Born at 3:00am EDT
Following the likes of Richard Chamberlain, Tab released his tell-all 2005 memoir revealing his homosexuality. The book entitled "Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star" outlines a late 1950s relationship with actor Anthony Perkins that lasted several years. Other briefer flings mentioned included dancer Rudolf Nureyev, actor Scott Marlowe and ice-skater Ronnie Robertson. The book was actually written in 2003 but held in release for two years.
Had a #1 hit record, "Young Love", in 1957.
Had a lifelong love for horses.
He co-executive produced and hosted the cable television series Hollywood on Horses (1989) (V).
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6320 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
His bare chest was chosen to adorn the cover of Donald Reuter's book: "Shirtless! The Hollywood Male Physique."
Hunter and his life-partner Allan Glaser met in 1983. The two co-produced the films "Lust in the Dust" in 1985 and "Dark Horse" in 1992.
On December 23, 1980, he suffered a heart attack at age 49 while skiing in Taos, New Mexico. In March, 1991 he suffered a stroke. He recovered from both.
The name "Tab Hunter" came from agent Henry Willson who wanted to "tab" the actor wannabe with a catchy new name. "Hunter" came from his skills as a horseman who rode hunters and jumpers.
The younger of two boys, older brother Walt died in Vietnam in 1965 leaving seven children.
Was once arrested following an L.A. raid on a "pajama party" in Walnut Park in 1950. Tab was eventually fined $50 for a reduced "disorderly conduct" charge after originally being charged with "idle, lewd or dissolute conduct."