Tab Hunter (Photo: Tab Hunter Confidential | Twitter)
A message posted to the Facebook page Tab Hunter Confidential has announced that the actor has died.
‘SAD NEWS: Tab passed away tonight three days shy of his 87th birthday. Please honor his memory by saying a prayer on his behalf. He would have liked that.’
No cause of death has been announced. The timing of the message would indicate he passed away Sunday evening California time.
Tab Hunter in 2017 (Photo: Tab Hunter Confidential)
Tab Hunter was born Arthur Gelien in New York in 1931. He relocated to California with his mother after his parents split up when he was still a child. He shot to fame in Hollywood in the 1950s. The first role that really began to get him noticed was as Robert Mitchum’s younger brother in Track of the Cat (1955).
He then starred in Battlecry (1955),Warner Bros’ biggest hit of the year. Hollywood stardom ensued, and he was Warner’s most popular male star between 1955-59.
Hiding his sexuality and coming out
At a time when homosexuality was strictly taboo, Hunter kept his sexuality secret, although he had relationships with fellow actor Anthony Perkins (of Psycho fame), and figure skater Robbie Robertson. Until his death, he had been with partner, producer Allan Glaser for 35 years.
Although his famed waned in the late 60s and 1970s, his was rediscovered by younger generations by appearing in John Waters’ cult classic, Polyester, opposite Divine, in 1981.
After decades of rumors, Hunter publicly acknowledged his sexuality for the first time in his best-selling, 2005 memoir, Tab Hunter Confidential. The book was later turned into a documentary that played at LGBTI film festivals around the world, with Hunter personally appearing at some to take part in Q&A sessions.
The social media accounts for Tab Hunter Confidential have since been a source of Tab Hunter news, posting new photos from Tab and Allan and messages from Tab to fans.
It was recently announced that actor Zachary Quinto and director JJ Abrams are to co-produce a movie exploring the love affair between Hunter and Perkins. Hunter’s partner. Glaser, will co-produce.
This is a breaking news story and we’ll add more details as they are announced.
