Tab & Tony Part 2: The End of Their Hollywood Romance

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/tequila to get up to $200 off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows.
Happy Monday! In part 2, we look at the forbidden Hollywood romance of Tab Hunter and Anthony Perkins, how it came to an end, and the very different roads they took through life.
Coffee & Tequila
Tab & Tony Part 2: A Buried Hollywood Romance
Season 2 Episode 6
00:00 - Intro
00:03:29 - Fancasting Tab & Tony
00:13:29 - Part 2
00:14:59 - What it takes to make it in Hollywood
00:26:37 - Ups and Downs
00: 38:55 - Drifting apart
00:44:02 - Tab falls for a french actress
00: 51: 45 - "Young Love" and "First Romance"
00:57:09 - End of the relationship
00:59:28 - Life after 'Tab & Tony' (New romances, struggling careers, conversion therapy, and a reunion)
01:25:00 - The Tab & Tony movie
SOURCES:
Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star by Tab Hunter and Eddie Muller
Tab Hunter Confidential (2015 Documentary)
Split Image by Charles Winecoff
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Alastair @alastairjpatton
Zach @adventuresofzachandb

[@frankiechoi2846]

I am loving this hairstyle on you Zach, you should definitely wear your natural hair more.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

We shall see

[@Terry-dl4nf]

@@coffeeandtequilashow Please get a sexy short haircut, Zach - Real short!

[@jslasher1]

I agree. Zac's hairstyle is fetching.

[@Mia-cg9em]

My hair would frizz & expand w/humidity. I hated it. Now at 59, my hair is so thin. It doesn’t frizz.

[@bradharper768]

Alastair and Zach, what a great team on screen. Your both articulate, well researched, I love the way (maybe because of the relationship) you just play off each other, it makes it fun to watch, and somehow you make us feel included. Your use of full and split screen is perfect. Have a great week guys, hope Selena was fun. That internalized homophobia conversation is a serious one, I sure hope in todays world kids won’t feel that. Okay the series or movie Tony and Tab.

[@BrownsBacker]

When you have loved someone, I believe that you receive some kind of psychic connection....I had my first boyfriend after I came out in 1987...it was a short, but intense relationship....in Dec 1992, after my next relationship of 3 yrs ended, I felt a need to call my first bf....I knew he had a partner, but wanted to catch up and say hi. When I called he let me know he was on his way out, which I took as he was going out to run errands or lunch...and then he said...."of this life". It's when I found out he was in the final stages of AIDS and was dying....I immediately went to the hospital and was confronted by his homophobic family, lesbian sister, and his jealous present partner.....it could've been a shit show, but he welcomed me and chased everyone else out his room....we talked and talked....then he got tired and I left, but he made me promise to come back the next day. I asked him why...and he said, with all the family drama and his partner worried that they'd sweep in after his death and take everything they had bought together....he said "Everyone else is here because of what they will get after I die...and you're here just because you love me." We spent an hour together every afternoon in the hospital for the next month....then one morning I woke up way too early and felt that I had to call him.... that's when I found out he had passed away less than an hour earlier.....once you have shared your heart totally, they own a part of you that no one else will touch in exactly the same way. It's part of your growth.

[@savethecoconutgroveplayhou548]

I met Anthony Perkins when I was a kid and have his autograph addressed to me. He was trying to make small talk with me but I was too starstruck to carry on a conversation.

[@slc2466]

Wow- that's cool you met him. As a teen I sent an autograph request to him, and got a signed picture of him outside the "Psycho" house, which was awesome.

[@neelskritzinger3979]

These two young men are my hero's and I just love them thank you

I’m so happy your show transformed into this. For a couple of weeks Coffee and Tequila has been my favorite show right now. Love it. Congrats. Another interesting men who’s stories you could talk about are Clark Gable (and his parties) and Marlon and all his… everything. I wish you did that.

[@Unpotted]

Really enjoyed this format where you each read a different book and took turns contributing to the discussion. Please keep it in mind for future episodes. It was fun! 😸✌️

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

It was a fun one to record

[@byronlobos]

i love your hair. people pay to have hair like yours :)

[@slc2466]

Just discovered this channel and really enjoyed the overview of Tab and Tony's relationship. Impressed with Zach, whose voice I find distractingly captivating, offering the correction at the beginning of the episode, as watching the first episode at one point I wanted to clarify Tab was at Warner Bros where James Dean did his three starring roles, while Perkins went to Paramount. However, Alastair is still correct in stating the Oscar-nominated Perkins was looked at more as a replacement for Dean after his passing , while Hunter was given fairly standard fare at WB after his big breakthrough in 1955's "Battle Cry" (one of the biggest hits of that year), with the possible exception of "Damn Yankees" in 1958. As mentioned, during this period Tab did get the smash hit record, though ("Young Love," a cover of Sonny James' hit, was #1 for a month on the Billboard Best Selling Singles chart), something neither James or Tony can claim (although Tony scored a lesser hit with "Moonlight Swim," also in 1957).

