Hollywood Remembers Tab Hunter: “A Pioneer Of Self-Acceptance”, Says Zachary Quinto
Refresh for updates Tab Hunter is being remembered today as both an iconic Hollywood actor and as one of the very few stars of his 1950s peak era to eventually come out as gay, a decades-long process chronicled in Hunter’s 2005 autobiography Tab Hunter Confidential, and the 2015 Netflix documentary it inspired.
Zachary Quinto, who, along with J.J. Abrams, Hunter’s husband and producing partner Allan Glaser and Neil Koenigsberg are developing a Paramount project based on the part of Hunter’s memoir about his relationship with fellow actor Anthony Perkins, called Hunter “a pioneer of self-acceptance” who moved “through this world with authenticity as his guide.” (See Quinto’s entire Instagram message below).
Elton John tweeted simply, “RIP to the most handsome and special man.” Referring to Hunter’s 1957 hit cover of the song made famous earlier by Sonny James, John ended his tweet with, “‘Young Love’ forever.”
Here’s a sampling of reactions to Hunter’s death Sunday.
Tab Hunter was so much more than a teen heartthrob—he was a celebrated actor, trailblazer, and an icon for the LGBTQ community. Brad and I extend our deepest condolences to his husband, Allan Glaser.
RIP, Tab. You will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/Hgyf520aVB
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 9, 2018
Wonderful memories of getting to know #TabHunter on the TCM cruise. He told me, “Every day is a thank you day”. pic.twitter.com/Zl1s8X2hYE
— Illeana Douglas (@Illeanarama) July 9, 2018
RIP Tab Hunter, gentleman and hero, w DH c 1980 NYC pic @chrissteinplays pic.twitter.com/6LulgUoPUI
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) July 9, 2018
RIP…. my wonderful friend, Tab Hunter has passed away. He was an amazingly genuine and gifted man. I was lucky to have him in my life. Thankful I got to spend the afternoon with him just a few weeks ago…#TabHunter #RIPtab #damnyankees pic.twitter.com/z4vt4mBmJh
— Michael Feinstein (@MichaelFeinstei) July 9, 2018
Mr. Tab Hunter now away with the angels after a lifetime of being as well as looking like a fabulous guy #Montecito #RydellHigh #TabHunterConfidential pic.twitter.com/D2beCHVkPT
— Maxwell Caulfield (@maxcaulfield) July 9, 2018
One of the great pleasures of working at @tcm is meeting actors & filmmakers we all admire. It was impossible not to like Tab Hunter – he and his partner Allan were a delight to be around – at the TCM Film Festival & on the cruise. Thoughts are with Allan today. pic.twitter.com/4MHaWwH5lo
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77) July 9, 2018
RIP #TabHunter, my sweet, dashing friend of nearly 70 years. Really happy we had a chance to see each other a few weeks ago at the Chateau Marmont. You will be missed by me and many, many others. pic.twitter.com/FbaPj4RPyZ
— Scotty Bowers (@ScottyBowers) July 9, 2018
Grateful that we were able to meet the incredible Tab Hunter and thank him for his authenticity and courage. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/5e740V7uXv
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) July 9, 2018
So long, friend. #TabHunter pic.twitter.com/FyrvD8wepP
— Bo Derek (@boderek) July 9, 2018
RIP to the most handsome and special man. “Young Love” forever. #RIPTabHunter E xx pic.twitter.com/TIrAjpbRtw
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) July 9, 2018
Condolences to the family of Tab Hunter.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 9, 2018
Sad to report that Tab Hunter, the gawjuss gay icon, and true gentleman, has left the building. We shared some good laughs back in the 80’s. I was always fond of this dear man.
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) July 9, 2018
just got the news of Tab Hunter passing…i was fortunate to spend an evening with him when he came to an @officialgogos show a couple of years ago. what a wonderful human being full of so much grace. i was lucky to know him #RIPTabHunter pic.twitter.com/Ze6bvvnSzt
— Belinda Carlisle (@belindaofficial) July 9, 2018
RIP Tab Hunter – one of the most charming men I ever met #Actor #Heartthrob #Singer #Icon #TabHunter @TabHunterDoc pic.twitter.com/ze5NfImMp3
— Matthew Bourne (@SirMattBourne) July 9, 2018
“I don't care whether people like me or dislike me. I'm not on earth to win a popularity contest. I'm here to be the best human being I possibly can be.” – Tab Hunter, 1931 – 2018. Our hearts are with Tab's loved ones. https://t.co/2YOCKcsDpj
— GLAAD (@glaad) July 9, 2018
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Tab Hunter. @THR remembers him here: https://t.co/1EL1jhysgj
— TCM (@tcm) July 9, 2018
Tab Hunter, you will be missed. Thank you for always living your truth and for joining us at #BoysintheBand. pic.twitter.com/CJlsgMt8oa
— The Boys in the Band on Broadway (@BoysBandBway) July 9, 2018
Stay beautiful on Heaven forever Tab Hunter
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) July 9, 2018
RIP Tab Hunter. pic.twitter.com/TBdo6Y6AR9
— Mario Cantone (@macantone) July 9, 2018
Tab Hunter and DH 1980 pic.twitter.com/C2moyrZBqA
— chris stein (@chrissteinplays) July 9, 2018
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