Who Is Tab Hunter? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tab Hunter was born on July 11, 1931, and passed away on July 8, 2018. Even though Tab Hunter is no longer with us, his legacy endures. He was an iconic American actor, singer, and author, known for his charming looks and boy-next-door appeal. His most significant works include films like “Battle Cry” and “Damn Yankees,” as well as a remarkable career that spanned several decades. Hunter came out as gay in his later years, challenging Hollywood's norms and encouraging others to live authentically.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1931 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 July, 2018 |
| Died Place | Santa Barbara, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tab Hunter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tab Hunter stood at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) during his prime. He maintained a fit and athletic build, which was a trademark of his roles in many films. While his exact weight fluctuated throughout his career, he was typically around 190 lbs (86 kg), embodying the classic leading man physique.
Hunter's autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star (2005), co-written with Eddie Muller, became a New York Times bestseller, as did the paperback edition in 2007. In his memoir, Hunter officially came out as gay, confirming rumors that had circulated since the height of his fame. The book was nominated for several awards.
It entered the New York Times' bestseller list for a third time on June 28, 2015, upon the release of Tab Hunter Confidential, an award-winning documentary based upon the memoir. The documentary was directed by Jeffrey Schwarz and produced by Allan Glaser. As of June 2022, a feature film about Hunter to be produced by Glaser, J. J.
Abrams and Zachary Quinto was in development at Paramount Pictures. Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning writer Doug Wright is attached to create the screenplay.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tab Hunter had a notable romantic history. After a long and publicly concealed relationship, he openly acknowledged his sexuality and shared a significant partnership with actor Anthony Perkins. Following Perkins' death, Hunter found love again in his later years, marrying his longtime partner, Allan Glaser. The couple remained together until Hunter's passing, showcasing a beautiful bond that defied Hollywood's traditional norms.
Kelm's father was Jewish, and his mother was a German immigrant from Hamburg. He had an older brother, Walter. Kelm's father was reportedly abusive. Within a few years of Kelm's birth, his parents divorced.
He was raised in California, living with his mother, his brother, and his maternal grandparents, John Henry and Ida (née Sonnenfleth) Gelien; the family resided in San Francisco, Long Beach and Los Angeles. His mother re-assumed her maiden surname, Gelien, and changed her sons' surnames as well.
As a teenager, Arthur Gelien (as he was then known) was a figure skater, competing in both singles and pairs. Gelien was sent to Catholic school by his religious mother.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2018, Tab Hunter's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. Much of his wealth came from his successful acting career, music sales, and ventures in the entertainment industry, including writing his memoir, "Tab Hunter Confidential," which further solidified his legacy. In 2025, his estate continues to thrive, with ongoing royalties from his work and memoir.
Career, Business and Investments
Tab Hunter's career took off in the 1950s, and he quickly became a major star. Known for his roles in multiple films and television shows, Hunter's accolades include winning a Golden Globe Award and appearing in significant productions throughout his life. In addition to acting, Hunter ventured into the music industry, releasing hit singles that resonated with fans. Posthumously, several projects, including documentaries exploring his life, have celebrated his contributions to film and LGBTQ+ visibility, ensuring that his impact on entertainment lives on.
Tab Hunter (born Arthur Andrew Kelm; July 11, 1931 – July 8, 2018) was an American actor, singer, film producer, and author. Known for his blond hair and clean-cut good looks, Hunter starred in more than forty films.
During the 1950s and 1960s, in his twenties and thirties, Hunter was a Hollywood heart-throb, acting in numerous roles and appearing on the covers of hundreds of magazines. His notable screen credits include Battle Cry (1955), The Girl He Left Behind (1956), Gunman's Walk (1958), Damn Yankees (1958), and Polyester (1981).
Hunter also had a music career in the late 1950s; in 1957, he released a no. 1 hit single "Young Love". Hunter's 2005 autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star, was a New York Times bestseller.
Social Network
While Tab Hunter was not highly active on social media during his lifetime due to the era in which he was a star, his legacy has been carried on through fan pages and homage accounts across platforms like Instagram and Twitter. In 2025, his impact continues to be celebrated by fans who share memories and tributes, keeping the spark of his vibrant life alive on social networks.
Hunter's failure to win the role of Tony in the film adaptation of West Side Story (1961) prompted him to agree to star in a weekly television sitcom. The Tab Hunter Show had moderate ratings (due to being scheduled opposite The Ed Sullivan Show) and lasted for one season (1960–61) of 32 episodes.
It was a hit in the United Kingdom, where it ranked as one of the most watched situation comedies of the year. Hunter's costars in the series included Richard Erdman, Jerome Cowan, and Reta Shaw.
Education
Though specific details about Tab Hunter's formal education are scarce, he attended high school in California before embarking on his acting career. His experiences in Hollywood served as an education in itself, shaping him into the iconic figure we remember today.
