Tab Hunter: The Life, Career, and Net Worth of a Hollywood Icon

Introduction

Tab Hunter, born Arthur Andrew Kelm, was a prominent figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for his striking good looks and versatile talents, Hunter captivated audiences as an actor, singer, and author. This article delves into the life and career of Tab Hunter, exploring his journey from a young figure skater to a celebrated movie star, his musical achievements, his impact on popular culture, and ultimately, his net worth at the time of his passing.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Tab Hunter’s early life was marked by a series of transitions. Born in New York City on July 11, 1931, to a Jewish father and a Catholic German immigrant mother, his parents divorced when he was young. He spent his formative years in California, raised by his mother and grandparents. As a teenager, he showed promise as a figure skater and attended Catholic school. Hunter’s path took a turn when he enlisted in the US Coast Guard at the age of 15, falsifying his age to join. He was later discharged when his true age was discovered. This led him to pursue acting, a decision that would shape his future.

A Prolific Film Career in the 1950s and 60s

Tab Hunter’s acting career began when he met actor Dick Clayton, who introduced him to talent agent Henry Willson. Willson gave him the stage name “Tab Hunter.” In 1950, Hunter made his film debut in Joseph Losey’s film noir “The Lawless.” His first leading role came in 1952 with the adventure romance film “Island of Desire,” opposite Linda Darnell. This was followed by roles in “Gun Belt,” “The Steel Lady,” and “Return to Treasure Island.”

Hunter’s career soared after signing with Warner Bros. He starred in several successful films, including “Track of the Cat,” “The Sea Chase,” and the war epic “Battle Cry,” a major box office hit in 1955. He continued to appear in popular films such as “The Burning Hills” and “The Girl He Left Behind,” both with Natalie Wood. Other notable roles during this era included the war film “Lafayette Escadrille,” the Western “Gunman’s Walk,” and the musical “Damn Yankees.” He closed out the 1950s with appearances in “They Came to Cordura” and “That Kind of Woman.”

Hunter’s film career continued into the 1960s with “The Pleasure of His Company,” featuring Debbie Reynolds and Fred Astaire. He starred in “The Golden Arrow,” “Operation Bikini,” “Ride the Wild Surf,” and the British film “Troubled Waters.” In 1965, he appeared in Jacques Tourneur’s “City Under the Sea” and Tony Richardson’s “The Loved One.” Later in the decade, he took roles in “Birds Do It,” “The Fickle Finger of Fate,” and “Hostile Guns,” as well as several Italian films, showcasing his adaptability across genres and international cinema.

Later Film Roles and Career Revival

In 1972, Hunter co-starred with Paul Newman in the Western comedy “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.” He took the lead role in Curtis Hanson’s directorial debut, “Sweet Kill,” in 1973. He appeared in “Timber Tramps” and “Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood” during the 1970s. In the early 1980s, Hunter experienced a career resurgence, notably starring alongside Divine in John Waters’s comedy “Polyester.” He continued with roles in “Pandemonium” and “Grease 2.” He then reunited with Divine in “Lust in the Dust” and the slasher film “Out of the Dark.” Hunter concluded the 1980s with appearances in horror films “Grotesque” and “Cameron’s Closet.”

His final film role came in 1992 in the drama “Dark Horse,” based on his own story, which he also co-produced. The film featured Ed Begley Jr., Mimi Rogers, and Ari Meyers.

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Television Ventures

Tab Hunter also made significant contributions to television. He began appearing on television in the mid-1950s, with roles in “Ford Television Theatre” and “Climax!” Later, he was featured in episodes of “Conflict” and “Playhouse 90.” He starred in the television film “Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates” in the late 1950s. In 1960, Hunter starred in his own sitcom, “The Tab Hunter Show,” which ran for one season. Over the following decades, Hunter made guest appearances on numerous popular shows, including “Combat!,” “Burke’s Law,” “The Virginian,” “Cannon,” “Ellery Queen,” “McMillan & Wife,” and “Hawaii Five-O.” He also starred in television films such as “Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold” and “The Kid from Left Field” in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, he appeared on “Charlie’s Angels,” “Strike Force,” “Benson,” and “Fridays.” His last television roles were in 1984 in episodes of “The Fall Guy” and “Masquerade.”

Stage Appearances

Hunter also graced the stage, appearing in productions of “Our Town” and “The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore.” He was involved in summer stock and dinner theater productions, including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “The Tender Trap,” and “West Side Story,” demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Musical Achievements

Hunter also achieved significant success as a singer. His 1957 recording of “Young Love” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, solidifying his place in music history. He had another hit that year with “Ninety-Nine Ways.” Other singles included recordings of “Red Sails in the Sunset,” “Jealous Heart,” and “(I’ll Be with You) In Apple Blossom Time,” demonstrating his musical talent.

Personal Life, Coming Out, and Death

Throughout most of his career, Hunter kept his personal life private. However, he publicly came out as gay in his 2005 autobiography, “Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star.” During the height of his fame, he was in a secret relationship with actor Anthony Perkins. He later dated figure skater Ronnie Robertson. In 2013, he married Allan Glaser, who later produced the 2015 documentary “Tab Hunter Confidential.” Hunter passed away from cardiac arrest on July 8, 2018, just shy of his 87th birthday.

Tab Hunter’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death

At the time of his death in 2018, Tab Hunter had an estimated net worth of $10 million. This reflects his successful career across multiple entertainment fields, including film, television, music, and stage. His enduring appeal and the popularity of his autobiography and documentary have solidified his legacy as a Hollywood icon.

Conclusion

Tab Hunter was a multifaceted entertainer who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. From his early days as a heartthrob to his later roles and his courageous openness about his personal life, Hunter captivated audiences for decades. His achievements in film, television, music, and theater, coupled with his lasting influence, have cemented his status as a true icon of his time. His net worth at the time of his death reflects a career filled with success and the lasting impact he made on the entertainment industry.