Liberace
Biography
Liberace was an American entertainer, a pianist and singer who also acted in films and television. He was born in West Allis, Wisconsin, in 1919 and began playing piano at four. After about ten years of study with Florence Kelly, he performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1940. In the 1940s he turned from classical recitals toward a popular stage act that mixed serious music with lighter songs, and he added a candelabrum, elaborate costumes, dramatic lighting, and audience banter. The Liberace Show, syndicated in the 1950s, made him a television star, and he went on to Las Vegas shows, variety and talk show guest spots, and televised specials. He appeared in the films Sincerely Yours (1955) and The Loved One (1965). He received two Emmy Awards and two Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, and he died in 1987.
67years old at death
- Born West Allis
- Died Palm Springs
- Star sign: TaurusThe sign runs April 20 to May 20
- Władziu Valentino Liberace (birth name)Also credited as Wladziu Valentino Liberace, Vladziu Valentino Liberace, Walter Liberace, Lee Liberace and Walter Busterkeys
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 52 years1965 to 2017
Every film, newest first
- 2017LuckyIMDb rating 7.3
- 2015Do I Sound Gay?IMDb rating 6.0
- 1965The Loved OneIMDb rating 6.9
Genres
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First role
In 1939, at a classical concert in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Liberace gave his first requested encore: the comedic song "Three Little Fishies", which he performed in the styles of various classical composers.
About the name
For a while during his career, Liberace adopted the stage name Walter Busterkeys, performing under that name for a period.
Getting ready for a role
Liberace made the candelabrum his trademark. He got the idea from a similar prop in A Song to Remember, the 1945 Chopin biopic.
A first
On November 2, 1986, Liberace gave his last stage performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York. That date was the 18th show of a 21-day tour that took in just over $2.5 million at the box office.
Liberace movies on Netflix
Worked with
Liberace made one film with each of them. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Harry Dean Stanton's page
Ed Begley Jr.'s page
Roddy McDowall's page
Beth Grant's page
Tom Skerritt's page
James Coburn's page
All films by John Carroll Lynch
All films by Tony Richardson
All films by David Thorpe
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | Honored | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.