October 22, 2023

Bonus video! Tab Hunter's expensive secret loves

Hello there!

In this week's bonus video we're taking a little peek at the love life of Tab Hunter -- and some of the very expensive lengths to which he went to keep those loves hidden. Tab's boyfriends include actor Anthony Perkins and ice skater Ronnie Robertson, as well as a blackmailer or two, and the movie studios had to work around the clock to sell Tab to the public as a heterosexual hunk.

Plus: A funny little goof by Debra Messing!

Here's Tab Hunter on Madam's Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8spXPlXxoDw

Bonus! Tab Hunter's secret loves (YouTube)

Comments (6)

K
Kimberly Ehrlich · November 24, 2023

Great video as usual. Just a comment about the What’s My Line appearance—I don’t think it makes the point you want. I’ve seen all the episodes on YouTube, and the celebrity guest was often asked if they were attractive or had a lot fans of the opposite sex and John Charles Daly would always interject right away and explain that he will say yes for them so the celebrity could remain modest and not have to brag about how attractive they are. I will say though that Tab did seem to look especially confused in that clip as to how to respond, even though I don’t think John gave it a second thought. You know that Tab Hunter appeared in a couple other episodes of What’s My Line?, though not nearly as many as Anthony Perkins appeared in? Perkins was a frequent panelist in a addition to being a celebrity guest a couple times. Tab was also a panelist at least a couple times. (During the pandemic I watched every episode. 🤓)

M
Matt Baume · November 27, 2023

Oh that's interesting -- I didn't realize it was a frequent question! But that makes sense. Poor Tab did seem to get in over his head a lot.

T
Thomas Pileggi · October 23, 2023

Fun video. I remember seeing a Tab Hunter film during his seventies period of less than stellar films. The Arousers was playing at a local drive-in on a double bill with the Pam Grier film Coffy. It was a Friday night special, but it was anything but. The plot had Tab's character have mother issues that led to psychological issues that led to his becoming a serial killer. There were definite roots in Psycho, but the film was just kind of sad. I felt bad for Tab. But now knowing his history with Tony Perkins (thanks to you) the movie has perhaps a layer of interest. Also, very much enjoyed Tab's appearance with Madame (she was one of my favorite characters back then. Not so much on the sitcom, but her appearances with the great Mr. Flowers).

M
Matt Baume · October 25, 2023

Oh yes, his Madame appearance is so strange and fun! He's clearly having a good time, which was certainly well-earned after all the bombs he had to endure.

G
Goose · October 22, 2023

I watched the Tony Perkins video; one of my favorites! So sorry it has been age restricted! Didn't think it was age inappropriate at all.

M
Matt Baume · October 25, 2023

Thank you! I think YouTube might've been upset about what looks like nudity in the shower scene??? Impossible to know for sure.