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I can't believe it took me this long (TEN years) to finally watch the HBO movie, Behind the Candelabra, a chronicle of the tempestuous six-year romance between megastar Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson...


The movie is based on the book by Scott, who tells it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly truths about a legendary entertainer who went to outrageous extremes to prevent public knowledge of his homosexuality...


To be honest, although I didn't read the book, I have mixed feelings about the film. OUTSTANDING performances by all, however, I think it focused too much on the bad and ugly. Now, mind you, I don't think Liberace was a saint, but I believe the film was a bit one-sided in pointing out his negatives, while making Scott a poor little victim. 

True, Liberace was not open about his homosexuality with his public life, but that didn't make him a bad person. That was his own choice. Liberace gave 100% of his talent in his performances onstage. And frankly, that's all he was required to do. His sexuality was his own business. Besides, he never hid his flamboyancy onstage. He simply allowed the audience to have fun and to think whatever they wanted. 

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Meeting Liberace- 

Seeing the film instantly reminded me of when I met Liberace, while performing in a musical revue at Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Lake Tahoe (Harrah's is on the left in the photograph below). And what's ironic is that the timeline of the film starts in 1977, which is the year I was in Tahoe and met him. 

Tahoe, by the way, is freaking GORGEOUS! I was there in the summer. And what I loved is that even though daytime could get warmish, as soon as nightfall came, the temperature would drop into the low 50s. Oh, and Tahoe has zero humidity...


The revue I performed was called, Breck Wall's Bottoms Up, which was featured in the smaller showroom inside Harrah's casino. Liberace's show was featured in the main showroom (pictured below), which is where I watched him perform before meeting him...


Here are two collages I put together of Liberace onstage...


His show always began with him entering the stage in a Rolls-Royce, driven by a chauffeur. Which, incidentally, was his lover, Scott Thorson. You can see him in the photos below...


And what was especially spectacular is that at the end of his show, he would sing the song, "I'll Be Seeing You", as he flew into the air, and then off into the wings of the stage...


What was even more exciting is that after his show that night, they escorted me and a few of my cast members backstage to Liberace's dressing room, where we got to sit down and talk with him. The producer/director of my show (Breck Wall) was a bigwig in Vegas. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He and Liberace (known as "Lee" to his friends), were close. They had known each other for years. 

What I immediately noticed upon meeting Liberace was how gracious and down-to-earth he was. For all the glam and glitter onstage, I was surprised by how casual and relaxed he was offstage.

As soon as he walked over and sat down on the sofa next to me in his dressing room, I got all nervous and tongue-tied while speaking. The only thing I can remember talking to him about was telling him how much my mother loved him, and how fascinated she was with his jewelry; specifically his rings. And even more specifically, his baby grand piano ring, covered in diamonds.  

See below...


I can't believe I got the courage to ask him if I could see that ring up close and touch it, so I could tell my mother that I actually touched her favorite ring of his. 

And do you know what he did?

He extended his hand and said, "Sure...here you go!" And I touched it. 

The next day I called my mother in Florida and said, "Guess what? I TOUCHED LIBERACE'S BABY GRAND PIANO RING!!!!!!"

And she just about died!


In conclusion-

I certainly didn't know Liberace personally. I only had that one encounter with him. Yet, I could tell just from being in his presence that he had a very kind, gentle heart. What he did in his personal life is none of anyone's business. 

Liberace was born and lived at a different time than now. A time when certain things were not discussed. So perhaps that's why he didn't vocalize every inch of his life. Perhaps he wanted to keep his personal life separate from his professional one. And he had every right to do that. 

As Debbie Reynolds said in an interview I recently watched, "Today, I still think he would like to be remembered as Liberace the Great Showman, rather than his sexuality and illness."

And I think so too.

Nice meeting you, sir!


Have a grrrrrreat rest of your week, everyone!
💗


*In case you're interested, here is a wonderful interview about Liberace, that includes many people who knew him. And loved him. 

