Tab Hunter’s Enduring Legacy: From Hollywood Heartthrob to Gay Icon

Hollywood star Tab Hunter, a captivating presence on screen who charmed audiences as a quintessential “all-American boy” before bravely revealing his true self, passed away at the age of 86. Known for his breakout roles in musicals like ‘Damn Yankees!’ and his later cult classic work with John Waters in ‘Polyester,’ Hunter’s life was a testament to resilience, talent, and the quiet courage to live authentically. His story is a poignant reflection of Hollywood’s golden era, the strictures it imposed, and the eventual triumph of personal truth. This article delves into the remarkable life and career of Tab Hunter, exploring the key moments that defined him as an actor, a singer, and an enduring LGBTQ+ icon.

1. His Passing Marked the End of an Era, Just Days Before His 87th Birthday.

Tab Hunter, born Arthur Andrew Kelm, left us on July 8, 2018, just three days shy of his 87th birthday. The news was first shared with his fans via a heartfelt Facebook post on a page associated with him, confirming the passing of the beloved ‘Damn Yankees!’ star. The post urged fans to honor his memory with a prayer, a sentiment that resonated deeply with those who admired his long and varied career. While the initial announcement did not specify the cause, his long-time romantic partner and film producer, Allan Glaser, later clarified the tragic circumstances to The Hollywood Reporter. Glaser revealed that Tab Hunter died in Santa Barbara after suffering a blood clot that led to a heart attack. His peaceful passing brought an end to a life lived fully, marked by both public adulation and private challenges, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.

2. “Tab Hunter” Was a Name Crafted for Stardom, Not His Birthright.

Born Arthur Andrew Kelm in the bustling metropolis of New York City, the future star’s path to Hollywood was anything but ordinary. He spent his formative years growing up in California, where his striking good looks and athletic physique quickly made him popular. Blessed with what was often described as an “Adonis-like” body, young Arthur found himself pursued by girls throughout his high school days, a precursor to the heartthrob status he would later achieve on the silver screen. Before his acting career took off, he briefly enlisted in the Coast Guard, a stint that was cut short when authorities discovered he was underage. Upon his departure, he decided to try his hand at acting, a decision that would forever change his life. It was during this pivotal period that he met his first agent, the influential and somewhat controversial Henry Willson. Willson, known for his ability to discover and rebrand young talent – often giving them more marketable names – was the one who bestowed upon Arthur Andrew Kelm the memorable and distinctive moniker “Tab Hunter.” This carefully crafted stage name, designed to evoke a sense of rugged charm and youthful appeal, perfectly encapsulated the image Willson envisioned for his new protégé and would soon become synonymous with Hollywood glamour.

3. A Rapid Ascent: From Beating James Dean to Launching a Record Label.

Tab Hunter’s career exploded in the mid-1950s, a period when Hollywood was still heavily reliant on the studio system and its ability to manufacture stars. Hunter’s clean-cut image and wholesome persona led him to be widely labeled the “all-American boy,” a tag he once recounted to the New Yorker, highlighting the powerful public image carefully cultivated around him. His early filmography included roles in productions like ‘The Lawless,’ ‘Island of Desire,’ and ‘Return of the Cat,’ which laid the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough. A pivotal moment arrived in 1955 when he remarkably beat out the iconic James Dean for the significant role of Dan “Danny” Forrester in the war drama ‘Battle Cry.’ This achievement caught the attention of Warner Bros., who swiftly recognized his potential, picking up his option and signing him to an exclusive seven-year contract. This deal solidified his place as a rising star, and he quickly became a veritable Hollywood heartthrob, gracing the screens in films such as ‘The Girl He Left Behind’ and ‘Burning Hills.’ His most enduring and celebrated role arrived in 1958, when he took on the character of Joe Hardy in the film adaptation of the acclaimed Tony-winning Broadway musical, ‘Damn Yankees!’ His performance, both charming and athletic, showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a leading man.

Beyond his acting prowess, Tab Hunter also ventured into the music industry, where he achieved astonishing success. He recorded a handful of songs, but it was his single “Young Love” that truly catapulted him into the pop music stratosphere. The song soared to the coveted No. 1 spot on the charts and remained there for an impressive six consecutive weeks, notably unseating none other than Elvis Presley’s “Too Much” from the pinnacle of popularity. This extraordinary success had a ripple effect beyond just music sales. “Young Love,” originally recorded for Dot Records, was such a massive hit that it prompted Warner Bros. to recognize the immense potential in the burgeoning music market. This realization led the studio to establish its own record label – giving birth to what we now know as Warner Bros. Records, a legendary institution in the music industry. Thus, Tab Hunter’s impact extended far beyond acting: he not only outshone James Dean for a significant film role and knocked the mighty Elvis Presley off the top of the music charts, but he also became the voice that inadvertently launched one of the most iconic record labels in history, leaving an indelible mark on both cinema and popular music.

