Władziu Valentino Liberace ( May 16 , 1919 -- February 4 , 1987 ) , mononymously known as Liberace , was an American pianist and entertainer .
Władziu ( or Vladziu ) Valentino Liberace ( May 16 , 1919 -- February 4 , 1987 ) , best known as Liberace , was an American pianist and vocalist of Polish-Italian origin .