Coast Guard History
Frequently Asked Questions
Tab Hunter
Born: 1931
Tab Hunter was born in New York City as Arthur Andrew Kelm. After his parents separated his mother took him to California and changed her son's last name to her maiden name Gelien. He joined the Coast Guard at the age of fifteen, lying about his age to enlist. While in the Coast Guard he gained the nickname "Hollywood" for his penchant for watching movies rather than going to bars while on liberty. After his discharge he became a movie actor, starring in such films as "Island of Desire," "Battle Cry," "The Pleasure of His Company," "That Kind of Woman," "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," and "Damn Yankees." He also became a successful singer, releasing the number one hit "Young Love" in 1957. Mr. Hunter also starred in numerous Broadway productions, such as Tennessee William's "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here" with Tallulah Bankhead, and television programs, including "Ellery Queen," "Benson," and "The Love Boat."