Tab Hunter was one of the most iconic heartthrobs of the 1950s. Known for his movie-star looks and clean-cut charm, he found success both as an actor and a singer. With more than 40 film credits and a No. 1 pop hit, “Young Love,” Hunter captured the hearts of millions. He was a top box-office draw, a teen magazine favorite, and one of Warner Bros.’ biggest stars.
In later years, he reinvented himself with a surprising return to cult film fame in the 1980s. His story reflects the highs and challenges of stardom in mid-century Hollywood.
| Full Name | Arthur Andrew Kelm (later Gelien) |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Tab Hunter |
| Born | July 11, 1931 |
| Died | July 8, 2018 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Traditional Pop |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Producer |
| Years Active | 1950–1992 (film), 1956–1960 (music) |
| Hit Songs | “Young Love”, “Ninety-Nine Ways”, “Red Sails in the Sunset” |
| Hit Films | Battle Cry, The Burning Hills, That Kind of Woman, Polyester, Lust in the Dust |
| Autobiography | Tab Hunter Confidential (2005) |
| Notable Revival | 1980s cult films with Divine |
Early Life and Interests
Tab Hunter was born Arthur Andrew Kelm on July 11, 1931, in New York City to German immigrant parents. His parents divorced when he was a child. His mother took custody of him and his brother and moved them to Southern California. She later changed the family surname to her maiden name, Gelien.
Growing up, young Arthur Gelien showed a natural talent for sports, especially figure skating and horseback riding. At 15, he lied about his age to join the U.S. Coast Guard, but his true passion remained entertainment. While other servicemen spent their time off in bars, Arthur preferred going to the movies—unknowingly preparing himself for a future in the spotlight.
Discovery and Rise to Fame
After the Coast Guard, Gelien worked at a stable where he was spotted by actor Dick Clayton, who later became his manager. Clayton introduced him to Henry Willson, a Hollywood talent agent known for crafting matinee idols like Rock Hudson.
Willson gave Gelien the stage name Tab Hunter, and soon after, the blond, blue-eyed young man began landing roles. His first credited film was The Lawless (1950). In 1952, he starred opposite Linda Darnell in Island of Desire. His good looks and athleticism made him a natural fit for action, war, and western films.
By the mid-1950s, Hunter was a bona fide movie star. He starred in hits like:
-
Battle Cry (1955)
-
The Burning Hills (1956) with Natalie Wood
-
That Kind of Woman (1959)
-
Gunman’s Walk (1958)
-
The Pleasure of His Company (1961)
He was consistently ranked among the top box-office stars and became a fixture on fan magazine covers.
Singing Stardom: “Young Love” and More
In 1956, Dot Records approached Hunter with a chance to record music. His first release, “Young Love,” was an instant smash. Though Sonny James had released his own version earlier, it was Hunter’s rendition that topped the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard R&B, and UK Singles Chart.
Hunter’s version of “Young Love” became one of the defining love songs of the decade. It sold over a million copies and earned a gold record.
He followed up with more singles:
-
“Ninety-Nine Ways” – #11 Hot 100
-
“Red Sails in the Sunset” – #57
-
“(I’ll Be With You In) Apple Blossom Time” – #31
His early recordings made him one of the few actors to successfully cross over into music. However, his singing career hit a snag when Warner Bros., unhappy that one of their stars was recording for a rival label, launched Warner Bros. Records. Hunter was required to record under the new label. His later singles with Warner didn’t match the earlier success.
The Tab Hunter Show and Mid-Career Shifts
In 1960, NBC launched The Tab Hunter Show, a sitcom that cast him as a cartoonist navigating bachelor life. While it ran only one season, it demonstrated his continued appeal to audiences.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Hunter acted in various films and TV shows. While he no longer dominated the box office, he remained a reliable performer. He also worked on stage and became a frequent guest on talk shows and variety programs.
Behind the scenes, Hunter faced the challenge of maintaining his public image. In a deeply conservative era, Hunter—who was gay—had to carefully manage how the studio marketed him. Relationships were staged for the press, and his private life remained hidden for decades.
1980s Comeback and Cult Fame
Hunter’s career took a surprising turn in the 1980s. He starred in Polyester (1981), a satirical film by cult director John Waters. Hunter played opposite Divine, the drag queen icon, in a pairing that delighted audiences.
The film’s success led to another collaboration: Lust in the Dust (1985), directed by Paul Bartel. In this western spoof, Hunter again starred with Divine. These quirky roles reintroduced him to younger audiences and showcased his comedic timing and willingness to defy expectations.
Hunter also formed his own production company. In 1992, he wrote and starred in the film Dark Horse, which told the story of a troubled teen and his relationship with a horse—reflecting Hunter’s real-life love for animals and equestrian pursuits.
Later Years and Memoir
In 2005, Hunter released his candid autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential, co-written with Eddie Muller. The book was well-received for its honesty, especially about his sexuality and the pressures of being a closeted actor during the golden age of Hollywood.
The memoir inspired the 2015 documentary Tab Hunter Confidential, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival. It featured interviews with Hunter and other stars, exploring his life in and out of the limelight.
Tab Hunter passed away on July 8, 2018, just three days shy of his 87th birthday, due to a sudden cardiac event following a blood clot. He left behind a legacy as a Hollywood star who lived on his own terms—breaking boundaries, surviving reinvention, and ultimately sharing his truth.
Legacy and Influence
Tab Hunter’s journey from teen idol to cult favorite to outspoken memoirist is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. At the height of his fame, he was a household name. Later, he used his platform to reflect on the challenges of being a closeted star in the conservative 1950s entertainment industry.
Today, he is remembered not only for his looks and talent but for his courage, charm, and willingness to reinvent himself.
Conclusion
Tab Hunter was more than a 1950s teen idol. He was a multi-talented performer who navigated the pressures of fame, the studio system, and societal expectations. Whether topping the charts or lighting up the screen, he defined an era—and then came back to defy it.