Liberace Reveals his Love for Soap Operas on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show

Liberace sits down with Johnny Carson and talks about performing in his heavy jacket, his love for soap operas, his new book "A Wonderful Private World of Liberace", and his wish to be twenty years younger. Subscribe to Johnny Carson's Official KZbin Channel bit.ly/johnnysub. Watch more Celebrities at bit.ly/carson_celebrities.
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[@leighgate2]

Liberace seemed like a genuinely nice man. He was obviously an intelligent man and his answers to Johnny were thoughtful.

[@kentchr76]

Yes, my thoughts too.

[@lindashelley3635]

leighgate2 Yes, this was surprising to me -pleasantly surprising. Mostly all you ever heard about Liberace was his flamboyance, and people only ever made fun of him. I had no idea that he was also a serious and thoughtful man, with obviously many of the same concerns about life and ageing as the rest of us.

[@Onlinesully]

leighgate2 Yes he does come across that way

[@diaeka5677]

Greetings fellow WTC profile picture

[@lillianflorence6056]

He was twins in Adam west batman, TV series

[@sydneyprescott5241]

Even his hair sparkles 😁

[@RADIUMGLASS]

He spent thosands of dollars over the years buying toupes. He even slept with them on and wore them while in the hospital.

[@myahollandia3552]

@@RADIUMGLASS really ??

[@billhosko7723]

@@RADIUMGLASS ideat

[@JerGer918]

Johnny treated all his guests like royalty: just the right blend of humor as well as class. A lesser host would've mercilessly and tirelessly tormented about Liberace's wardrobe, but Johnny's genuine congeniality is off the charts here... RIP, both of them.

[@leed003]

This is my very first time seeing an interview with Liberace ... He seems so unbelievably kind and genuine. It would be impossible for anyone to be mean to him I'd say. But you're absolutely right, JC was so inviting and seems like the guests comfort was his number 1 priority.

[@Kurt77777]

That's why Johnny got the biggest stars and hosts like Letterman didn't. Letterman would have been insulting him all night. Letterman was funny, but lacked the class that Johnny was famous for.

[@Number4lead]

@@Kurt77777 you are so right. There is a video of Letterman with Liberace, and Letterman was annoying and rude as usual.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Mr. Carson was a Pro, that's why. LOL.

[@gg4gb1914]

My favorite part was when Liberace said Getting older makes me realize time isn’t as plentiful as it once was And I sometimes get a little upset with this because everyday has to be eventful. Years ago I didn’t care if I wasted a day or two But now everyday has to amount to something or I am disappointed I wouldn’t change a thing. I had a wonder life and been blessed with over 40 years of my career

[@GeoffNelson]

I think they speculate that he knew he was sick at this time and it makes his answer more meaningful.

[@bindig1]

Very flamboyant but always seemed like a nice fella. Wasn't my kind of music, but he was a true showman. Legendary

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Around this time, in 1985-86 I waited on Liberace several times at Irvine Ranch Farmers Market in Beverly Hills Beverly Center. I worked at the meat/fish counter. He usually bought veal roasts. He always wore a grey sweat-suit with all of his rings. A super nice man who was a master at being really sincere with approaching fans, while keeping the interactions to 10-15 seconds. ( pre cellphone "selfie with" era...and back then people weren't as rude and entitled with celebrities in Hollywood)

[@francesrosecarmel]

A fantastic, gentle, kind-natured man....he shows to us what kindness is.....

[@sxnico]

Liberace's fabulous. There are no stars like that today, and its sad. #Legend.

[@shawnbruce6934]

True.

[@cdewitt406]

Amazingly kind man. He never talked bad about anyone

[@olivelane7903]

How l sgree

[@olivelane7903]

@@cdewitt406 I agree but everyone slagged .him off they are all bastards he was winderful

[@Kurt77777]

Liberace had eggs.

[@alexvaes7685]

A legend of his own never to be duplicated.

[@szqsk8]

That outfit Liberace is wearing is amazing. I remember being in junior high and my mother would watch Liberace on daytime shows like Mike Douglas. He was a very interesting person and anyone who loves the Soaps can't be bad.