27 comments:

  1. I had no idea you ever met Liberace! That is such a great story with touching his ring and your mother being so excited!!! Growing up, my only impression of him was that he was a great pianist and that he was gay! I don’t think it was a secret, so I don’t understand why people think he should have made some type of formal statement. What in the world ever happened to ‘mind your own business’??? I swear, the world was a friendlier place during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era!

    That’s a bummer that the movie focused on the negatives. Maybe that guy was mad because Liberace didn’t leave him all his money? It’s sad that a person Liberace loved and trusted has soured his memory.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron! XO

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  2. Ron, I saw the film many years ago and agree with you. OUTSTANDING performances, particularly Michael Douglas as Liberace. It was uncanny how much he acted and sounded like him. He literally embodied Liberace. I also enjoyed Rob Lowe as the plastic surgeon. What a hoot!

    How fortunate that you met him. AND touched his ring! Like the pope. LOL! Did you get to meet Scott, I'm curious? After I saw the film, I found a few interviews that Scott gave after the movie was released. Like you said, I'm sure Liberace wasn't a saint, but Scott seemed like an opportunist. From the way he spoke in the interviews, I sense he wasn't tell the truth about certain things. Like you said, He took on the role of "total victim". And I love how he blamed Liberace for his drug addiction.

    You're right, he had every right to keep his personal life personal. I'm pretty sure the public knew he was gay, but didn't care because they admired him as a performer. So, why did he need to make some formal announcement the world, as if he owed them that? Being gay myself, I'm happy things are different now. However, sometimes I think we've gone to the extreme and feel that everyone who is gay needs to talk about it 24/7. I've never felt that need.

    Never been to Tahoe but from what I've seen in photographs, it looks so beautiful! How long were you there?

    Well expressed post, Ron!

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  3. Ron, what a fascinating story and experience! You need to write a memoir about your life and the interesting people you've met. I remember a post you shared about meeting Chita Rivera. And I think Al Pacino if I'm not mistaken??

    I didn't see the film, but I do recall hearing about it or seeing something online about it. I also didn't realize it was 10 years ago.

    " Besides, he never hid his flamboyancy onstage. He simply allowed the audience to have fun and to think whatever they wanted." --- I agree! I think the public sensed he was gay but didn't care. And what did it matter that he was gay anyway? One of the negatives about being a celebrity is that the public often feels as if they owe them an open book into their lives. I admire the celebrities who have boundaries and keep their personal lives private. And that can't be easy.

    I always got the feeling that Liberace a kind and gentle heart as well. I loved his voice because it was so distinct. xo

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  4. OMG, I was more excited that I got to meet him and touch his ring for my mother, than I was for myself. LOL!!! I couldn't wait to call her the next day and tell her.

    "Growing up, my only impression of him was that he was a great pianist and that he was gay! I don’t think it was a secret, so I don’t understand why people think he should have made some type of formal statemen
    t."

    Thank you and I totally agree! As I shared, he didn't try to hid his flamboyancy to the public. In fact, he was very open about it. Therefore, why did he need to say anything? He simply allowed the public to think whatever they wanted.

    " I swear, the world was a friendlier place during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era!"

    Yes, I also agree with that! My attitude about being gay as always been to just BE myself. I don't need to stand on a soap box and preach acceptance. I accept myself, so I don't need the acceptance of others. And I really mean that. And in doing so, others just naturally accept me. There is too much attention focused on making a big deal out of our differences.

    "Maybe that guy was mad because Liberace didn’t leave him all his money? It’s sad that a person Liberace loved and trusted has soured his memory."

    I've seen several interviews with Scott since seeing the film and you're spot on. Yes, Liberace did leave him money. And a lot. However, he blew it all on DRUGS and ended up in jail. Sad indeed.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  5. Helloooooooooo there, Daniel!

    I TOTALLY agree...Michael Douglas was stellar as Liberace. As well as Rob Lowe as the plastic surgeon. In fact, I didn't even know it was Rob Lowe because he looked so different!!

