The Secret Life Of Tab Hunter: 5 Shocking Truths About Hollywood's Golden Boy

Tab Hunter remains one of the most intriguing figures in Hollywood history, a true American icon whose dazzling public image in the 1950s masked a complex and intensely private reality. Born Arthur Andrew Gelien, he was the quintessential clean-cut, blond, blue-eyed idol who graced magazine covers and topped the music charts, all while living a clandestine life that, had it been revealed, would have instantly destroyed his career. As of late 2024 and early 2025, his story continues to resonate, with retrospectives and festival mentions of his documentary, *Tab Hunter Confidential*, proving the enduring legacy of his courage and honesty. The actor’s journey from a struggling stable boy to a major Warner Bros. star is a classic Hollywood tale, but it’s the brave, later-in-life decision to reveal his hidden truth that cemented his place as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility. His candid autobiography and the subsequent film adaptation peeled back the layers of the "boy next door" persona, exposing the immense pressure and fear of being a closeted gay man at the height of the studio system’s power.

Tab Hunter: A Full Biography and Profile

The life of Tab Hunter was a study in contrasts, a public fantasy versus a private struggle. His openness in later years provided a crucial window into the oppressive atmosphere of 1950s Hollywood.

• Real Name: Arthur Andrew Gelien
• Born: July 11, 1931, in New York City, New York, U.S.
• Died: July 8, 2018, in Santa Barbara, California, U.S. (Cause: Cardiac arrest due to a blood clot)
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Author, Film Producer
• Years Active: 1950–2006
• Breakthrough Role: *The Lawless* (1950)
• Major Films: *Battle Cry* (1955), *The Burning Hills* (1956), *Damn Yankees!* (1958)
• Music Career Highlight: Chart-topping single "Young Love" (1957)
• Key Relationships: Anthony Perkins (actor), Ronnie Burns (son of George Burns and Gracie Allen), Allan Glaser (producer and long-term partner)
• Autobiography: *Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star* (2005)

The Golden Era: From Stable Boy to Teen Heartthrob

Hunter’s rise to fame was meteoric and perfectly timed for the post-war boom in youth culture. He was discovered while working at a stable, a background that contributed to his wholesome, all-American image.

His early roles capitalized entirely on his stunning good looks, establishing him as the ultimate teen idol. Films like *Battle Cry* in 1955 cemented his status, turning him into a major box-office draw for Warner Bros.

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The studio system, however, demanded complete control over its stars' images. Tab Hunter was marketed as a desirable, heterosexual romantic lead, a fantasy object for millions of teenage girls. This public persona was a careful fabrication designed to sell movie tickets and records.

In a surprising turn, Tab Hunter also launched a successful pop music career. In 1957, his single "Young Love" soared to the top of the charts, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and outselling Elvis Presley's current hit at the time.

This dual success in both acting and singing made him one of the biggest multi-platform stars of the late 1950s. His role as baseball star Joe Hardy in the movie musical *Damn Yankees!* (1958) became his most enduring musical performance, showcasing his clean-cut appeal.

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5 Shocking Truths Tab Hunter Hid from the World

The most compelling part of Tab Hunter's story is the decades-long secret he kept to protect his career and personal safety. His later revelations provided a poignant and critical look at the price of fame in a deeply conservative era.

1. He Lived a Double Life as a Closeted Gay Man

At the peak of his fame, when he was being promoted as the ultimate heterosexual pin-up, Tab Hunter was secretly a gay man. He had to meticulously hide his true identity, fearing that any slip-up would result in instant career ruin and public backlash. This double life was a constant source of stress and personal conflict.

2. His Relationship with Anthony Perkins Was Clandestine

Hunter was involved in a secret, serious relationship with fellow actor Anthony Perkins, who would later star in *Psycho*. Their romance was conducted entirely in private, away from the prying eyes of the press and the controlling influence of the studios.

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The studio system actively sought to manufacture heterosexual romances for its stars to maintain their "all-American" image. The pressure to conform was immense, forcing both Hunter and Perkins to date women publicly to deflect suspicion.

3. A Scandalous "Outing" Attempt Was Covered Up

In 1955, a scandal sheet called *Confidential* magazine threatened to expose Hunter’s homosexuality. Warner Bros. allegedly intervened, trading a story about another star to keep the Tab Hunter story quiet. The studio’s power was used not to protect him, but to protect their investment in his manufactured image. This incident highlighted the constant threat of exposure.

4. His Autobiography Was a Necessity, Not an Option

In 2005, Hunter co-wrote his autobiography, *Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star*. He stated that he chose to write the book because he was tired of others trying to tell his story incorrectly or sensationally. The book was a courageous act of taking control of his own narrative, finally allowing him to be honest about his sexuality and his struggles.

5. He Found Lasting Love with Producer Allan Glaser

Despite the turmoil of his early life, Hunter found enduring happiness with film producer Allan Glaser. They were partners for over 35 years until Hunter's death in 2018. Glaser was instrumental in producing the 2015 documentary *Tab Hunter Confidential*, which brought Hunter's story to a new generation and cemented his legacy as a gay icon who lived authentically, even if it came later in life.

Tab Hunter's Enduring Legacy and Impact Today

Tab Hunter’s passing in 2018 at the age of 86 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to grow, particularly within discussions of Hollywood history and LGBTQ+ rights.

His story is now viewed not just as a piece of nostalgia but as a powerful cautionary tale about the repressive nature of the studio system. Hunter’s honesty helped to demystify the manufactured perfection of 1950s celebrity, showing the human cost behind the glossy facade.

The documentary, which is still featured in film discussions and retrospectives, ensures that the conversation about his life remains current and relevant for new audiences. Hunter’s ultimate message was one of self-acceptance and the importance of living one's truth, even if it takes decades to fully achieve it. He transitioned from a silent victim of the studio system to a vocal pioneer, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and courage.