[@mrs.herculepoirot7763]

When I was a teenager in LA my Grandpa Joe was coming to visit and he wanted to see Liberace. My Dad got tickets, Grandpa was thrilled and I had hoped to get out of it but no luck. He gave one of the best shows I have ever seen. What a showman and I feel so lucky to have seen him.

[@nancyterrywhittemore2015]

He always has a smile!! Lee seems like a nice mild mannered man, with a great talent!

[@stephenalberston9108]

Johnny was himself the king of late night and of course comedic royalty. But you can sense his endearing humility as he sits across an absolute virtuoso of the piano and showmanship!!

[@Kurt77777]

I never was a fan of Liberace, but boy did he ever have talent. A truly gifted artist.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Liberace was a true showman who performed to sold out audiences in Las Vegas where Mr. Carson would perform several weeks per year.

[@rainbowtrout]

A relative owned a tavern in WI and before he was famous, LIberace would come in and sit at the piano and play. People would ask, "who is that guy?" and my uncle would say, "oh, that's just Lee, he comes in all the time and just plays the piano for an hour or two."

[@lilsprugga]

The glitter in the hair... I love it!

[@stephen8948]

Rest in peace a great legend and a great piano player

[@lovesfreedomtoo]

Now that's a suit! Wow!

[@1111MSSO]

Awww, he is so cute!!

[@joycefolsom130]

Saw him in the lobby of a hotel in Las Vegas. Talked with him for a few minuets and he was so very nice.

[@dnovello]

He was a uniquely kind and humble person.

[@StephanieJ777]

Even his hair is sparkling! 💫

[@chriswright1916]

Janae Clarice his wig you mean yep sparkling. Love it

[@behabtwa]

havent heard of him until ive watched the movie. he seems to be so sweet in this interview.

[@raven4043]

I love the outfit, I would have worn that with some nice silver heels. 😄 And I love the glitter in his hair. He seemed like such a nice person, very respectful and professional. I love Liberace, he was one of a kind. ❤🎹

[@SSArt98]

Classic, both Liberace and Johnny! ~ Thanks for the trip down memory lane! ~~ James

[@MicheleMJJ]

I; love and miss this wonderful man so much. Just the most kind and generous man ever. I think it's cool he loves the Soaps.

[@Thomas-kl5mo]

He was one of America greatest Treasures, he was A very Elegant and Caring soul, his Devotion to his Beloved Mother always Touched my Heart, and his devotion to those he held close to his heart, Rest in Abundant Peace, the world so tried to mind your own Personal Life far to much, God Bless you for all the wonderful things you did for so many others

[@judypasqualone3819]

I heard he hated his mother and was glad when she died. Not sure if true or not

[@jbt6007]

Such a fabulous Queen!

[@Kloverkill]

Pure class.

[@karenthomas4575]

Watched Behind the Candelabra.. What a guy. I wished I'd seen him in concert. He's fantastic

[@bldali]

This was from 1986 - that was when Felicia married Zane on Another World. He did a great job on that show.

[@ManuelGuzman067]

bldali and then he ends up dyeing the following year 😭

[@XXthekingofyouXX]

Johnny really let his guests shine.

[@DCA66]

🌹Such a gentle soul liberace was🌹

[@stephen39217]

Liberace, by all accounts was a very nice man that would go out of his way for anyone. His performances were as legendary as Elvis. Probably would have been more in the public eye if his lifestyle was more accepted back in those days. RIP Liberace.

[@Cjcpro]

exactly!!!!! he was awesome

[@LB-pg3no]

ELVIS APPEALLED TO A MUCH WIDER AUDIENCE THAN LIBERACE EVER COULD! LIBERACE DREW IN THE OLDER LADIES THAT LOVED HIS GAUDINESS, GAYNESS, AND OUTRAGEOUSLY OVER THE TOP COSTUMES! ELVIS ON THE OTHER HAND DREW CROWDS OF ALL AGES FROM KIDS TO THE ELDERLY!!!!

[@jordanharkins97]

L B you say that forgetting that in the 50s Liberace was the only person in show business that could say he was just as big if not bigger than Elvis Presley.

