When it comes to careers in Hollywood, Tab Hunter's trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In the 1950s, the remarkably handsome star could be seen just about everywhere - movies, talk shows, commercials, the list goes on.
But behind all the glitz and glamour, Tab Hunter was keeping a secret - he was gay.
Hunter's struggle with his own identity and his highs and lows in Hollywood are chronicled in a new documentary called "Tab Hunter Confidential."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfTiAAHYhyw
To listen to the full interview, click on the blue audio player above.
Interview Highlights
On labels
I'm very interested in women, I love being around women. People assume that just because you're gay that you don't like women. I love women, that's just a ridiculous thing.
That's just like putting a label on you... I am more concerned with human beings, and the most important thing is what kind of a human being are you.
On leading gay actors in Hollywood -- Then and Now
You know a leading man, or a leading woman -- I don't know of any who are gay today, and certainly not then. I mean that is a thing that just those who make films won't invest in.
I mean you can find characters. You can find comedians, and the best friend of and so forth...but an out-and-out leading male or female to this day is still the same. That is what I've seen.
On his relationships with the studios
All I know is that those studios in the old days would build you to what they wanted. I was the all-American boy, Jimmy Dean was the rebel...
I was not comfortable in that skin but I did what the studio asked me to do -- a lot of times like taking dates out to premiers and all that -- because that's what they wanted me to do.
If I didn't, I was out and they would ask someone else.
It's a job, so do it to the best of your ability or let someone else who will.