On the basis of his picture-perfect looks, Tab Hunter became a teenage idol and a leading man of the 1950s. Tall, blond, tan, and athletically built, he was called "Golden Boy" by the press. It was then-powerful agent Henry Willson who Hollywoodized his name, saying, "We've got to tab him something." Willson was also responsible for transforming Roy Scherer, Jr., into Rock Hudson. Like Hudson, Hunter was typical of the actors who enjoyed careers in the wane of the so-called star system: handsome and engaging, with boyish charm but limited acting range.

Helen Hunt accepting the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

A native of New York, Hunter was born Arthur Kelm. He later took his mother's maiden name to become Arthur Gelien. He joined the Coast Guard at age fifteen, but was discharged...