[@Kurt77777]

@@LB-pg3no Liberace gave much better shows than Elvis ever did, and I'm not exactly a fan of Liberace. What was so great about Elvis? He could gyrate his hips, big deal. He never had half the talent that Liberace had. Elvis's appeal was he turned pop music into a sexual thing. Unlike Elvis, Liberace actually had talent, and again, I never was any fan of Liberace but I can recognize talent when I see it.

[@elbertbass9259]

@@Kurt77777 you lost all credibility with you said Elvis freaking Presley had no talent 😆 Billions of records sold says different.

[@brothernaturefoundation]

Never mind listening to the rumours, just listen to his music....He's a very, very, very fine entertainer, indeed! It doesn't matter if he's gay or not if you liked listening to him then you're gay,too! He was the only pianist I know that is such as you had seen him and no other. "Hats Off to ya, Liberace! Thank you very much for sharing your talent with us!"

[@JoeHollywood22]

He definitely was gay

[@phaedrabacker2004]

The puffy shirt! Hi Liberace my handsome fellow.

[@123HappyMad]

This man was so pristine.

[@steveholland3683]

A kind soul

[@Mickey007]

Ever since 9/ll happened this country has flipped upside down. Trying to put a round peg into a square peg hole. I always Watched Johnny & Liberace. I Love how Respectful they are to one another. You would die before you ever found Respect & Dignity on a late show or any other, in these Dark & Evil Days. Liberace and Johnny Carson were ALWAYS ENJOYABLE TO WATCH!! 💜🌹😄😄😄🌹💜

[@TommYYZ]

I'm like obsessed with watching old Lib vida. He was so amazing and hate that he had to hide parts of his life. Imagine how much more rich his playing would be if he could live without secrets.

[@assiabenslimane2589]

He had a fabulous life he was a man of his time ..he was fabulously rich and he lived like he wanted dont believe the hype ...

[@optimal8155]

Liberace was a class act. A real gentleman. I don’t think he would have flaunted his sexuality. He lived it.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

He is hilarious and fantastic. I like him

[@mrrebel5150]

Liberace was a great entertainer, he devoted himself to his fans so much so that it invaded his personal life. which should never happen. there will never ever be another entertainer such as he. may he rest in peace.

[@stephen39217]

***** His performances in Vegas were as legendary as Elvis. Great performer and wonderful man and it was a shame that he was a little tarnished by his lifestyle.

[@mrrebel5150]

stephen39217 yes I agree. what he did in his home was his business. There will never be another that can play as beautiful as he did.

[@Cjcpro]

he was awesome!

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

mr rebel 100% agree. Him and Freddie Mercury, I don't care what their sexuality was, both were phenomenally talented

[@mrrebel5150]

Mike Youngblood​ i read that a film is being made on freddie Mercury's life staring rami malek.

[@honeybeebadger]

Behind the Candelabra brought me here..Michael Douglas was amazing

[@ronaldo101000]

Both are stars of another world

[@tonymartinez1701]

Larger than life.... both Johnny and Liberace. So Good...

[@jolenaagapisou3803]

I loved Liberace, a sweet gentle soul & his beautiful piano music, I play the piano too, but not like him!! RIP Liberace, you are missed💜💜

[@chrisbaldwin9556]

I hope there are pianos in heaven. I would love to hear him play again.

[@jeffreyzeiss1326]

As per scripture in order to get to Heaven we are to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and repent our sins.

[@mariamejia4969]

I love joan rivers jokes on liberace 🤣🤣

[@chrisarseneault5617]

The sad part about Liberace is a lot of people hated him or were disgusted by him because of his sexuality. But as a performer and a human being he was fantastic and genuine and nice isn't that will be all strive to be?

[@balto4]

I agree it's sad that I think a lot werent nice to him because of that and that's something that he couldnt help. He was such a sweet man and so kind to everyone that worked for him. He loved his fans too

[@jeremycunninghamtheoldsoul8686]

I’ve always admired him and the fact that he was gay doesn’t phase me at all. Liberace’s kindness is what I love about him the most

[@victorblock3421]

I think it's so stupid that you are creating division by signaling to all your virtue while fishing for a lot of hate and anger that never existed.

