Pre-production and casting have begun
for a film about the life of uber-entertainer Liberace, reports
Variety.
Ocean's Eleven director
Steven Soderbergh is developing the biopic for Warner Brothers, and
has drafted Michael Douglas to play the flamboyant pianist. Matt
Damon is considering taking up the part of Scott Thornson, Liberace's
alleged lover.
Liberace
vehemently denied being gay and successfully sued The Daily
Mirror and Confidential
in 1957 for implying he was gay. Writing in the UK-based Mirror
Cassandra (AKA William Connor) gave credibility to gay rumors by
saying Liberace was “The summit of sex – the pinnacle of
masculine, feminine, and neuter. Everything that he, she, and it can
ever want ... a deadly, winking, sniggering, snuggling,
chromium-plated, scent-impregnated, luminous, quivering, giggling,
fruit-flavoured, mincing, ice-covered heap of mother love.” And
tabloid magazine Confidential
ran numerous articles implying he was gay, including the 1957
headline, “Why Liberace's Theme Song Should Be 'Mad About The
Boy!'”
The
personal life of Liberace – especially his true sexuality –
remains mysterious to this day. Born in Wisconsin, he started
playing the piano at the age of four. In the early 1940s he
performed his musical act of classical whimsy to New York audiences
to some success, but hit the jackpot in Las Vegas where he earned
millions with his lavish – some would say campy – musical
productions.
In
1982, Scott Thorson sued the pianist for $113 million in palimony –
claiming the pair shared a home for five years. The court dismissed
his claim, but he did receive a $95,000 settlement.
Liberace
died at the age of sixty-seven in 1987 from AIDS-related
complications. His noticeable rapid weight loss was attributed to a
“watermelon diet” by his longtime manager.
Variety
reports the film is in the very early stages of development.
Gay Entertainment Report is a feature
of On Top Magazine and can be reached at ontopmag@ontopmag.com