MICHAEL DOUGLAS to finally play iconic gay showman LIBERACE after much ballyhoo.
The Liberace biopic "Behind the Candelabra" will be directed by Steven Soderbergh and also stars Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, the younger live-in lover of the flamboyant pianist.
Their split in 1982 precipitated the historic “Gayimony” lawsuit where Thorson filed a $113 million lawsuit against Liberace.
In 1986, Thorson and Liberace agreed to settle out of court for $95,000, two cars, and two pet dogs.
HBO made the announcement today that the much delayed production was finally proceeding.
The title refers to the trademark candelabra that always gracing Liberace's grand piano.
The ENQUIRER first announced over three years ago that Douglas, 67, would play Liberace l but his battle with throat cancer took precedence over key tinkling.
Last January, Douglas announced the tumor was gone and claimed he had beaten the disease.
Douglas voice was raspy and thin while battling the cancer and producers are waiting to begin shooting until next summer so his voice will be at full timbre to play Mr. Showmanship.
Marvin Hamlisch will provide the music for the tele-film.
Liberace died from AIDS in 1987.