[@hoyboys1000]

Two Giant Icons!

[@ltcolumbo9708]

Love Liberace. But more respecting to what a happy soul he was trying to live his life. I only wished I met him

[@Enbix]

Modern talk shows are trash. This felt like a real conversation.

[@johnreynolds5407]

A true gentleman.

[@FloridaRaider]

very engaging, what lovely human beings

[@melissamarks7319]

I would have loved to have met Liberace. What a sweet man 💖

[@thyslop1737]

Johnny the one and only. Late night talk show format left the building when he retired. Everyone says Lettermen. Lettermen not even close.

[@janierios1194]

LIBERACE WAS SO FLAMBOYANT AND OVER THE TOP BUT HIS PERSONA WAS DOWN TO EARTH AND GENUINELY NICE PERSON.

[@mooseandsquirrel9887]

Absolute class…….folks, this is how you impress people……

[@jeromelombardo6053]

I am so blessed to born in the early 70's because I know all about this.

[@stefanosprokopis6974]

He looks like big sparkling diamond

[@susanheisler9940]

Nicest man in show business.

[@Hateweek1984]

Liberace seems like he'd be a cool dude to hang with....what a talent....i remember watching him as a kid...

[@richierichnumber1]

What year was this Liberace looks great on Carson.

[@nolancain8792]

January 1986.

[@nancyterrywhittemore2015]

@@nolancain8792 Just 13 months before he died

[@valeriekitover7363]

Why is it….That Johnny Carson could flawlessly interact with all his guests…..Constantly hearing that Johnny Carson is….and was “The Best”….Late Night Talk Show Host…Is so true!…..Something is just lacking with the ones we have today….

[@BrittneyCooper-yb3td]

My mom used to watch the same soaps. RIP Mom and Lee.😢

[@HelloooThere]

THE WIG WEIGHS 50 LBS IN HEAT

[@bruceabrahamsen221]

A great showman

[@eddieortiz27]

All I Can think of is "I look like my father in 'Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte'! "

[@mariamaria2751]

Liberace would be having a ball today.lol

[@honoluluharry7664]

Class act...

[@800hillgrove]

very nice

[@Eddie_Schantz]

This show aired on January 9, 1986

[@andreabenzel9731]

What year was this interview? Thanks

[@kathyspanner3755]

Nice to know famous people like soap operas as well just like us

[@ladystardust7773]

this Carson Show was like seeing Dorian gray wither in public! Lol

[@dewilew2137]

This man is talking about how much he loves soap operas, while on stage with glitter in his hair, and he wanted us to believe he was a heterosexual man who just never found the right girl. Okay, Lee.

[@frankmachin5438]

Extraordinary that there was a time when people didn’t realise he was gay - he was as camp as a jamboree. Nothing wrong with that IMO, just more innocent times.

[@proudmarinemomma827]

Not everyone was talking about their sexuality constantly. IMO it shouldn’t be done. Isn’t there any privacy and things kept that way anymore… I prefer the old days where some things weren’t shared with everyone and in front of children. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sharonsims1731]

He was sick here .he was a gorgeous man!! Yeah he watched soaps!!

[@heidigraney4075]

RIP

[@Crazy-Horse-Tx.]

I wonder if Prince was influenced by this super talented man.

[@bayarea8016]

What year ??

[@everywhereAnywhere]

I touched your piano Mr. L. hope you don't mind. I pushed a key and it sounded great. Plus, I made a pyramid covered in jewlery and it's called the "liboracci"

[@jojolucas6973]

2 people that had the rare gift of charisma and gift of gab. Liberalism has put people like this in hiding...

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

Year???

[@Melissa0774]

Did he use hair gel with glitter in it or something? His hair was sparkling.

[@nancyterrywhittemore2015]

Probably glitter from the sparkles on his costume

[@brendansbennett8693]

Toupe

[@ss06033]

You would think Johnny would be wearing sun glasses

[@StevenTorrey]

Liberace: May 16, 1919 - February 4, 1987; this program dates from January 1986, so he was to die of AIDS a year later. And yest, he was Gay; hardly a secret.

