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Tab Hunter: A Golden Boy’s Journey Through Hollywood in Photos

Tab Hunter, a name that evokes images of sun-kissed beaches and carefree romance, was a Hollywood heartthrob who captured the hearts of millions in the 1950s and 60s. His boyish good looks and athletic build made him a natural leading man, but his career was a complex journey filled with both triumphs and challenges.

Early Life: From Arthur to Tab

Born Arthur Andrew Kelm on July 11, 1931, in New York City, Tab’s early life was marked by instability and hardship. His parents divorced when he was young, and he spent much of his childhood moving from place to place with his mother and brother.

Despite the challenges, Tab found solace in sports and developed a passion for ice skating. His athletic abilities caught the attention of talent scouts, and he soon found himself in Hollywood, where he was given the stage name Tab Hunter.

Career and Movies: The Rise of a Star

Tab Hunter’s rise to fame was meteoric. His first major role came in 1952’s “Island of Desire,” where he starred opposite Linda Darnell. The film was a box office hit, and Tab’s good looks and charisma quickly made him a teen idol.

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He went on to star in a series of popular films throughout the 1950s, including “Battle Cry” (1955), “Track of the Cat” (1954), and “Lafayette Escadrille” (1958). His roles ranged from romantic leads to action heroes, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

One of Tab’s most memorable films was “Damn Yankees!” (1958), where he played a baseball player who sells his soul to the devil. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Tab’s performance earned him rave reviews.

The Secret Struggle

Despite his on-screen success, Tab Hunter was grappling with a secret that could have destroyed his career. In an era when homosexuality was taboo, he was forced to hide his true identity from the public.

The pressure to conform to Hollywood’s expectations took a toll on Tab’s mental and emotional well-being. He struggled with anxiety and depression, often turning to alcohol to cope with the stress.

Tab’s private life was a stark contrast to his public image. While he was portrayed as a carefree bachelor, he was involved in secret relationships with other men, including actor Anthony Perkins.

Personal Life and Relationships

Throughout his life, Tab Hunter yearned for love and companionship. He had several significant relationships, including a long-term partnership with actor Allan Glaser.

Tab and Allan met in the 1980s and quickly fell in love. They kept their relationship private for many years, but eventually came out as a couple in the 2000s.

Later Career and Life

In the later years of his career, Tab Hunter shifted his focus to theater and television. He starred in several successful stage productions, including “The Tender Trap” and “Camelot.”

He also appeared in numerous television shows, such as “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and “The Love Boat.” His talent and charm continued to shine through, earning him new fans and accolades.

Tab Hunter passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86. His death marked the end of an era in Hollywood, but his legacy lives on through his films and the memories he created for millions of fans.

Here are some fabulous photos of young Tab Hunter from his early life and career.

#3 Sophia Loren and Tab Hunter in “That Kind of Woman”, 1959.

#4 Tab Hunter and Sophia Loren in “That Kind of Woman”, 1959.

#6 Tab Hunter and Etchika Choureau in “Lafayette Escadrille”, 1958.

#7 Van Heflin, Tab Hunter, and James Darren in “Gunman’s Walk”, 1958.

#8 Tab Hunter and Etchika Choureau in “Lafayette Escadrille”, 1958.

#9 Tab Hunter and Etchika Choureau in “Lafayette Escadrille”, 1958.

#10 Tab Hunter and Gwen Verdon in “Damn Yankees!”, 1958.

#11 Tab Hunter, publicity portrait for “Damn Yankees!”, 1958.

#12 Tab Hunter in “Lafayette Escadrille”, also known as “With You in My Arms”, 1958.

#13 Tab Hunter and Etchika Choureau in “Lafayette Escadrille”, also known as “With You in My Arms”, 1958.

#14 Tab Hunter and Etchika Choureau in “Lafayette Escadrille”, also known as “With You in My Arms”, 1958.

#15 Tab Hunter in “The Girl He Left Behind”, 1956.

#16 Stuart Heisler and Tab Hunter on the set of “The Burning Hills”, 1956.

#17 Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood in “The Burning Hills”, 1956.

#18 Tab Hunter and Mona Freeman in “Battle Cry”, 1955.

#19 Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood in “The Burning Hills”, 1956.

#20 Linda Darnell and Tab Hunter in “Saturday Island”, also known as “Island in the Sun”, 1952.

#21 Linda Darnell, Donald Gray, and Tab Hunter in “Saturday Island”, also known as “Island in the Sun”, 1952.

#23 Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood in “The Burning Hills”, 1956.

#35 Terry Moore and Tab Hunter at a movie premiere party for “Red Garters”, 1954.

#37 Tab Hunter in a scene from “Battle Cry”, 1955.

#38 Tab Hunter in a scene from “Battle Cry”, 1955.

#41 Rosalind Russell giving Tab Hunter the Audie Award, 1955.

#52 Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood on the set of “The Burning Hills”, 1950s.

#55 Tab Hunter, James Darren, Lloyd Price, and The Chordettes on “American Bandstand”, 1959.

Written by William Todd

William Todd is a comedy enthusiast and Michael Jackson fanatic with a soft spot for documentaries. Just don't be surprised if you catch him moonwalking down the street, because for William, every day is a chance to bring a little bit of joy and entertainment into the world.

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