TV & FilmMaggie FurlongMichael Douglasjohn stamos

'Behind The Candelabra': Imagining Other Actors In Liberace's Sky-High Hair & Rhinestone Shoes (PHOTOS)

Who Else Could Have Played Liberace
By 

West Coast Editor, Huffington Post TV

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In HBO's "Behind the Candelabra" (premieres Sun., May 26, 9 p.m. ET), Michael Douglas plays Liberace -- and the resemblance is truly uncanny.

It's a surprising turn for the Oscar-winning actor, but one that we imagine more of Hollywood's biggest stars would've embraced. The sequins, the fancy cars, the over-the-top ensembles, the flamboyant lifestyle, the absolute excess of everything, working alongside Matt Damon with director Steven Soderbergh, on what's rumored to be his last film ... it's the role of a lifetime.

So we couldn't help but imagine who else could've rocked the part of one of Hollywood's greatest entertainers. From HBO movie regular Al Pacino to Greek yogurt peddler and sometime-musician John Stamos, click through our gallery of dream Liberace runners-up for "Behind the Candelabra."

"Behind the Candelabra": Who Else Could Play Liberace?
Ben Kingsley(01 of06)
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Sir Ben Kingsley is a masterful chameleon with a flair for the dramatic and impeccable cheekbones, two things Liberace himself would truly appreciate. (credit:HBO / Stuart Wilson/Getty Images)
Steve Martin(02 of06)
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Funnyman Steve Martin could easily capture the essence of Liberace without going into "Saturday Night Live" spoof territory, and considering he's such a skilled banjo player, he could at least appreciate the music. (credit:HBO / JB Lacroix/WireImage)
Al Pacino(03 of06)
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Al Pacino is an HBO favorite, having played both Phil Spector and Jack Kevorkian in made-for-TV movies for the network in the last few years. Of course he'd have to shave off his signature stubble and dye those mutton chops a nice deep black color, but otherwise, we could totally see this. Bonus: He's actually an accomplished pianist. (credit:HBO / Getty Images)
John Stamos(04 of06)
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Yes, John Stamos might be a little young for the role, but Liberace did always seem well-preserved and there's nothing a little makeup can't fix. Plus, with his musical background -- having played guitar and bongos for The Beach Boys (and Jesse and the Rippers on "Full House") -- we think he'd ace the showmanship category. Plus, Stamos and Matt Damon together ... swoon! (credit:HBO / Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Michael Keaton(05 of06)
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This one might be a stretch, but Michael Keaton is prime for a big comeback soon. He may not be able to tickle the ivories (director Steven Soderbergh, shown, could cheat that with fancy camera work), but the man can sing. Just watch any number of his movies, or pick up the "Jack Frost" soundtrack. (credit:HBO / Tony Barson/WireImage)
Rob Lowe(06 of06)
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Rob Lowe also stars in "Behind the Candelabra" -- and he's almost unrecognizable -- but those prominent cheeks and cheekbones definitely recall the leading man. (credit:HBO / Getty Images)

Tell us: Will you be watching "Behind the Candelabra"?

"Behind the Candelabra" premieres Sun., May 26, 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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