[@Rotary_Phone]

That pinky ring on his right hand has to weigh every bit of 18-20+ oz.....crazy.

[@msknighttime]

what year was this?

[@StevenTorrey]

January, 1986....

[@MrJoeybabe25]

Interestingly, in "The Private Life Of Liberace" is all about his three marriages and several children, some with Sonja Henie.

[@lianelayman7796]

Did anybody really read the book and think he'd been married and had kids. That's a shame that Liberace would that lie in his book and expect the people to believe them. he did date Sonja heine and maybe was engaged to her, but that was just to throw the press off.

[@mystical9054]

4:18 Kind of eerie, seeing two older men in their twilight years, who are now dead and long gone, sitting around talking about their mortality and impending deaths. Just a reminder that we all have to pass through death’s door, eventually. We’re all just “passing through” life, anyway. This world we live in was only meant to be temporary. Our REAL home awaits us in God’s Kingdom, where there is no more sickness / worries / sadness / and, conflicts. I tell you, if I’d had even a fraction of the quality of life that these two gentlemen enjoyed in their lifetimes, I’d pass through that door a lot more satisfied and fulfilled.

[@gabebeason934]

They weren't really in their "twilight years" here, but yes...your comment still resonates.

[@mystical9054]

@@gabebeason934 These mf’ers were in their late 60s here, dude. Most men are lucky to live beyond their late 70s, on average. Given that, if you don’t think late 60s qualifies for “twilight years”, then I’d love to take a hit of some the good stuff you’re smoking over there. Hahaha! Resonate THAT.

[@gabebeason934]

@@mystical9054...hey, dick head - Late 60's is not considered to be "twilight years". That age group is known as the GOLDEN years. Twilight years are the very last few years - 1, maybe 2 - of a person's life. Look it up. And resonate THAT. Dick head.

[@billhosko7723]

Ohh ghettgarip...

[@billhosko7723]

@@mystical9054 Ideat...

[@frlouiegoad4087]

Lust of the world. But, he was a wonderful person.

[@oldmoviesinbwwithsubtitles3501]

He played a villain on the original Batman TV show.

[@richierichnumber1]

Being around Show biz people all my life so I love them all and their sex life is none of my business.

[@proudmarinemomma827]

I’m tired of everyone telling about their sex life. Wish some things were left in private. I don’t care who it’s with either. None of my business or concern.

[@davidralphs4]

Miss her dearly.

[@felixthelmocevallosmorales41]

Wladziu Valentino Liberace (West Allis, Wisconsin, 16 de mayo de 1919-Palm Springs, California, 4 de febrero de 1987), más conocido por su apellido, Liberace, fue un showman y pianista ​ estadounidense de ascendencia polaca e italiana, de gran popularidad. Devoto católico, inspiraba a su público con su cálida cercanía y su inagotable y generoso espíritu pletórico de alegría en sus espectáculos.

[@soulaesthete8563]

Liberace's voice sounds a lot like Paul Lynde's voice.

[@barrybrittain6157]

Whether he was homosexual or not is immaterial to me! He was so terrifically talented and such a nice and considerate man who wanted to bring some happiness to the world and help make his audience forget their troubles for an hour or two! Lee, your wonderful music enriched our world! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us!

[@dewilew2137]

You mean you still have some doubts? The fact that you’re leaving this comment means that it clearly must mean something to you.

[@finderkeeperrrs]

He was gay and there was NOTHING wrong with that.

[@MINOUTFTABOU]

It doesn't matter who Liberace loved. His only mistake was that, despite his HIV status, he continued to have sexual contact from August 1985 and infected two men. This is the only accusation. Who he loved didn't matter. Freddie Mercury had withdrawn after that and was surrounded by Jim and trusted very, very few people. Freddie also stayed at home. He was simply more responsible after the diagnosis. It doesn't matter who one loves, but one should have responsibility and not harm others unnecessarily. Not with illnesses anyway.

[@bluesbulletin]

What year was this?? Early 80s?

[@Derek70388]

‘86

[@ryancang3627]

True, everyday has to be eventful. Very disappointing not doing anything.

[@MrLemmy2000]

At least Johnny didnt rip on the guy I think Johnny and everyone knew