As with other entertainers such as Elton John or David Bowie who turned out to be gay or bisexual, Liberace was able to flaunt himself to the fullest because even some of his more conservative fans enjoyed his music and wit and only considered his escapades as part of his glitzy star persona. Late in life, however, his public disputes with longtime companion Scott Thorson effectively "outed" him, and his death from AIDS complications and the books and TV-movies about his unique, fascinating life revealed some of the private joys and sorrows of the ever-smiling, self-mocking, florid entertainer.