Trivia

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.

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.

He was the younger of two boys. His brother, Walter John Gelien (born August 18, 1930), was killed in action in Vietnam on October 28, 1965, leaving behind a wife and seven children. Hunter learned of his older brother's death a few days later when a messenger from the US War Department approached Hunter while he was performing in a rodeo and, after addressing him by his real name (Arthur Kelm), the messenger handed Hunter the envelope confirming his brother's death.

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. Willson was also well known for coming up with Rock Hudson's name.

He was born Arthur Kelm in New York City. His mother, Gertrude (Gelien), was a German (Catholic) immigrant. His father, Charles Kelm, was Jewish. Tab was raised in California by his mother and maternal grandparents, Ida (Sonnenfleth) and John Henry Gelien.

Was Warner Bros. Records' first signee.

He was one of the last actors to be put under exclusive contract at Warner Bros. before the eventual erosion of the studio system in the late 1950s.

Hunter and his life partner Allan Glaser met in 1983, and stayed together until Hunter's death in 2018. The couple co-produced the films Lust in the Dust (1984), Hollywood on Horses (1989), and Dark Horse (1992).

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."

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6320 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

He co-executive produced and hosted the cable television series Hollywood on Horses (1989).

Taught how to needlepoint by Rosey Grier.

His bare chest was chosen to adorn the cover of Donald Reuter's book: "Shirtless! The Hollywood Male Physique."

Sailors of the Royal Navy with the surname Hunter are often given the nickname Tab in reference to Tab Hunter.

On October 21, 2018, he was honored with a Sketch of the Day caricature on the website Star Portraits by a United States based artist known as Odoxesky. He was again so honored on March 12, 2019.