The Untold Story of Stan Cadwallader: Liberace’s Secret Partner Finally Revealed
Liberace, or Lee as his close friends called him, was a flamboyant pianist who gained worldwide fame for his performances that blended classical music with pop culture. However, behind his grandiose stage persona, he had a secret love affair with Stan Cadwallader, who was his partner for nearly four decades. Although the two men never publicly spoke about their relationship while Liberace was alive, their bond has recently come to light, and the story of Stan’s role in Liberace’s life is finally being revealed.
Who Was Stan Cadwallader?
Stan was not a celebrity, but rather a regular guy who worked as a chauffeur and later as a salesman for a tile company. He met Liberace in 1977 when he was 22 years old and working as a chauffeur for a millionaire in Los Angeles. They fell in love and started a relationship, and although Liberace was 54 at the time, age did not matter to either of them.
The Secret Affair
Liberace and Stan’s relationship was a secret from the public eye because Lee feared that his conservative fan base would not accept him as a gay man. They lived together in a mansion in Las Vegas, which Liberace referred to as “my little ranch,” and saw each other every day when Lee was not on tour. The couple also traveled extensively and maintained homes in California and New York.
The Legal Battle
Although Stan and Liberace’s relationship lasted for years, they were never married because same-sex marriage was illegal at the time. When Liberace was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985, he wanted to make sure that Stan received his estate after he passed away. However, Lee’s family contested his will, claiming that he was not of sound mind when he wrote it. The legal battle lasted for years, and Stan eventually won the right to inherit Liberace’s fortune.
The Legacy of Love
After Liberace’s death in 1987, Stan went back to his regular life and continued working as a salesman. He never remarried but kept his relationship with Liberace private until the recent publication of the book “Behind the Candelabra” and the movie of the same name. Although Stan was initially hesitant to speak publicly about his love for Liberace, he has since embraced his legacy and the role he played in the iconic performer’s life.
The Importance of Representation
The story of Liberace and Stan’s relationship is significant because it sheds light on the challenges that LGBTQ+ couples faced during a time when society was less accepting of same-sex relationships. It also highlights the importance of representation in media to showcase a wider range of love stories. By portraying Liberace and Stan’s relationship in a positive light, “Behind the Candelabra” and other works that came out later help to normalize LGBTQ+ relationships and inspire others to embrace their identities.
FAQs
Q: How did Liberace and Stan meet?
A: Stan worked as a chauffeur for a millionaire in Los Angeles, and Liberace met him when he was being driven around the city.
Q: Did Liberace ever publicly acknowledge his relationship with Stan?
A: No, Liberace kept his relationship with Stan private because he was afraid that his conservative fan base would not accept him as a gay man.
Q: When did Liberace die?
A: Liberace passed away in 1987 at the age of 67.
Q: Did Stan inherit Liberace’s estate?
A: Yes, after a legal battle, Stan won the right to inherit Liberace’s fortune.
Q: Was Liberace ever married?
A: No, Liberace was never married to anyone, including his partner Stan Cadwallader.
Q: Who played Stan Cadwallader in the movie “Behind the Candelabra”?
A: Actor Scott Bakula played Stan Cadwallader in the movie adaptation of “Behind the Candelabra.”
Q: Did Stan ever remarry after Liberace’s death?
A: No, Stan never remarried but embraced his legacy with Liberace and the role he played in the pianist’s life.
Conclusion
Liberace and Stan’s love story may have been kept secret for many years, but it is an essential part of LGBTQ+ history. Their relationship paved the way for others to embrace their identities and opened doors for more representation in the media. By learning more about their story, we can honor the love that they shared and continue to move forward in creating a more accepting society.