How Did Scott Thorson Make His Money?

Scott Thorson, primarily known for his tumultuous and highly publicized relationship with the legendary pianist Liberace, built his income primarily through settlements, book deals, and media appearances resulting from that association. Beyond a potential inheritance from his adoptive parents, his career path revolved heavily around leveraging his experiences with Liberace for financial gain.

Life Before Liberace: Early Influences and Upbringing

Scott Thorson’s life before Liberace remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, with varying accounts and limited verifiable information. Born Jess Marlow (some sources indicate “Lawrence”) in 1959, he was adopted by a family of Scandinavian heritage in Wisconsin. This upbringing, though seemingly stable on the surface, was reportedly marred by emotional challenges. His adoptive parents, Chester and Sylvia Thorson, owned a foster home, exposing him to a variety of children with complex backgrounds.

Some sources suggest he received a modest inheritance upon the death of his adoptive parents, but this is not definitively confirmed. Regardless, it’s widely accepted that his primary source of income did not originate from any established profession or independent wealth accumulation, prior to his association with Liberace. His pre-Liberace life laid the groundwork for a young man seeking acceptance and opportunity, an ambition that would ultimately shape his future financial trajectory.

The Liberace Era: Romance, Lavishness, and Legal Battles

The fateful meeting between Scott Thorson and Liberace in 1977 irrevocably altered Thorson’s life. At the young age of 18, he was swept into Liberace’s extravagant world, becoming his live-in companion and confidant. The next five years were filled with unimaginable opulence, lavish gifts, and constant travel. Liberace, known for his flamboyant persona and extravagant spending, provided Thorson with a life of luxury he could scarcely have dreamed of.

However, this gilded cage came at a price. As their relationship deteriorated, Thorson alleged emotional distress, betrayal, and a broken promise of future financial security. This ultimately led to a palimony lawsuit in 1982, marking a pivotal moment in Thorson’s pursuit of financial compensation. The lawsuit, demanding a significant sum, became a media sensation, catapulting Thorson into the public spotlight.

The Palimony Settlement: A Turning Point

The settlement reached in 1986 between Thorson and the Liberace estate provided a substantial, though disputed, amount of money. While Thorson initially sought millions, the final settlement figure was rumored to be around $75,000, alongside several automobiles. Although a fraction of his initial demand, this settlement became the foundation upon which he built his subsequent income streams.

It’s crucial to recognize that the settlement wasn’t simply a windfall; it represented a legal acknowledgment, however tacit, of the validity of Thorson’s claims against the Liberace estate. This validation, coupled with the public interest surrounding their relationship, opened doors to future opportunities.

Cashing In on Fame: Books, Movies, and Media Appearances

Following the settlement, Scott Thorson actively capitalized on his association with Liberace, leveraging his story through various media platforms. He co-authored the book “Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace”, which became a New York Times bestseller. This memoir offered a scandalous and intimate portrayal of his relationship with the iconic entertainer, providing readers with a voyeuristic glimpse into Liberace’s private life.

The book’s success led to further opportunities, including numerous television interviews and media appearances. Thorson became a sought-after guest on talk shows and documentaries, sharing his experiences and insights into Liberace’s world. These appearances not only provided him with immediate financial compensation but also cemented his image as an expert on Liberace’s life, ensuring continued relevance and demand for his story.

The ultimate culmination of this exploitation was the HBO film “Behind the Candelabra” (2013), starring Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson. While Thorson reportedly received a small consultation fee for the film, its success further amplified his notoriety and solidified his place in pop culture history, albeit as a figure inextricably linked to Liberace.

Legal Troubles and Financial Struggles: A Cycle of Boom and Bust

Despite his successes, Scott Thorson faced numerous legal and financial challenges throughout his life. He struggled with substance abuse, leading to arrests and convictions. His financial management skills were also questionable, resulting in periods of instability and dependence on public assistance.

His tumultuous lifestyle and legal battles frequently depleted his earnings, creating a cyclical pattern of financial gain followed by financial hardship. This cycle underscores the ephemeral nature of fame and the challenges of managing wealth derived from controversial circumstances. It also highlights the difficulty of separating Scott Thorson’s personal struggles from his professional choices, as his life was perpetually intertwined with the legacy of his relationship with Liberace.

In the latter years of his life, Thorson experienced significant health problems and faced further financial difficulties. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both opulence and hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scott Thorson’s Income

Q1: Did Scott Thorson have any legitimate jobs outside of his association with Liberace?

A: The available information suggests that Scott Thorson did not hold any significant or long-term employment outside of his relationship with Liberace and the opportunities that arose from it. He primarily relied on his connection to Liberace for income.

Q2: How much money did Scott Thorson initially seek in his palimony lawsuit?

A: Scott Thorson initially sought a substantial sum in his palimony lawsuit against the Liberace estate, reportedly demanding $113 million. This figure was based on his claims of emotional distress, betrayal, and broken promises of financial security.

Q3: What were the specific terms of the settlement between Scott Thorson and the Liberace estate?

A: The details of the settlement are not entirely public, but it is widely reported that Thorson received approximately $75,000 and several automobiles. He also relinquished any further claims against the estate.

Q4: How did the book “Behind the Candelabra” contribute to Scott Thorson’s income?

A: “Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace” became a New York Times bestseller, generating significant royalties for Thorson and providing him with a platform for media appearances and speaking engagements.

Q5: Did Scott Thorson receive any money directly from the HBO film “Behind the Candelabra”?

A: While exact figures are not publicly available, it’s reported that Scott Thorson received a consultation fee for the film, though the amount was relatively modest compared to the film’s overall success.

Q6: What were some of the main reasons for Scott Thorson’s financial struggles?

A: Scott Thorson’s financial struggles stemmed from a combination of factors, including substance abuse, legal troubles, poor financial management, and a tumultuous lifestyle.

Q7: Did Scott Thorson ever express regret about his relationship with Liberace?

A: Reports on Scott Thorson’s reflections on his relationship with Liberace varied. While he sometimes expressed gratitude for the opportunities it provided, he also acknowledged the emotional toll and exploitation he experienced.

Q8: How did Liberace initially meet Scott Thorson?

A: Scott Thorson met Liberace through a mutual acquaintance in 1977. Liberace was reportedly immediately drawn to Thorson, and their relationship quickly evolved.

Q9: What kind of gifts did Liberace give to Scott Thorson during their relationship?

A: Liberace lavished Thorson with extravagant gifts, including jewelry, cars, designer clothing, and access to luxurious accommodations and travel.

Q10: What was Scott Thorson doing before he met Liberace?

A: Before meeting Liberace, Scott Thorson’s activities were not widely documented. He had a relatively ordinary upbringing in Wisconsin and was reportedly seeking opportunities for personal and financial advancement.

Q11: Did Scott Thorson have any contact with Liberace in the years before Liberace’s death?

A: There’s no publicly available information to suggest that Scott Thorson had any contact with Liberace in the years leading up to Liberace’s death in 1987.

Q12: How did Scott Thorson’s background and upbringing influence his choices and financial trajectory?

A: Scott Thorson’s upbringing, marked by emotional challenges and a desire for acceptance, likely influenced his vulnerability to Liberace’s influence and his subsequent reliance on exploiting their relationship for financial gain. His background made him susceptible to the allure of wealth and fame, shaping his choices and ultimately dictating his financial trajectory.