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| Tab Hunter as seen in documentary Tab Hunter Confidential |
Tab Hunter, actor, singer, producer and Hollywood legend, has died just three days before what would have been his 87th birthday, it emerged today. The star of Damn Yankees, The Virginian and Polyester had previously survived a heart attack and stroke, but died from a blood clot.
Hunter first came to public attention in 1955 when he appeared alongside Robert Mitchum in Track Of The Cat. In 1956, he had a number one hit record with Young Love.
A committed Catholic, Hunter was uncomfortable with press interest in his sexuality at a time when homosexuality was strictly taboo in Hollywood, and considered marrying a woman but didn't feel he could make it work. He had a long term relationship with fellow actor Anthony Perkins which was recently announced as the subject of a new film being made by Zachary Quinto. Despite the challenges he faced, he always remained upbeat and described his life as having been "wonderful."
Unwilling to let other people spin his story, Hunter wrote an autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making Of A Movie Star, and spoke at length in the documentary Tab Hunter Confidential.
He is survived by his partner of 35 years, producer Allan Glaser.
