Glenn Corbett, born Glenn Edwin Rothenberg on August 17, 1933, in El Monte, California, was a talented and versatile actor whose career spanned film and television during Hollywood’s golden era.

Known for his roles in iconic series such as *Route 66* and *Star Trek*, as well as numerous films including *Homicidal* and *Chisum*, Corbett left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Corbett made headlines later in life for his candidness about his private romantic relationships with other actors, shining a rare light on the hidden lives of gay actors in mid-20th century Hollywood.

 

Growing up in a modest, working-class family in El Monte, Corbett was instilled with a strong work ethic by his father, a skilled garage mechanic.

This upbringing, coupled with the proximity to Hollywood, subtly influenced his eventual path into acting.

After high school, Corbett served in the United States Navy as a Construction Battalion member, a role demanding discipline and resilience.

His military service broadened his worldview and helped prepare him for the competitive entertainment world.

 

Following his discharge, Corbett enrolled at Accidental College in Los Angeles, where he met his future wife, Judy Daniels.

Encouraged by Judy, he began exploring acting through campus theater productions.

His performances caught the attention of a talent scout, leading to a contract with Columbia Pictures and marking the start of his professional acting career.

Early modeling work with photographer Bob Meiser also helped him gain confidence in front of the camera.

Corbett’s film debut came with *The Crimson Kimono* in 1959, a socially conscious mystery-romance that showcased his dramatic range.

Throughout the early 1960s, he appeared in various films such as *The Mountain Road* and *All the Young Men*, portraying diverse characters from soldiers to civilians grappling with post-war realities.

His first leading role in William Castle’s suspense thriller *Homicidal* (1961) highlighted his ability to carry tension and intrigue on screen.

 

By the mid-1960s, Corbett solidified his place in Hollywood with roles in *Shannondoa* (1965), a Civil War drama, and westerns like *Chisum* (1970) and *Big Jake* (1971), where he starred alongside John Wayne.

His television career was equally prolific.

He replaced George Maharis on *Route 66* as Lincoln Case, a brooding character traveling America in search of meaning.

He also appeared in *12 O’Clock High*, *It’s a Man’s World*, *Gunsmoke*, *Bonanza*, *The Legend of Jesse James*, and the cult-favorite *Star Trek* episode “Metamorphosis.”

 

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Corbett continued to guest star on popular shows like *The Mod Squad*, *The Streets of San Francisco*, *The Rockford Files*, and *Dallas*, demonstrating his versatility across genres.

His role on the daytime soap *The Doctors* from 1976 to 1981 made him a familiar face to daytime audiences.

Corbett’s personal life reflected the complexity of balancing a demanding Hollywood career with intimate relationships.

His first marriage to Judy Daniels lasted 16 years, providing early stability and support as his acting career blossomed.

Judy played a crucial role in encouraging Corbett to pursue acting seriously during their time together.

 

After their amicable divorce in 1973, Corbett entered two brief marriages: one with Catherine Lee Glisten in 1977 and another with Jackie Lynn Henry in 1978.

Both unions were short-lived, reflecting the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amid the pressures and unpredictability of Hollywood life.

 

In his later years, Glenn Corbett garnered attention for his openness about his private romantic life, particularly his relationships with other actors during a time when homosexuality was taboo and often hidden in Hollywood.

His candidness broke decades of silence surrounding the secret lives of gay actors who faced enormous social and professional pressures to conceal their sexual orientation.

 

Corbett openly named some of the actors he dated, offering rare insight into a hidden aspect of Hollywood history.

Notably, he spoke about his brief relationship with Tab Hunter, a beloved heartthrob of the 1950s and 1960s.

Corbett described their connection as more than just physical, emphasizing the emotional intimacy they shared despite the need for secrecy.

“We shared our dreams, our fears, and the kind of intimacy that you can’t fake on camera,” he recalled.

 

He also discussed his complicated and passionate relationship with Anthony Perkins, famous for his role as Norman Bates in *Psycho*.

Corbett explained how their bond was forged in secrecy due to the unforgiving nature of Hollywood at the time.

“If anyone had known about us, careers would have been destroyed overnight,” he said, highlighting the harsh realities faced by gay actors.

 

Corbett’s stories shed light on the elaborate systems studios used to maintain the illusion of heterosexuality among their stars, including orchestrated publicity campaigns and fake relationships.

Any deviation from the heteronormative script risked blacklisting and career ruin.

 

He reflected on the emotional toll of living a double life: “When everyone around you is pretending, you learn to be both invisible and hyper aware. It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time.”

His anecdotes about nights spent at the Chateau Marmont revealed the dual existence many actors endured—one public, one private.

 

By naming individuals and recounting the nuances of these secret relationships, Corbett contributed to a broader understanding of Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ history.

His narratives provide modern audiences with valuable insight into the psychological and emotional landscapes of stars who navigated dual identities amid societal repression.

 

Corbett’s openness serves as both historical testimony and a tribute to the resilience of those who sought love and authenticity despite the risks.

“We loved in whispers, in shadows, but it was real, and I would never deny that part of my life,” he said.

His courage in speaking out decades later helps dismantle the silence and stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ experiences in entertainment history.

 

Glenn Corbett passed away in January 1993 at the age of 59 due to lung cancer.

He battled the disease privately, receiving care at the Veterans Administration Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, reflecting his status as a U.S.Navy veteran.

Corbett was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, a place honoring military service, symbolizing the dignity and respect he earned both as an actor and a veteran.

 

Glenn Corbett’s life was a remarkable blend of professional success, personal complexity, and courageous honesty.

His prolific career in film and television demonstrated his versatility and talent, while his candid revelations about his secret relationships with gay actors in old Hollywood broke barriers and enriched the understanding of a hidden chapter in entertainment history.

 

His story reminds us of the human struggles behind the glamour, the sacrifices made to protect careers, and the enduring quest for genuine connection in an industry often defined by illusion.

Glenn Corbett’s legacy endures not only through his memorable roles but also through his bravery in sharing his truth, inspiring future generations to embrace authenticity in all its forms.

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