Tab Hunter net worth in 2024 is a topic many people are curious about. He was one of Hollywood’s most famous stars during the 1950s, known for his good looks and charming personality. Over the years, Hunter became a big name in both movies and music, making a lasting impact on popular culture.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how Tab Hunter earned his wealth and what helped him become so successful.
Tab Hunter in Brief
| Full Name | Arthur Andrew Kelm (Tab Hunter) |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1931 |
| Died | July 8, 2018 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Author |
| Height | 6 ft (182 cm) |
| Partners | Anthony Perkins, Etienne Girardot |
| Spouse | Allan Glaser (m. 2013) |
| Net Worth | $10 million at the time of his death |
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What is Tab Hunter Net Worth in 2024?
Tab Hunter was an American actor, singer, film producer, and author with a net worth of $10 Million at the time of his death in 2018. Tab Hunter’s wealth mainly came from his work in the entertainment industry.
He was a popular actor and singer in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his good looks and charm. He starred in movies like Battle Cry and Damn Yankees, which helped make him a teen idol.
Hunter also had a successful music career, with a hit song called “Young Love” that topped the charts. Later, he acted in TV shows and even produced a movie. Although he faced challenges, Hunter’s talents and popularity allowed him to build a comfortable financial life.
Tab Hunter’s Early Life
Arthur Andrew Kelm, born in Manhattan, New York City, had a tough childhood. His father Charles was reportedly abusive and his parents divorced shortly after he was born. Arthur’s mother Gertrude a German Catholic immigrant moved him and his older brother Walter to California. They lived with their grandparents moving between San Francisco, Long Beach, and Los Angeles. To distance herself from the past, Gertrude changed their last names to her maiden name, Gelien.
As a teen Arthur now known as Arthur Gelien took up figure skating and competed in singles and pairs. His deeply religious mother sent him to Catholic school.
At fifteen, Arthur lied about his age to join the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. During his time there, he earned the nickname “Hollywood” because he enjoyed watching movies more than going out to bars. This love for movies led to his big break—after being discharged, he met actor Dick Clayton, who suggested he try acting.
Arthur’s journey from skating to the Coast Guard to potential stardom began with a few simple decisions that would lead him into the world of Hollywood.
Tab Hunter’s Career
Early Career
Tab Hunter, born in the 1930s, became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1950s. He was introduced to agent Henry Willson, who also managed famous actors like Rock Hudson. Willson gave him the stage name Tab Hunter. His first movie was The Lawless where he had a small role. But his big break came in the Island of Desire, where he starred alongside Linda Darnell. The movie was a hit, and his career took off from there.
Rise to Fame
In 1955, Tab starred in Battle Cry, a war drama, which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. His role as a Marine was praised, and the film made him one of the top young stars in Hollywood. He also starred in other successful films like The Sea Chase and The Burning Hills. By 1956, Warner Bros. promoted him to star status. Hunter’s popularity soared, and he became a favorite with audiences.
Music Career
Besides acting, Tab Hunter had a successful music career. In 1957, his song Young Love hit number one on the Billboard charts and sold over two million copies. This song became one of the biggest hits of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era. He also had a hit with Ninety-Nine Ways, which was popular in the U.S. and the U.K.
In the 1960s, Tab tried different roles. He starred in a TV sitcom, The Tab Hunter Show, which lasted one season. He also appeared in films like The Pleasure of His Company and The Golden Arrow. Hunter continued acting in various genres, including war films and westerns, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He also had roles in popular movies like The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean and Sweet Kill.
Later Career
In the 1980s, Tab Hunter made a comeback with roles in Polyester and Lust in the Dust, both of which became cult hits. He also appeared in Grease 2 and the horror film Cameron’s Closet. His final film role was in Dark Horse, a family movie about horses, which he also co-produced.
In his memoir, Tab Hunter Confidential, Hunter openly came out as gay, revealing details about his personal life. The book became a bestseller and was later made into a documentary. In recognition of his contributions to music and film, Tab Hunter has received several honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He remains a beloved figure in entertainment history.
Tab Hunter’s Personal Life
Coming Out
Tab Hunter publicly came out as gay in his 2005 memoir. During his Hollywood years, there were rumors about his relationships with famous actresses like Debbie Reynolds and Natalie Wood. However, these stories were mostly made up by Hollywood studios. In those days, the word “gay” wasn’t widely used, and Hunter struggled with his identity.
He often felt he was living two different lives – one in the public eye and one in private. It was hard for him to talk about his personal life because of the pressure of being a movie star.
Relationships and Love
Hunter had relationships with several people in his life. He was in a relationship with actor Anthony Perkins in the late 1950s, which lasted two to four years. Hunter described Perkins as a “special part” of his life. He also had relationships with figure skater Ronnie Robertson, actor Neal Noorlag, and dancer Rudolf Nureyev. After many years, Hunter found lasting love with his husband, Allan Glaser, a film producer. They were together for more than 35 years.
Family and Faith
Hunter was raised in a Catholic family, and except for a short time in his youth, he practiced his faith throughout his life. Although his father and his husband were Jewish, Hunter did not identify as Jewish. He was also a passionate horse owner. Hunter’s brother, Walter Gelien, died in the Vietnam War in 1965, leaving behind a wife and seven children.
Tab Hunter’s Death
Tab Hunter passed away on July 8, 2018, just days before his 87th birthday. His death was sudden and caused by complications from deep vein thrombosis. His husband, Allan Glaser, said it was unexpected and heartbreaking for those who knew him.