[@tonyanderson6235]

Too many times people start off these types of peoples relationship with a negative way and this is an interesting relationship discussion.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Agreed. Thanks man

[@Mirrigold]

Embrace the hair Zach, it looks fab 😍 also have really loved these two Old Hollywood style chats, I'm a huge Golden Era Hollywood fan and have boatloads of books about the era so this was really interesting for me. Definitely agree with Ben Whishaw, he's an incredibly intense actor and would work perfectly for Anthony Perkins, could see Trevor Donovan but personally for Tab Hunter I think someone like Austin Butler or Chord Overstreet.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Austin butler is another good one. I’m excited to see him in the Elvis biopic coming out

[@Mirrigold]

Definitely, I'm a massive Elvis fan so I think it will be good to see whether they do anything new with this latest film.

[@gussiemccrae7700]

This was fascinating. And y'all are very entertaining and articulate.

[@mickeycmajic]

Absolutely LOVE the attire today boys! From the T's to the hair (Zach) love it! You both look stunning! Keep this up! Great show's and fasinating topic's too. Mxx

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Thanks Mickey!

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

Andrew Garfield was himself speculated at one point to play Anthony Perkins in the Tab and Tony movie.

[@marty88ish]

Great job boys! Loved everything about this two part Tab & Tony episode.

[@David-R-AVP0057]

you two are a breath of fresh air love how real you feel

[@leonardbrooks6719]

Folks - You just keep getting better -already looking forward to the next. KEEP EM COMING!!

[@literallyricky]

I'm LIVING for this! Thank you so much for covering Tab & Tony! I watched the documentary and have a signed record of Tab's. Such an important and formative story for the culture, especially in Hollywood. It's amazing to see how far we've come but it's so imperative that we recognize the people who struggled to get things to where they are going now. I just watched the Scotty Bowers documentary on Hulu and it was BEYOND fascinating. Such an interesting and complex portrait of a man who lived quite an unusual life. Can't wait for that episode! Thanks again for what you are doing here! I learned so much and enjoyed every second. Love you both!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

You rock man. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@davidward805]

Your analysis and discussion of Tab and Tony is great, just beautiful! Thanks guys!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

We appreciate the support and encouragement!

[@rom_talan1115]

You gents did a SUPERIOR job with this 2 part! Great research, great preparation, and smooth production.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

We try! Haha thank you much

[@lonnyfox]

Tab came through Lubbock,TX in a traveling show and he was good but was playing way over his age. I had a friend working back stage and said he was wonderful

[@georgeallen5780]

This is toooo entertaining! And I’m only half way through!

[@iangrant3615]

Woo have been waiting for this part 2!

[@frankiechoi2846]

Me

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

We were excited to record it! Sad it’s over haha

[@hsimpson6581]

14:50 I love zach has No pants on. LOL😁

[@imagerydivine1554]

Lovely storytelling and interesting reflections. Listening to you two is very entertaining. 👍

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Thank you!

[@graydenbickley4798]

Love this. Glade to see you guys on Monday and then on Friday. Love the Concept of this. Awesome idea. Keep it up please. This is something no one else is doing. Thank you. Love it. Oh and Zac. Loose the hat and keep the hair.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

I’ll think on it. Might need my thinking hat haha

[@guyvanarsdall7686]

Great second part, really like that you each read a seperate biography and used that as your basis for what might have been going on between T & T. Couples are still to different people, with different views of what is going on in the relationship.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Thanks for listening. It was a really nice story to read about

[@romania4712]

Wow, what a story of two incredible lives and careers converging. I will definitely read both books.

[@jamesr1703]

Tab Hunter's older brother Walt was killed in Vietnam in 1965 and left behind a wife and 7 kids, who Tab took care of.

[@bradharper768]

First love the opening and the casting, todays beefcakes would look like you two. Like everyone love the episode, and the outfits and the hair. (It’s a good look Zach).

[@tonyanderson6235]

Interesting episode.

[@jadirmcgrew790]

Love the vibes y’all have for each other/ flows very well together ✅👑👑

[@kevincoss6470]

These guys are wonderful to watch,plus love ZACH,S LAUGH

[@jonathanhodgkin6546]

That was good fun, thanks boys! Kisses from Tasmania.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Thanks!