    No, I didn't meet Scott. I saw him onstage, but our meeting with Liberace was only with Liberace.

    "After I saw the film, I found a few interviews that Scott gave after the movie was released. "

    I did the same thing after seeing the film, and I agree with you about the way Scott came off as an opportunist and victim. And he used the money that Liberace left him in his will on drugs and blew it up his nose. AND ended up in jail.

    " Being gay myself, I'm happy things are different now. However, sometimes I think we've gone to the extreme and feel that everyone who is gay needs to talk about it 24/7. I've never felt that need."

    I feel the same way! I never felt the need to talk it all the time. People know that I'm gay and they don't care. And that's because I don't care.

    I was so impressed with Lake Tahoe and its beauty. To me, if seemed like what heaven would be like. I spent time in Vegas as well (during rehearsal for the revue) and enjoyed it. But I couldn't live there. Too much of the same thing.

    Always great to read your comments, Daniel. Have a terrific rest if your week!

    X

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  6. Morning, Candice!

    You've got at great memory! Yes, I did post about them as well. I feel blessed to have met a lot of really cool people during my time as an actor. And I met a lot when I was in Vegas and Tahoe because that's where so many of them perform onstage.

    I know, can you believe it.....TEN years ago?!?!? (2013).

    "I think the public sensed he was gay but didn't care. And what did it matter that he was gay anyway? One of the negatives about being a celebrity is that the public often feels as if they owe them an open book into their lives. I admire the celebrities who have boundaries and keep their personal lives private. And that can't be easy."

    Ditto! And I think it's much harder for the celebrities who are in movies and TV because they reach a much wider public audience. That's why I preferred theater because it attracts a smaller audience, and I liked that.

    Yes, he has such a distinct voice, didn't he? And he was very soft-spoken.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a great rest of your day and week!

    X

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  7. I was one of his devoted female followers... didn't care if HE WAS gay or not. That is all beside the point of his persona and talents. But... and I think this is a big 'but'---his showmanship and flamboyant style was, to me, just show!! I think deep down, behind the façade, he was a tortured soul. I can't put a finger on why, I just do.
    "I wish my brother, George, was here!"

    Fascinating blog today Ron!!

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  8. Greetings, Anni!

    "I was one of his devoted female followers... didn't care if HE WAS gay or not"


    And my mother felt the same way. She didn't care if he was gay or not. She simply enjoyed him!

    " But... and I think this is a big 'but'---his showmanship and flamboyant style was, to me, just show!! I think deep down, behind the façade, he was a tortured soul. I can't put a finger on why, I just do."

    I agree. I've seen many interviews with him (especially towards the end of his life) where there was a "sadness" behind his eyes. I think his flamboyancy (in his shows) was a way for him to expose his truth, without actually coming out and saying it. I read a book about him that shared about his relationship with his mother, which was not the healthiest. She apparently pressured him a lot about certain things. So yes, he was tortured in many ways. Yet in spite of that, just from meeting him in person, I could tell he had such a gentle, kind heart and essence.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Muchly appreciated it!

    X

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  9. This is fantastic! I can't believe you got to meet LIBERACE!!
    Liberace was a favorite of my mother and grandmother. We used to watch his shows on television, so this was a lot of fun to read. He was larger than life.

    I dislike it when people take advantage of the dead. It feels so wrong because they aren't here to defend themselves. So when you said it was one-sided, it made me sad. It won't stop me from seeing the movie though.

    I've never been to Lake Tahoe, but it's on my bucket list. I've heard it's lovely, and you had me at "zero humidity!" 🤣

    You've lived such a cool life, Ron. Keep writing about it. I love your stories.

    Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 😘❤️

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  10. "I feel the same way! I never felt the need to talk it all the time. People know that I'm gay and they don't care. And that's because I don't care." Ron, it's nice to know someone else feels that way because I often feel, being gay, I'm alone in my thinking.

    And thanks for responding to my question. I was just curious to know if you met him as well. And you're right about blowing the money up his nose and ended up in jail. Sad.

