Tab Hunter

Date of Birth: July 11, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 8, 2018

Biography

Tab Hunter, born Arthur Andrew Kelm, was an American actor, singer, and author who became a popular figure in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his striking good looks and charismatic screen presence, Hunter’s career spanned over six decades, encompassing film, television, and theater. He was born on July 11, 1931, in New York City, New York. Hunter’s breakthrough role came in 1955 with the film “Battle Cry,” which established him as a teen heartthrob. He appeared in a variety of successful movies, including “Damn Yankees,” “The Burning Hills,” and “Ride the Wild Surf.” In addition to his acting career, Hunter enjoyed success as a singer. His 1957 single “Young Love” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks. Later in his career, Hunter explored writing, penning his autobiography “Tab Hunter Confidential” in 2005, which became a best-seller and was later adapted into a documentary film in 2015. Hunter was known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. Despite the challenges of maintaining a career in a changing Hollywood landscape, he consistently found ways to reinvent himself, taking on diverse roles in film, television, and theater. Hunter passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86.

5 Interesting Facts about Tab Hunter

1. Tab Hunter’s real name was Arthur Andrew Kelm; he changed it to Tab Hunter at the suggestion of his agent to better fit his image as a Hollywood heartthrob.

2. His single “Young Love” was so successful that it kept Elvis Presley’s “Too Much” from reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

3. Hunter was a competitive figure skater in his youth and won several awards before pursuing an acting career.

4. He was romantically linked with several well-known actresses, including Natalie Wood and Debbie Reynolds, though many of these relationships were studio-arranged for publicity.

5. Hunter came out as gay in his autobiography, revealing his long-term relationship with actor Anthony Perkins, among other details about his private life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tab Hunter

1. “I had to be a certain image, which I never was, and I had to live a certain way, which I didn’t want to be.”

2. “I don’t care whether people like me or dislike me. I’m not on earth to win a popularity contest. I’m here to be the best human being I possibly can be.”

3. “I was tabloid fodder. It was like I was being eaten alive for a good part of my career.”

4. “I think life should be lived with passion and with love.”

5. “I don’t believe in having regrets. I think you should learn from your experiences and move on.”