Tab Hunter, the blond, trim-good looking actor, captured the hearts of many in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a Hollywood heartthrob and had a successful career on the silver screen. But behind the fame and adoration, Tab Hunter struggled with a secret that he had to keep hidden from the public. In a time when being gay was not accepted, Tab Hunter had to hide his true identity and resort to secret relationships to protect his career.
From a young age, Tab Hunter had a passion for movies. He even lied about his age to join the US Coast Guard at 15 so he could be closer to Hollywood. It was during this time that he met the famous agent Henry Willson, who was responsible for discovering other male superstars like Rock Hudson and Robert Wagner. Willson believed that looks and physique were more important than acting skills, and Tab Hunter fit the Hollywood mold perfectly with his “Malibu beach boy looks.”
But being a gay actor in the conservative era of the 1950s was not easy. Tab Hunter had to hide his true identity and pretend to have relationships with women to protect his career. He had to keep his personal life a secret, even from his closest friends and colleagues. It was a lonely and challenging experience for Tab, but he managed to navigate through it.
Later in life, Tab Hunter found love and happiness with his lifelong partner, Allan Glaser. They got married and enjoyed a successful and happy marriage. But before he met Allan, Tab had a secret affair with actor Anthony Perkins. The relationship was kept hidden from the public eye, as they couldn’t go out in public without risking their careers and reputations.
Eventually, Tab Hunter decided to come clean about his past relationships. He wanted to be the one to reveal his private life to the public. In an interview, he spoke about his struggles and how he had always known that he was attracted to men. But because of the era he lived in, he could never fully embrace his true identity.
Throughout his career, Tab Hunter had to navigate through marketing gimmicks and fake relationships. His fame reached new heights when Warner Bros. offered him a unique seven-year contract. He was paired off with co-star Natalie Wood, and they appeared to be romantically involved in public. However, it was all a façade to maintain his Hollywood image.
After his career waned in the 1960s, Tab Hunter and Allan Glaser retired to a modest cottage outside Santa Barbara. They enjoyed a quiet life away from the spotlight, content with their decision to lead a more private and meaningful life. Tab Hunter believed that success in Hollywood was not the only measure of a fulfilling life.
Sadly, Tab Hunter passed away at his home with Allan Glaser. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor and a trailblazer who had to navigate through the challenges of being a gay actor in a conservative era. His story serves as a reminder of the struggles many faced and the progress that still needs to be made in accepting and celebrating diversity in the entertainment industry.
Tab Hunter’s difficult professional life reminds us of the importance of acceptance and understanding. It is a testament to his strength and perseverance that he was able to find love and happiness despite the challenges he faced. Tab Hunter’s story will continue to inspire future generations to be true to themselves and live authentically, regardless of societal expectations.
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