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  11. Nope, you're not the only one, Daniel. I learned that very early in my life. How I feel about myself is how others will respond. And if some people don't respond that way, oh well.

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  12. A piano ring?? Just wow! And all those lavish costumes he wore -- incredible! I always enjoyed his performances on TV. He was a true showman, and you're fortunate to have met him in person.


    As for his sexual preferences, I'm with you, Ron. That was his personal business. I'm sure that living when he did, he wasn't eager to discuss that, for fear he might lose some admirers. Things have changed somewhat over time, but I still don't believe it's anybody's business what you do away from the public's eye.


    I still can't get over that piano ring, ha! Maybe, if I ever get filthy famous, I'll invest in a flute ring -- wouldn't that be cool??! xx

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  13. Helloooooooooooo there, Kari!

    Meeting Liberace was something I never thought would happen in a million years. And I was actually more excited to tell my mother (who was a HUGE fan of his), more than meeting him myself.

    "Liberace was a favorite of my mother and grandmother. We used to watch his shows on television, so this was a lot of fun to read. He was larger than life."

    Yes, absolutely...LARGER than life! And what I really liked about him was his down-to-earthness. I was so taken with his sweetness. I could tell he had a really good heart.

    "I dislike it when people take advantage of the dead. It feels so wrong because they aren't here to defend themselves. So when you said it was one-sided, it made me sad. It won't stop me from seeing the movie though."

    And after you watch the movie, google (on YouTube) Scott Thorson, and just listen to him talk about it. There is something very "off" about him. And you're right, it's like what they did to Michael Jackson after he passed. Everyone came out of the woodwork and slammed him. And to this day, they are still doing it.

    OMG, I can't stand humidity, which is why I'm not a fan of summer. However, Tahoe was incredible. ZERO humidity. And if you ever get the opportunity to go there, do. Although I've primarily lived in cities most of my life, I love spending lots of time within nature. And Tahoe is glorious!

    Always a delight to reading your comments, my friend. Have a spectacular rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  14. Hey there, Debbie!

    I know, isn't that baby grand piano ring WOW????? After he passed away, several of his close friends (like Debbie Reynolds and Phyllis Diller) were willed Liberace's costumes to keep for themselves or use them to raise money for his favorite charities he gave money to when he was alive. And I've seen interviews where they talked about how ornate and heavy his costume were. They said they didn't know how he could walk around onstage wearing them because they were THAT heavy. Debbie Reynolds said that one of his costumes weighed over 60 pounds!!!

    " Things have changed somewhat over time, but I still don't believe it's anybody's business what you do away from the public's eye."

    A-MEN! Yes, Liberace lived in a different time. And yes, I'm sure he did fear losing admires if he came out to his public. However, I don't think if he were even living now, would he share that information. Besides, like you said, I don't believe it's anybody's business what one does away from the public eye. Just because you're a celebrity, doesn't mean you own your public everything.

    "Maybe, if I ever get filthy famous, I'll invest in a flute ring -- wouldn't that be cool??!


    LOL! OMG, that would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cool! By the way, I work with a young lady who plays the flute in an orchestra here in Philly.

    Have a fab weekend, my friend!

    X

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  15. Ron, it blow me away that after reading your blog for what? 9-10 year now, I STILL keep discovering new stories and experiences about you! Holy cow...you met Liberace?!?! I agree with Candice, you need to write a memoir because it would be so interesting.

    I did not see the movie about Liberace, but I did see it on HBO a while back. Now that I heard you opinion on it, I'm intrigued. So I will have to watch it. Just from the sound of it, his book and the movie seem as though Scott wanted to make some money $$$ publishing a tell-all. You think? Lol!

    My mother loved Liberace. I remember watching him on a television show when I was a teen. Not only was he talented on the piano, but his whole persona was like nothing else I had ever seen.