[@lonnyfox]

You are getting it better

[@maxfischer5962]

your hair gives life!

[@keithjohnston7054]

You guys did a great job on this subject....the convo was intriguing. You obviously did your research. No amateur show here. I would have turned this off a quarter hour into the broadcast otherwise. You have great chemistry together. Great entertainment. Thank you. Will stay tuned for other broadcasts!

[@dewellspringer7950]

I like your hair, Zak! Ir kind of expresses your creativity and romanticism.

[@dear_darling]

I love this discourse ❤

[@Js2Jo]

Zach, I'm glad you're back on your morning show of "Coffee & Tequila" at your house in Texas on this video, so you and your husband, Alastair are talking about Tab Hunter and Tony Perkins on a romance in Hollywood history from the second part, but it was a love affair between the both of them after that, so I'm proud of you and I know you had the Southern accent!!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

You’re always so great Jonathan! Thanks

[@fb668]

I love your hair! Zach

[@Mia-cg9em]

“He looks exactly like Scot Eastwood”lol Scot looks like his dad. You’re so young. I ❤ this

[@EdsWorld56]

Really ejoyed seeing and listening to you both. Very interesting topic and great to bring Tab and Tony into modern consciousness. BTW throw the hats away guys....

[@dooby562]

Great show guys. Its been wonderful seeing you delve into their story. I knew they were a couple but there's so much I didn't know that you talked about. So enjoyable to watch. I agree with Alastair, they were movie stars and deserve a movie, but there's so much to tell in a few hours. Maybe a really well made, quality series would give more time, like Halston for example.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Halston is on my list

[@denisekoch3139]

I really enjoyed this 2 part video. I agree, Trevor Donovan for Tab!! You are good storytellers. Looking forward to more.

[@allenraysmith6885]

You guys are too cute!❤ Great show!❤

[@stephaniewenzlick1044]

Good morning guys! Have a good week…..

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

You as well Stephanie!

[@markcolburn1203]

Really love this framing device to examine Tab and Tony’s relationship. Nearly 3 hours over 2 episodes fly by. Loved it!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

I realllllllyyyyy tried to keep it at an hour each haha

[@jamesarroyo8401]

Thanks for the entertaining episode. Troy Donahue gets a mention in the song "Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee" from the movie Grease.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

I’m gonna go listen

[@SamC_SandroC_ForeskinKnowledge]

I really love your part one and two about these actors. I knew about Rock Hudson but not much about these two!

[@billhanson7944]

Tab Hunter 1931 Alan Glaser 1960 = 29 year difference and lasted 35 years. You guys did a great job with this story..

[@Terry-dl4nf]

Wow, thanks guys. This is the first time I've ever listened right through a whole AZB Bonus Features episode. I've always been an ardent follower of AZB, but this is the first time I've found your Bonus Features subject matter interesting. It's fascinating, because this is a real life exploration of real gay lives and issues which is relevant to a gay audience, and it's exciting for the audience to see the two of you really light up as you go back and forth, argue, and bounce off each other. Keep up the gay content! Thanks Alastair and Zach, you work superbly together (PS. Zach, you're so good-looking - but please get a short sexy haircut - like Alastair's!)

[@glennlambdin2999]

Your voice and looks sends shivers up my spine. You are such a BEAUTIFUL MAN... WOW

[@L0LrevneD]

House tour coming? Always great to see your content, Zach!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Small apartment. Prolly no house tour haha

[@L0LrevneD]

@@coffeeandtequilashow still tho! Congrats on the move!

[@Roholi]

Great videos guys! In my opinion there are no "known" actors who can play Tab Hunter. His physical beauty was absolutely astounding so they'd need to do a search for an unknown with perfect facial bone structure - high cheek bones, square jaw but his features were not severe in any way, blond wavy hair, big blue piercing eyes and a perfect nose and smile all on a tall athletic body. None of those guys suggested came close (Trevor - too Scandinavian looking - blocky head, severe features; Billy Magnuson - face is too round and he's too short; Zac Efron doesn't look anything like Tab in any way). Casting of Anthony is a lot easier and I agree with several of the choices offered-up.

[@slc2466]

When I think of who won the gene pool, Tab always comes to mind.

[@movieprod]

I knew Tab, the last I saw him was at a screening of THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY hosted by John Wayne's son Michael (his dad produced the film). Tab arrived with my friend Karen Sharpe Kramer (wife of the late Stanley Kramer). Karen was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the film. Tab and I sat together, he was a delight, funny, fascinating, and always a pleasure to be with. It was easy to see why anyone would be attracted to Tab. I never met Tony, however, I am aware of his pain, and Tab's regarding their sexual orientation. As a producer, director, and writer I had to hide mine. Tab was crushed when Tony passed, said he had not known Tony had 'The Disease' I question that as everyone knew. Such a sad loss for all of us.Thanks, guys for this format...each reading separate bios....wonderful concept...and honestly told.

