Who Is Liberace? Age, Biography and Wiki
Liberace was born on May 16, 1919, and passed away on February 4, 1987. Known for his flamboyant style and exceptional talent, he played a significant role in shaping the entertainment landscape of the 20th century. Liberace's extravagant performances and signature piano style earned him worldwide fame, making him an icon in the worlds of music and television.
In 2025, although Liberace is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire artists and entertain fans globally. His biography reflects a life dedicated to music, style, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1919 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 4 February, 1987 |
| Died Place | The Cloisters, Palm Springs, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Liberace's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements may not be readily available for Liberace as of 2025, it’s widely noted that he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Known for his opulent costumes and extravagant accessories, his persona added to his distinctive visual presence. Over the years, he maintained a weight around 180 lbs (82 kg), showcasing a flamboyant image that captivated his audience.
Władziu Valentino Liberace (May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987) was an American pianist, singer and actor. At the height of his fame from the 1950s to 1970s, he was the highest-paid entertainer in the world with established concert residencies in Las Vegas and an international touring schedule.
He embraced a lifestyle of flamboyant excess both on and off stage, and never publicly acknowledged his homosexuality.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Liberace was known for his private personal life, often shielded from the public eye. Throughout his life, he had various romantic relationships, including notable connections with several men. His most publicized relationship was with Scott Thorson, a young man who became his companion during the final years of his life. In 2025, discussions about his relationships continue to echo in the LGBTQ+ community, where his openness about his sexuality and flamboyance have made a significant impact.
While there is no current dating status to report as Liberace passed away in 1987, he remains a figure of historical intrigue, often referenced in discussions about love and relationships in the entertainment world.
Liberace had an identical twin who died at birth. He had three surviving siblings: a brother George (who was a violinist), a sister Angelina, and younger brother Rudy (Rudolph Valentino Liberace, named after the actor due to his mother's interest in show business).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1987, Liberace's estimated net worth was around $115 million, a figure that speaks to his monumental success as a performer and businessman. In 2025, his estate continues to generate revenue through royalties, memorabilia, and his lasting influence in music and entertainment. Analysis of his financial successes emphasizes not only his earnings from performances but also his notable investments in real estate and ventures that engaged with luxury brands throughout his career.
Liberace began playing the piano at the age of four. While Sam took his children to concerts to further expose them to music, he was a taskmaster demanding high standards from the children in both practice and performance. Liberace's prodigious talent was evident from his early years. By the age of 7, he was capable of memorizing difficult pieces.
He studied the technique of the Polish pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski. At the age of eight, he met Paderewski backstage after a concert at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. "I was intoxicated by the joy I got from the great virtuoso's playing", Liberace said later.
"My dreams were filled with fantasies of following his footsteps...Inspired and fired with ambition, I began to practice with a fervour that made my previous interest in the piano look like neglect." Paderewski later became a family friend as well as Liberace's mentor, to whom the protégé never missed any opportunities to pay tribute.
Career, Business and Investments
Liberace's career was marked by sensational piano performances and a unique approach to showmanship that blended music with theatricality. He rose to fame through his television appearances in the 1950s and 60s, establishing himself as a household name. His signature capes and extravagant pianos became symbols of his lavish lifestyle.
In addition to his music career, Liberace was astute in business and made wise investments that contributed to his wealth. His endorsement deals and business ventures reflect a sophisticated understanding of celebrity branding, paving the way for future entertainers about how to monetize their personas fully.
Liberace mostly bypassed radio before trying a television career, thinking radio unsuitable given his act's dependence on the visual. Despite his enthusiasm about the possibilities of television, Liberace was disappointed after his early guest appearances on The Kate Smith Show and DuMont's Cavalcade of Stars, with Jackie Gleason.
Liberace was particularly displeased with the frenetic camera work and his short appearance time. He soon wanted his own show where he could control his presentation as he did with his club shows.
Social Network
While Liberace himself did not experience the rise of social media, his enduring legacy continues to thrive on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where fans celebrate his contributions to music and entertainment. As of 2025, numerous fan pages, tribute accounts, and platforms dedicated to his life and work flourish, ensuring that new generations appreciate his artistry.
In 1934, he played jazz piano with a school group named The Mixers and later with other groups. Liberace performed in cabarets and strip clubs. Although Sam and Frances did not approve, their son was earning a living during hard times. For a while, Liberace adopted the stage name Walter Busterkeys.
He showed an interest in draftsmanship, design and painting, and he became a fastidious dresser and follower of fashion. By this time, he was displaying a penchant for turning eccentricities into attention-getting practices, and he earned popularity at school despite some making him an object of ridicule.
Education
Liberace's musical education began at a young age, showing prodigious talent when he enrolled at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. He later studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and experienced formal training, which laid the foundation for his impressive career. His commitment to education and mastery of the piano is evident in the brilliance that characterized his performances.
The Depression was financially hard on the Liberace family. In childhood, Liberace suffered from a speech impediment; as a teen, he was taunted by neighborhood children, who mocked him for his effeminate personality, his avoidance of sports, and his fondness for cooking and the piano.
Liberace concentrated on his piano playing with the help of music teacher Florence Kelly, who oversaw Liberace's musical development for ten years. He gained experience playing popular music in theaters, on local radio, for dancing classes, clubs and weddings.
