Musician, Entertainer. Born Wladziu (Polish for Walter) Liberace in West Allis, Wisconsin to musically talented immigrant Italian and Polish parents, his father played the French horn with the Milwaukee Philharmonic Orchestra and his Polish mother played the piano. When Polish pianist Ignacy Paderewski visited the Liberaces, he recommended Wladziu receive a scholarship to the Wisconsin College of Music. He also studied privately and at age 14 made his debut with the Chicago Symphony. Liberace debuted on local Los Angeles, California television in 1951, leading to a network musical variety program, followed by "The Liberace Show" on ABC and then again in his own CBS network series. He often played the song "I'll Be Seeing You" as his closing number. He earned his nickname "Mr. Showmanship" for his glittering wardrobes and a candelabrum placed on top of his piano which became his trademark. He appeared in a number of motion pictures, but after his television career faded, he became a mainstay at Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, where he played to sold-out performances for years. His last public appearance was on a Christmas telecast of "The Oprah Winfrey Show". His health was deteriorating, and he retreated to his Palm Springs home. He received the last rites of the Catholic Church and with a rosary in his hands died at the age of 67. The Liberace Museum, a popular Las Vegas tourist attraction, houses his collection of antiques, custom cars and elaborate costumes with proceeds funding a scholarship for aspiring musicians and artists.
Musician, Entertainer. Born Wladziu (Polish for Walter) Liberace in West Allis, Wisconsin to musically talented immigrant Italian and Polish parents, his father played the French horn with the Milwaukee Philharmonic Orchestra and his Polish mother played the piano. When Polish pianist Ignacy Paderewski visited the Liberaces, he recommended Wladziu receive a scholarship to the Wisconsin College of Music. He also studied privately and at age 14 made his debut with the Chicago Symphony. Liberace debuted on local Los Angeles, California television in 1951, leading to a network musical variety program, followed by "The Liberace Show" on ABC and then again in his own CBS network series. He often played the song "I'll Be Seeing You" as his closing number. He earned his nickname "Mr. Showmanship" for his glittering wardrobes and a candelabrum placed on top of his piano which became his trademark. He appeared in a number of motion pictures, but after his television career faded, he became a mainstay at Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, where he played to sold-out performances for years. His last public appearance was on a Christmas telecast of "The Oprah Winfrey Show". His health was deteriorating, and he retreated to his Palm Springs home. He received the last rites of the Catholic Church and with a rosary in his hands died at the age of 67. The Liberace Museum, a popular Las Vegas tourist attraction, houses his collection of antiques, custom cars and elaborate costumes with proceeds funding a scholarship for aspiring musicians and artists.
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
Inscription
SON AND BROTHER
"SHELTERED LOVE"
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Liberace memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
