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.

The younger of two boys, older brother Walt died in Vietnam in 1965 leaving seven children.

Had a lifelong love for horses.

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.

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."

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

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

Had a #1 hit record, "Young Love", in 1956.

His Birth name was Arthur Andrew Kelm