[@victordepaul1061]

The golden age of Hollywood was certainly a unique era. The whole studio system that existed in those days must have felt very stifling and oppressive especially to the closeted actors of that time period. It was very enjoyable to listen to you both talk in such a knowledgeable way about this topic. You clearly did your research and were very informative as a result. By the way Zach, go with the “bed head” look once in a while. If anyone can carry it off you can!🥰😁

[@paulsheedy4650]

The bed hair is definitely a look you should go with Zach, it really suits you. But saying Alistair is 41, give him a smack from me too Alistair. How rude. Great banter guys.😀👍👬🌈❤️

[@BroEli94]

Agreed lol, loved the banter today

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

I got the smack, no worries haha

[@kunzhang8977]

you should set up a podcast for this! would really enjoy listening while working or something.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

We have it in podcast format too. Just search coffee and tequila on apple, Spotify, or podbean

[@BeeBee-ku1ym]

Your hair looks good! You actually look younger 😀

[@MrJyora]

Kyler Grey as Alastair. perfect!

[@a.j.stauft1779]

Good job boys..you presented that very well..balanced. and Zacharykins you have awesome fluffy hair ..run the fingers through hair....lucky Alistair❣❣👏

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Hahaha will do

[@glennlambdin2999]

Like times 💯💪

[@angelangel2362]

Joe Cole and Nicholas Braun for the cast, and Alicia Vikander as Natalie Wood and Haley Bennett as Venetia Stevenson. Otherwise, Billy Magnussen and Ben Whishaw.

[@markgreenlee3520]

Love your hair. Love wild curly dark brown hair and those black eyes

[@TehBluPanda]

I’d rather it be a movie of more or less the same pace as these two podcast episodes (and I legitimately believe you two should be credited xD)

[@ikbennie6909]

Love the hair .👍🏼 love from the Holland 🌷🇱🇺💋

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

♥️

[@billlummus6810]

Now Zack....I think your hair is great!

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

There is supposedly a movie about their relationship that was announced a couple of years ago. I think you guys should play Tab & Tony in the movie version.

[@michaelwerner3430]

Greetings from Chiapas, México. Hey Zach I love your wild hair. Never be ashamed of that curly head. Keep up the great work!

[@airartisantree]

Zach, I feel your pain. My hair has a mind of its own too. However, you do look really cute without the hat.

[@redlangdeau5728]

Had to watch half this morning and the rest this evening, Great job, I was interested and stayed interested . Lots of facts about Tony and Tab I didn't know or remembered. The Tab and Tony story would have to be a limited series to do them both justice, a two hour film would not be fair to either of them. But it's just my opinion. Take care men until Friday, p.s. Zach you made a comment about Scottys book or story possibly being a little hard to swallow, I look at it this way in his day and age as fearful as gay men were in that Era they were desperate for anything, just something to think about....

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

A limited series would just fit so well. It was a shorter relationship. They could cover it in multiple episodes. Maybe on HBO

[@MissPerriwinkle]

georgous couple !

[@jankinzett5847]

Zach, I love you regardless of your hairstyle! I do love to see your face without the cap. As usual your husband Alistair is spot on in every way!

[@antoniosalazar2997]

I love the teasing among y'all !!! Thanks for keeping it real send me a shout out !

[@Unpotted]

Don’t think it’s appropriate or polite to comment on people’s looks, but since you made an issue of it, consider that a lot of men spend a lot of time and money to make their hair look that good. 😊 Don’t stress about your looks. People like you for everything else you bring to the table. 😸✌️

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Gracias senor

[@brunoleno411]

Hi Hello!!!

[@rorypoulson]

A young matt damon and a young Johnny depp would be perfect in the roles. Or Alastair and Zach could pull it off. I loved the black and white opening. Best wishes to you both and Brando too!

