationship with Allan Glaser. He died on July 8, 2018, in Santa Barbara, California, at age 86. He is remembered as both a 1950s star and an early figure in discussions of hidden sexuality in Hollywood. His career is part of broader North American entertainment history and his later openness resonated with LGBTQ audiences in Canada as well.