    He had every right to keep his personal life personal. Like you said, back then being gay was so taboo. And I'm not surprised that you said he seemed gentle and kind. And WOW...the part where you asked to touch his ring and he let you is pretty damn fabulous!

    When did he die, and how old was he?

    Always a great read, Ron. You REALLY know how to tell a story! xox

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  16. Hola, Denise!

    You know, if I hadn't see the film, I would have forgotten to even share this story. Watching the film, instantly made me remember our meeting. I mean, that was 46 years ago!

    Yes, I think you're right. Both the book AND the movie were attempts to make some money for Scott. Although, Liberace did leave him quite a bit in his will. But he blew it all up his nose and ran out of money.

    Like you said, there was no one like Liberace. He was one of a kind. And larger than life!

    As I shared, I didn't personally know Liberace. I only had that one encounter. But I could sense that he had a very kind heart. He LOVED dogs too. And I think he had MANY. Poodles!

    I was more excited about the ring for my mother, more than myself. However, it was pretty damn fabulous, you're right!

    He died in 1987 and he was 67-years old. He didn't talk about his illness, but it was finally discovered that he died from complications (pneumonia) due to AIDS. I saw his last interview (on Oprah) and he seemed frail, but still very charming and played the piano like a pro!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a grrrrrrrrrrreat weekend!

    X

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  17. While I do not know a lot about Liberace, he was an impressive showman and apparently beloved by many, including your mother. To read that he was gracious and personable in your face-to-face meetup was a measure of the person that he was in life.

    As you said, Ron, his sexuality was his own business and it sounds as if Thorson had his own selfish interests front and center.

    How much fun it was to read about the grand piano ring and your sharing with your mother!

    By the way, I agree with Bijoux’s comment that people should mind their own business in many cases and not waste time on other people’s.

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  18. Hey there, D!

    " To read that he was gracious and personable in your face-to-face meetup was a measure of the person that he was in life."

    Oh, and he was! So gracious, personable, and down to earth. I was so impressed by his "naturalness" offstage.

    Yes, my feeling exactly. From the interviews I've seen, Thorson had his own selfish interest front and center. And the sad part is that Liberace DID leave him with quite a bit of money in his will, but he blew it all on drugs.

    I was more excited to meet Liberace for my mother than for myself because she loved him.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Happy Monday and week!

    X

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  19. Ron, although I didn't actually meet Liberace (I am so envious), I did see him in concert at Radio City Music Hall in 1986. The show was spectacular, and I can only imagine what his show was like in Tahoe!

    I bet you mother was beyond happy and excited about asking to touch his ring for her, and that he so graciously said, "Sure...here you go!"

    As far as his sexuality goes, I'm pretty sure most people knew he was gay. Like you said, he didn't hide his flamboyancy. That was all part of who he was. And frankly, it's none of anyone's business who he slept with. It sounded like he had very loyal friends who loved him for all that he was and stuck by him.

    I was very sad hearing about his death. As I'm sure many people were.

    Magical post, Ron! Wonderful storyteller you are because they way you express yourself makes us feel as though we were there with you! xo

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  20. Hellooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    OMG, that's AWESOME that you saw him at Radio City Music Hall! I read somewhere that he did perform there, but didn't know when that was. So, thanks for letting me know in was 1986. I love that space, so I'm sure it was so exciting seeing him there.

    Yes, she was. She was crazy excited about the ring thing. I only wish there had been cell phone cameras back then because I would have not only taken a picture of the ring, but also took a photo with Liberace and sent it to my mother.

    " It sounded like he had very loyal friends who loved him for all that he was and stuck by him."


    They most certainly were. He was beloved by all who were friends with him. After he passed away, they never said a negative thing about him.

    Sad indeed! I saw his last television appearance on the Oprah show and he didn't look good. But what I respected about him is that as sick as I'm sure he was, he performed his heart out for the audience.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a faaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  21. Ron, you've led such an interesting and diverse life. This story was engrossing to read! I saw the movie a year or so after it was released on HBO, not really knowing that much about Liberace, but it looked interesing. And it was. Afterwards, I went online and searched for videos/interviews of the real Liberace and I was blown away by how accurate Michael Douglas's interpretation was. He almost channeled the essence of Liberace.