[@jomccutcheon2173]

Oh no!!! I missed the live video, we have to wait for more info on Army Hammer's case, all the charges against Army are written as "allegedly"...I will have to admit that Army had an unusual childhood and upbringing, he comes from a very wealthy and odd family. But he was married to the same woman for almost 20 years without scandal, right? Zach your hair looks amazing!!! Don't cover it up with a hat,,,But the Bama hats are pretty cool,,,RTR,,,

[@Jomar1391]

Yesss Trevor for Tab

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

I’m liking it the more I think about it haha

[@jomccutcheon2173]

Actually, I think both of your ideas about Tab and Tony are very good, it could be a movie set during a certain time period of their relationship, like when they were driving the same cars and were sneaking around a lot, but a mini-series. could work too. And Alistair's idea for a full-length movie similar to "Notebook", going from one time period to another, well that's pretty cool too, so I guess I wasn't much help. LOL

[@shaunstapleton3197]

I hope you two never feel pressured to part. You are a light to those who feel they may never be able to be themselves. Keep on trying!

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Keep on keeping on

[@kevinwilson555]

Fantastic show guys. Zach ditch the hat, you look soooo much better without it? You 2 have certainly found your groove?

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Getting more comfortable with it

[@jonmiddleton7559]

Zack love the hair so please no more cap regards Jon

[@simply_psi]

I agree with Zach about Andrew Garfield playing Tony Perkins but I would go for either Tom Rhys Harries or Freddie Fox as Tab Hunter look em up and see for yourselves.

[@roderickshaka3626]

ok I loved this, It was so juicy! I think a miniseries will do their story more justice b/c a lot happens, and= more time to have us set up to bawl our eyes out at the end 😭😭. as for casting, I'll go with➡️ Andrew Garfield as Tony and Freddie Stroma as Tab. (I absolutely resent that they are both hetero actors and would have loved Alastair's choices, Ben Wihshaw, would kill the role as Tony Perkins too 💙)

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Very good story to learn about

[@e.barrywilliams9836]

I think Zach's hair is cute.

[@iangrant3615]

For a moment I thought it was Shawn Mendes :) Hair looks good just as it is.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Haha I appreciate the flattery

[@bradharper768]

I think you should challenge us to cast you two? Now you said it I’m watching thinking. Their relationship seems to have been known, like others. I winter in Palm Springs you can read lots of these old stories in conjunction with the rise of Palm Springs. Many of them partied and homes there.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Very interested in visiting palm springs

[@bradharper768]

Well we should make that happen fall is pride winter January film festival, the architecture week in feb, fashion week feb, dress red red dress party March, white party in April, ( circuit party for u young good looking types obviously everyone wears white, then of course coachella. Movie star tour is crazy it’s shocking how many stars have, or had and partied at their homes in Palm. Great gay bar scene and, fashion, restaurant scene. I would love nothing more than to host u two there. Not to worry u would have lots of privacy.

[@iswhat1]

I didn't even recognize Zach without a hat when looking at the thumbnail lol

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Same

[@reuben854]

Andrew Garfield has already portrayed Tony Perkins in the movie about the making of Psycho....can't remember the name. He would make a perfect Tony in the forthcoming movie.

[@kevindigo22]

Great show, loved both parts. You two are so good together...and I love Zach's hair. Um...so why won't you do something on Troy Donahue? Nothing to tell? How about Sal Mineo...anything you can do with his story?

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Thanks! I’ll look into them

[@kevindigo22]

@@coffeeandtequilashow Actually, what you should look into is Sal Mineo, James Dean, and Natalie Wood...Rebel Without a Cause....what was going on between Sal Mineo and James Dean - anything? I can only fantasize about this pairing...

[@bruceallensullivan6532]

You two are sooooooo cute

[@SchneiderGeorge]

I agree with Frankie Choi: You look much better with your hair loose. No more caps!

[@dougpettey7144]

6 episodes

[@paulsmith1281]

Zach, you should leave the hat off more, you have amazing hair dude.

[@bobebbeskotte]

Alastair, you look amazing for "41". Have you had work done? 🥰 Zach, perhaps some product next time for the unruly hair. Tab and Tony, what a tragic love story. If they could have lived their true life maybe they would have lived their true life together. What a heavy burden to bear for an entire lifetime. Really enjoy these kinds of videos. Thanks, guys.

[@coffeeandtequilashow]

Abused by their time, but kept on with their individual pursuits of happiness

[@bobebbeskotte]

@@coffeeandtequilashow How would Zach and Alastair's life been different if they'd been born in 1935? Or if 1955 values would be the rule today? Hard to imagine.

[@bobtuckey2409]

I think a movie would be great but a 6 part series would enable more detail.

[@arthurboehm]

The thing about finding modern equivalents of Tab and Tony is--there aren't any. Because each was uniquely himself, especially in looks. And looks were, especially in Tab's case, the point. Comparisons yield only pale look-likes-sorta.

[@user-ho8br1cw8c]

I think Ryan Murphy could do a Tab & Anthony mini series. Also a Scotty Bowers mini series.