How true is Behind the Candelabra?

It is based on the hard to believe but true story of one of the most popular and flamboyant stars of the 1950’s and 60’s, who went by just one name: Liberace.

Did Matt Damon play Liberace?

The film is based on a book by Liberace’s long-time lover, Scott Thorson, who’s played by Matt Damon, often wearing just a spray tan and a Speedo. Douglas, 68, made the movie after recovering from stage-four throat cancer.

What movie was Michael Douglas in Liberace?

Behind the Candelabra
It is based on Thorson’s memoir, Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace (1988)….

Behind the Candelabra
Screenplay by Richard LaGravenese
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Starring Michael Douglas Matt Damon Dan Aykroyd Scott Bakula Rob Lowe Debbie Reynolds
Music by Marvin Hamlisch

Who is Billy Leatherwood?

Cheyenne Jackson
Billy Leatherwood (Cheyenne Jackson) Thorson described O’Rourke as Liberace’s protégé, who played the piano onstage with Liberace. In the book, Thorson writes that O’Rourke was married with children but was persuaded to leave them behind to live and work with Liberace.

Was Liberace a nice guy?

“He was a really nice guy,” he said. “He liked niceness and for everybody to be happy, and I don’t normally get a chance to play guys like that.” After his initial flash of inspiration, Mr.

Did Liberace play by ear?

Liberace’s own extraordinary natural talent became evident when he learned to play the piano, by ear, at the age of four. Although Salvatore tried to discourage his son’s interest in the piano, praises from Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a famous Polish pianist, helped the young musician follow his musical career.

Did Michael Douglas actually play piano in Liberace movie?

Michael Douglas plays the legendary Las Vegas entertainer in Steven Soderbergh’s film, which shows the actor (as Liberace) tickling the ivories as only a skilled piano player could. It probably won’t come as a surprise that Douglas wasn’t actually playing.

Who was Vince Cardell?

Vince Cardell (born Vincent M. Cardile) (September 16, 1938 – May 29, 2012) was an American pianist who was a protégé of Liberace. Cardell became a significant part of Liberace’s act in the late 1970s and released several albums internationally.

What is Liberace’s full name?

Władziu Valentino LiberaceLiberace / Full name

Liberace was always going to be in showbiz He became a pianist, vocalist, actor and WWF announcer (more on that later), but Liberace was born Władziu Valentino Liberace (or just “Lee” to his friends), which is a slightly more showy name than, say, Reginald Dwight.

Is there a good Liberace bio movie?

Two bio films came out the year after Liberace died. This was the good one and it has never been released on video. Andrew Robinson and supporting actors deserve more recognition. I found Robinson to be an effective Liberace with physical resemblance and well captured mannerisms of Mr. Entertainment.

Is the Liberace movie Jamie Worth seeing?

Whether you liked Liberace or have followed the career of Andrew Robinson this movie is worth your attention if you have the chance to see it. Incidentally John Rubinstein who plays Jamie is the son of the great pianist Artur Rubinstein. His career, too, has been incredible.

What happened to Liberace and Scott in swaddled?

Swaddled in wealth and excess, Scott and Liberace have a long affair, one that Scott eventually begins to find suffocating. Kept away from the outside world by his flashily effeminate yet deeply closeted partner, and submitting to extreme makeovers and even plastic surgery at the behest of his lover, Scott eventually rebels.

What was the liturgical response to Liberace’s funeral?

This is a well-known change made about 20 years after the funeral – which took place in 1987, when the liturgical response would still have been “And also with you.” Liberace: I have an eye for new and refreshing talent.