4. A Daring Comeback: Collaborating with John Waters and Divine.

As the vibrant and revolutionary 1960s dawned, Hollywood’s tastes began to shift dramatically. The wholesome, “all-American boy” image that had propelled Tab Hunter to stardom in the previous decade started to feel outmoded, and roles for him gradually began to dry up. He found himself increasingly typecast and considered a relic from a different, more innocent era of cinema. During this period, Hunter continued to work diligently, accepting roles in B-movies and honing his craft in dinner theatre productions, demonstrating his enduring commitment to acting despite the waning spotlight. However, the 1980s brought an unexpected and exciting resurgence to his career. This revitalization came in the form of a call from the avant-garde director John Waters, a filmmaker renowned for his unconventional and boundary-pushing cult classics such as ‘Pink Flamingos’ and ‘Girl Trouble.’ Waters, an admirer of Hunter’s earlier work and intrigued by the juxtaposition of his classic Hollywood persona with his own subversive aesthetic, proposed a daring collaboration. John wanted to cast Tab opposite his close friend and frequent collaborator, the iconic drag queen Divine, known for her outrageous performances and larger-than-life personality. Hunter, ever the professional with a sharp wit, recalled Waters’ memorable question: “He said, ‘One question: How would you feel about kissing a three-hundred-and-fifty-pound transvestite?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m sure I’ve kissed a hell of a lot worse!'” This humorous and candid response perfectly encapsulated Hunter’s open-mindedness and willingness to embrace new, unconventional artistic challenges, marking a significant and thrilling new chapter in his already storied career.

The chemistry between Divine and Tab Hunter in John Waters’ 1981 film ‘Polyester’ proved to be an unexpected sensation, delighting audiences and critics alike with its unique blend of satire, camp, and genuine warmth. Their on-screen magic was so compelling that it led to a second collaboration, ‘Lust In The Dust,’ released in 1985. It was on the set of this very film that Tab Hunter’s personal life took a significant and beautiful turn: he met Allan Glaser, who was one of the film’s producers. This meeting marked the beginning of a profound and lasting partnership that would define the rest of Hunter’s life. By the end of the 1980s, having enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in his career and found deep personal happiness, Tab Hunter made the decision to gradually withdraw from the frenetic pace of Hollywood. He embraced a more private and serene existence, choosing to live a quiet life with Allan Glaser, surrounded by their beloved whippets and horses in the tranquil surroundings of Santa Monica. This period marked a transition from public idol to private individual, a well-deserved chapter of peace and contentment after decades in the demanding spotlight.

5. A Courageous Confession: Tab Hunter’s Groundbreaking Coming Out in 2005.

For decades, the man whose chiseled physique and captivating smile had made women swoon in the 1950s harbored a profound secret: Tab Hunter was gay. In an era when homosexuality was not only stigmatized but also illegal and career-ending in Hollywood, he, like many others, was forced to live a double life. His closely guarded private world included a three-year romance with fellow Hollywood star Anthony Perkins, famous for his role as Norman Bates in ‘Psycho.’ This relationship, like so many others of its kind, had to be kept strictly confidential, a clandestine affair hidden from the prying eyes of the public and the ever-watchful studio system.

The pressures of maintaining this hidden identity were immense. In a shocking breach of privacy, Tab Hunter was once arrested at what Confidential magazine sensationally described as a “limp-wristed pajama party.” This scandalous exposure was, in fact, orchestrated by his former agent, Henry Willson, who reportedly ratted out Hunter to protect another, more prominent client, Rock Hudson, from similar scrutiny. This incident highlights the ruthless and unforgiving nature of Hollywood’s moral policing during that period, where careers could be destroyed overnight by even a whisper of scandal, particularly those involving a star’s sexuality.

The constant fear of exposure and the pervasive homophobia of the time significantly impacted his relationships. Hunter recounted to Slant, as reported by Deadline, how studio executives attempted to control his personal life: “I know that when Tony Perkins and I were seeing each other, Paramount told him they didn’t want him to see me anymore.” While Paramount issued such an ultimatum to Perkins, Hunter noted that Warner Bros., his own studio, adopted a different approach: “But Warners didn’t say anything. They just were supportive of you.” This contrast reveals the varying degrees of control and subtle ways studios managed their stars’ images, even when dealing with deeply personal matters.

The truth of his sexuality, a long-standing rumor in Hollywood circles, was finally confirmed by Tab Hunter himself in his candid and widely acclaimed 2005 autobiography, ‘Tab Hunter Confidential.’ His decision to come out publicly after a lifetime of secrecy was a profoundly brave act, especially given his generation and the era in which he rose to fame. Explaining his motivation to THR in 2015, he stated, “I thought, ‘Look, get it from the horse’s mouth and not from some horse’s ass after I’m dead and gone.’ I didn’t want someone putting a spin on my life.” This powerful declaration underscored his desire to control his own narrative, to share his truth on his own terms, ensuring that his legacy would be understood and respected without embellishment or misrepresentation after his passing. His autobiography and the subsequent 2015 documentary, also titled ‘Tab Hunter Confidential,’ cemented his status not just as a Hollywood legend, but as an inspirational figure for LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, bravely opening a window into the hidden lives of queer stars in the golden age of cinema.