Tab Hunter, one of the most prominent movie stars of the 1950s who starred in the "Damn Yankees!" film adaptation, has died at 86.
The longtime actor passed away Sunday from a blood clot in Santa Barbara, Calif., his rep told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. His death was announced shortly earlier by a Facebook page connected to the star.
Hunter, a Hollywood heartthrob in his heyday, broke out in the industry with performances in films such as the 1955 World War II drama "Battle Cry" and the 1956 western "The Burning Hills" alongside Natalie Wood. Arguably his biggest role was as leading man Joe Hardy in the 1958 adaptation of the Broadway staple "Damn Yankees!"
He also had a short-lived sitcom, "The Tab Hunter Show," that ran between 1960 and 1961.
Rumors about Hunter's sexuality presented a hurdle for the actor, however, as his career progressed during a period in Hollywood where not many film stars came out.
Hunter confirmed he was gay in 2005 in an autobiography, and later explained to THR that he'd rather come out himself than have someone else report it later on.
"I didn't want someone putting a spin on my life," he told the outlet in 2015.
Although Hunter's popularity waned during the 1960s, he managed to find regular work as an actor during the decade, as well as throughout the 1970s. He garnered renewed attention in the 1980s by starring alongside Divine, a popular actor and drag queen, in "Polyester" (1981) and "Lust in the Dust" (1985).
Hunter had a smaller role in "Grease 2" in 1982 as well.
In addition to his acting career, Hunter _ who was born in New York _ enjoyed musical success, with his 1957 song "Young Love" topping the Billboard chart for six weeks and his subsequent track "Ninety-Nine Ways" finishing just outside the top 10.
Hunter was to turn 87 on Wednesday.
