Tab Hunter: The Hidden Life of a Hollywood Heartthrob

A Life of Secrets and Sacrifices

Tab Hunter, the famous Hollywood heartthrob of the 1950s and 1960s, had a life filled with hidden truths and sacrifices. Behind the glitz and glamour of his successful acting career, there was a concealed secret – his true identity and sexuality.

In an era when being a homosexual actor was almost impossible, Tab Hunter had to navigate through a world that demanded he keep his personal life hidden from the public eye.

Born in Manhattan, New York City, in 1931, Tab Hunter had a passion for movies from an early age. He even lied about his age to join the US Coast Guard when he was just 15. While his coworkers enjoyed their time at the pub, Tab stayed at home watching movies, honing his acting skills. Little did he know that his destiny would soon take him to the heart of Hollywood.

At the age of 17, Tab Hunter met Henry Willson, a renowned agent known for spotting talented male actors. Willson’s focus was not on acting skills, but on chiseled features and a fine physique. Hunter fit the bill perfectly, with his “Malibu beach boy looks.” He swiftly became one of the era’s most beloved adolescent idols, adored for his talent and good looks.

The Charade of Heterosexuality

Despite his fame and numerous female admirers, Tab Hunter had to lead a double life. Like many other gay actors of the time, he concealed his true identity to protect his career. He had to pursue relationships in secret while keeping his true self hidden from the public. It was a challenging and isolating experience, as he couldn’t even enjoy a simple dinner or movie date with a partner without fear of exposure.

In his later years, Tab Hunter spoke openly about the difficulties of being a secret gay man in Hollywood. He acknowledged that he had to learn by experience and pick up the necessary skills on the job. But the charade of heterosexuality took its toll.

True Love Finds its Way

Eventually, Tab Hunter found love and happiness in the arms of his lifelong partner, Allan Glaser. After years of hiding behind closed doors, he decided it was time to be true to himself and the world. Hunter and Glaser entered into a successful and fulfilling marriage, living a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight in a modest cottage outside Santa Barbara.

Reflecting on his life, Tab Hunter emphasized that success was not the only measure of a fulfilling life. He found contentment in the love he shared with Glaser and the simplicity of their chosen path.

Tragically, Tab Hunter’s journey came to an end in his beloved home at the age of 86. His death was attributed to a heart attack caused by a blood clot in his lungs. But his legacy as a Hollywood icon and a gay trailblazer lives on.