Following the death of actor Tab Hunter on Sunday, tributes have poured in for the star.
The Hollywood legend and gay icon died from cardiac arrest three days shy of his 87th birthday.
Zachary Quinto posted to Instagram: ‘So sad to wake up to the news of the passing of Tab Hunter.
‘I was honored to get to know him in the past year and am so grateful to have experienced his sheer joy and love of life. And what a life!
‘Such a rich experience. Such a vital and generous nature. And such a pioneer of self-acceptance and moving through This world with authenticity as his guide.
‘He will be missed greatly. May he rest in peace.’
Quinto, alongside JJ Abrams, is currently producing a movie about Hunter for Paramount. The project chronicles Hunter’s affair with actor Anthony Perkins in the 1950s, using his autobiography Tab Hunter Confidential as its source.
His memoir was a New York Times best-seller upon its release in 2005. It followed Hunter’s struggles to come to terms with his sexuality as a Hollywood leading man.
Hunter’s husband Allan Glaser is also involved in the movie’s production. Glaser previously produced a documentary based on the same book in 2015.
Many other stars have lined up to commemorate Hunter.
George Takei: ‘Tab Hunter was a trailblazer and icon’
George Takei took to Twitter to remember his achievements. He wrote: ‘Tab Hunter was so much more than a teen heartthrob—he was a celebrated actor, trailblazer, and an icon for the LGBTQ community. Brad and I extend our deepest condolences to his husband, Allan Glaser.
‘RIP, Tab. You will be sorely missed.’
Tab Hunter was so much more than a teen heartthrob—he was a celebrated actor, trailblazer, and an icon for the LGBTQ community. Brad and I extend our deepest condolences to his husband, Allan Glaser.
RIP, Tab. You will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/Hgyf520aVB
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 9, 2018
See below the outpouring of condolences from stars across social media.
RIP Tab Hunter, gentleman and hero, w DH c 1980 NYC pic @chrissteinplays pic.twitter.com/6LulgUoPUI
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) July 9, 2018
RIP…. my wonderful friend, Tab Hunter has passed away. He was an amazingly genuine and gifted man. I was lucky to have him in my life. Thankful I got to spend the afternoon with him just a few weeks ago…#TabHunter #RIPtab #damnyankees pic.twitter.com/z4vt4mBmJh
— Michael Feinstein (@MichaelFeinstei) July 9, 2018
One of the great pleasures of working at @tcm is meeting actors & filmmakers we all admire. It was impossible not to like Tab Hunter – he and his partner Allan were a delight to be around – at the TCM Film Festival & on the cruise. Thoughts are with Allan today. pic.twitter.com/4MHaWwH5lo
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77) July 9, 2018
Grateful that we were able to meet the incredible Tab Hunter and thank him for his authenticity and courage. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/5e740V7uXv
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) July 9, 2018
RIP to the most handsome and special man. “Young Love” forever. #RIPTabHunter E xx pic.twitter.com/TIrAjpbRtw
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) July 9, 2018
Sad to report that Tab Hunter, the gawjuss gay icon, and true gentleman, has left the building. We shared some good laughs back in the 80’s. I was always fond of this dear man.
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) July 9, 2018
RIP Tab Hunter. Beautiful man with a beautiful soul. One of Hollywood’s Gay icons and historical legendary LGBT lives. You will be remembered #loveislove #RIPTabHunter pic.twitter.com/xRwBU4snw4
— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) July 9, 2018
Tab Hunter was such a popular movie star in the 50s but spent decades fearing that he’d be outed for being gay. He eventually came out and at age 84 joined me on @SIRIUSXM #121 to discuss how far we’ve come, and what it’s like to hide in the spotlight. With @FrankConniff pic.twitter.com/RKe8a0UetA
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) July 9, 2018
Tab Hunter, you will be missed. Thank you for always living your truth and for joining us at #BoysintheBand. pic.twitter.com/CJlsgMt8oa
— The Boys in the Band on Broadway (@BoysBandBway) July 9, 2018
“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.” – Tab Hunter, 1931 – 2018. Our hearts are with Tab’s loved ones. https://t.co/2YOCKcsDpj
— GLAAD (@glaad) July 9, 2018
