Michael Douglas Beats Cancer, Takes on Liberace

Oscar winner is ready to take piano lessons

He's beaten cancer and now Michael Douglas is ready to take on Liberace.

The Oscar-winning actor, who endured gruelling chemotherapy after being diagnosed with throat cancer in August, is prepping for his role as the legendary entertainer who died in 1987. Douglas said he'll take piano lessons, but hasn't decided if he'll sing.

“I’ve been watching a lot of tapes of him," Douglas, 66, told People magazine. “He wasn’t the greatest dancer nor the greatest singer, but he was a great pianist and entertainer.”

Douglas learned last week the tumor in his throat is gone. Experts say he needs three years of cancer freedom before he can claim to be cured. But Douglas is upbeat and trying to regain the 35 pounds he said he lost during his medical ordeal. He told People he will start shooting the Liberace biopic in the spring.

Douglas plans to attend the Golden Globes on Jan. 16, where he is a nominee for best supporting actor for his return as Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleep."

Selected Reading: People, IMDb, Liberace.org.

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