    I'm with you, back then something like homosexuality was not opening discussed. However, I think it's odd in the movie industry, considering that so many creative people are gay in that industry.

    How long were you performing in Tahoe? And how marvelous that you got to meet; talk with; and touched the ring of LIBERACE! I'm sure your mother was so excited. Did you meet any other celebs?

    Thank you for sharing, Ron. I really enjoy reading your words.

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  22. Ron, you've led such an interesting and diverse life. This story was engrossing to read! I saw the movie a year or so after it was released on HBO, not really knowing that much about Liberace, but it looked interesing. And it was. Afterwards, I went online and searched for videos/interviews of the real Liberace and I was blown away by how accurate Michael Douglas's interpretation was. He almost channeled the essence of Liberace.

    I'm with you, back then something like homosexuality was not opening discussed. However, I think it's odd in the movie industry, considering that so many creative people are gay in that industry.

    How long were you performing in Tahoe? And how marvelous you got to meet; talk with; and touched the ring of LIBERACE! I'm sure your mother was so excited. Did you meet any other celebs?

    Thank you for sharing, Ron. I really enjoy reading your words. Always interesting!

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  23. You're right, Ron, back then there were no cellphones, internet, or social media. And not everyone carried around a camera with them.

    Yes, it was magical seeing him onstage at Radio City. That theater is so grand and elaborate, so it was the perfect spot for Liberace!

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  24. Exactly! Can you imagine if there had been? I would have BLOGGED about it (including photos) and shared it online!!!!!

    I've only been to Radio City Music Hall twice in my life. And yes, so grand and elaborate!

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  25. Hey there, Clair!

    I know, wasn't Michael Douglas's performance A-MAZING? And you're right...it's like he channeled the essence of Liberace, body and soul!

    "However, I think it's odd in the movie industry, considering that so many creative people are gay in that industry."


    YES, isn't that ridiculous? The movie, theater, and art industry are filled with gay people. Yet, they couldn't be "out" about it.

    I was in Tahoe for the summer in 1977. We rehearsed in Las Vegas and then drove through Reno to Tahoe. What a wonderful two months that was!

    I met Sammy Davis Jr., Jim Nabors, Charo, Chita Rivera, and Juliet Prowse. And the cast lived in Phyllis Diller's house, which was rented by our producer/director, who knew her personally.

    Hope you're having a grrrrrreat week, my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  26. Good morning, Ron!
    Thought I commented on this... but it must have been in my head. LOL I did read it though (and watched some of the interviews! So many love him!!) and remember thinking how much my mom loved Liberace, too! I'm sure she saw him. Not sure where though... maybe the Latin Casino in South Jersey? Or Atlantic City? An amazing entertainer!
    How wonderful that you got to meet him and touch his ring. A nice memory to have. Your mother must have flipped!

    I did watch Behind the Candelabra, and enjoyed the performances! I'm sure it was a bit one-sided. He was probably a bit of a mess... didn't he end up in trouble and sent to prison at some point too?

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  27. Good evening, Mary!

    There's been some technical glitches with Disqus, so perhaps you DID comment but it didn't post. I checked the spam box and your comment is not there. Anyway, thanks for stopping back and sharing a comment!

    Yes, wasn't Liberace an A-MAZING entertainer? And to see him in person after one of his shows was such a special treat. And I remember the Latin Casino!!!!!

    Yup, my mother flipped with excitement. Had there been cell phones back then, I could have taken a few photographs with him and then sent them to my mother.

    "He was probably a bit of a mess... didn't he end up in trouble and sent to prison at some point too?"

    Yes, you are absolutely correct, he did end up in prison. And from watching him in interviews after Liberace passed away, he seemed like such an opportunist. I saw him too the night I met Liberace. However, he disappeared after the show, so I didn't meet him.

    X

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