Monday, 16 May 2011

Wladziu Valentino Liberace U.S.A., Pianist, showman

b. May 16, 1919
d. February 4, 1987



Born of Italian and Polish ancestry in West Allis, Wisconsin, Wladziu Valentino Liberace (called also Lee, or Walter Valentino) became one of the most popular and controversial entertainers of the 1950s and 1960s. With the advent of television, his career skyrocketed; and during the early 1950s, The Liberace Show was watched by more than 35 million people each week. His television exposure led to one of the most lucrative concert, nightclub, and recording careers in history.

For 3 years he had a relationship with his chauffeur/assistant, Scott Thorson. Despite ongoing rumors and accusations, and a palimony suit brought against him by Scott in 1982, Liberace continued to deny that he was homosexual. In 1978 The Liberace Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, was opened. His last performance was at Radio City Music Hall, New York, on November 2, 1986. Liberace died in Palm Springs, California, for Aids-related complications.

Ronnie Tober (left) with Liberace (right)

TV:
The Liberace show (1952-)
Films:
South Sea Sinner (1950)
Sincerely Yours (1955)

Website


Books:

Liberace (1972, autobiography)
The Things I Love (1976)
Darden Asbury Pyron, Liberace: An American Boy

Source:

Matt & Andrej Koymasky Living Room, LGBT Biographies.com

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