Tab Hunter Had a Secret Romance with Anthony Perkins before Coming out and Marrying His Longtime Partner Allan Glaser

Late actor Tab Hunter married his long-time partner, film producer Allan Glaser and together, they had a happy life. But, before coming out about his sexuality, he had a secret affair with Anthony Perkins.

Veteran actor Tab Hunter dominated the Golden age of Hollywood thanks to his killer looks, handsome charm, and overall sex appeal. He was the definition of Hollywood's heartthrob with a bevy of ladies at his beck and call.

However, behind the scenes, Hunter was living a double life because of his hidden sexuality. Although he eventually came out of the closet and enjoyed a blissful married life, he indulged in secret affairs with notable names in the industry.

DETAILS ABOUT HUNTER'S SEXUALITY

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hunter opened up about what it was like to be a gay Hollywood star in the '40s. The icon who lived a private life explained that he shared his story because he wanted people to "get it from the horse's mouth."

Hunter's partner, Allan Glaser, had informed him that someone had planned to write a book about him, so the actor felt the public should get the story from its primary source.

According to the movie star, he first realized that he was different during his teen years. But, he noted that at that time, he would have freaked out if some had asked if he was homosexual as the word "gay" wasn't really used then.

However, Hunter's life changed when he met actor Dick Clayton, who encouraged him to act and set him up with agent Henry Willson, known for being "gay svengali” and linked to gay actors like Rock Hudson.

Luckily, the news of [Hunter's] sexuality didn't affect his career as he was named the most popular young star at the studio.

Willson set him up for several roles, but it was much later, when he starred in the 1955 film "Battle Cry" that he gained popularity. He soon became Hollywood's bad boy with his face appearing on every possible magazine.

His success with the film landed him a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. and brought him close to his "The Burning Hills" co-star Natalie Wood, who was among the only three actors to bag the luxurious deal with the production company.

He was romantically linked to Wood as Warner Bros. sent them out on dates to award ceremonies and premieres. He also had a close rapport with actress Debbie Reynolds and reportedly received valentines from 62,000 female admirers.

However, it turned out his rapport with the A-list women was nothing but publicity stunts. At the peak of his career, news that he was arrested at a "pajama party," an event mostly attended by gay people, broke out.

It was later discovered that under the guise of a relationship with Wood, Hunter was having an affair with "Psycho" star Anthony Perkins that lasted a long time. Speaking about it, the "Gunman's Walk" star said:

"Tony and I had a very, very good relationship. We double-dated a lot.”

Hunter dated other gay men in the industry low-key. Luckily, the news of his sexuality didn't affect his career as he was named the most popular young star at the studio. It was also rumored that Willson, who he had left at the time, was the one who leaked the news.

HUNTER AND GLASER'S RELATIONSHIP

After frolicking around Hollywood, Hunter settled down with Glaser, and together the duo lived a full life. The pair resided in a small cottage in a town on the outskirts of Santa Barbara.

The lovebirds stayed out of the spotlight after Hunter's popularity diminished in the '60s, and the actor revealed once that he preferred the company of horses to humans. While speaking to the New York Times in 2005, Hunter explained that there was more to life than just being successful.

HUNTER'S PASSING

After a long-lasting career in the entertainment industry, Hunter passed away at 86 at his Santa Barbara home. As confirmed by Glaser, he died of cardiac arrest after a blood clot went into his lungs. His acting other credits include "Elvis Forever," "Damn Yankees," and "Tab Hunter Confidential."