Scott Thorson, Liberace’s Lover and Key Witness in Wonderland Murders Trial, Dies at 65

As I reflect upon Scott Thorson’s life, it’s hard not to be moved by the rollercoaster ride of events he experienced. From his tumultuous relationship with the legendary Liberace, to his involvement in the infamous Wonderland Massacre trial, and his battles with addiction, Scott’s story is one for the history books.


65-year-old Scott Thorson, a past lover of Liberace and an essential witness in the 1982 Wonderland Massacre trial, passed away on August 16 in Los Angeles. He was receiving care at a healthcare facility in the city, as he had been battling cancer and heart issues.

In 1982, Jess Marlow (formerly known as Thorson) filed a high-profile palimony lawsuit against Liberace, claiming they had a long-term relationship. Despite the lawsuit, Liberace publicly denied being gay and testified in court that Thorson was never his lover. The case was settled out of court in 1986, with Marlow receiving $75,000 in cash, along with three cars and three dogs worth approximately $20,000. Unfortunately, Liberace passed away in 1987 due to complications from HIV/AIDS.

In 1988, Thorson released “Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace,” a memoir chronicling his experiences with the entertainer. This book contained allegations that Liberace financed plastic surgeries for Thorson, such as a nose job and chin implant, to make him resemble a younger Liberace. For six years, Thorson was part of Liberace’s Las Vegas show, serving as his driver during the act, which involved driving him onto the stage while dressed in a uniform adorned with rhinestones. Their relationship disintegrated when Thorson became increasingly dependent on drugs. He attributed Liberace to some extent for his drug addiction, stating that he started abusing drugs after being given quaaludes, amphetamines, cocaine, and Demerol during his recovery from the surgeries that were performed at Liberace’s behest.

“The film ‘Behind the Candelabra’, originally a movie, later won an Emmy and was produced by HBO under the same title. Steven Soderbergh directed this production, with Michael Douglas portraying Liberace and Matt Damon playing the role of Thorson.”

Thorson’s time with Liberace wasn’t his only encounter with fame amid a challenging existence. In 1989, he found himself embroiled in the trial of Eddie Nash, a nightclub owner and drug dealer, concerning allegations about his involvement in the 1981 murders of four individuals at a Laurel Canyon residence on Wonderland Avenue. The case was sparked by Nash’s anger after residents of the house had reportedly robbed his home, fatally shooting one of his guards. John Holmes, a well-known porn star and drug addict, had visited Nash’s home three times that day, which raised suspicions in Nash. He instructed associates to question Holmes about the culprits behind the robbery.

Later on, Thorson stated that he was at Nash’s residence for a drug transaction when he saw Holmes being assaulted and intimidated while bound to a chair, until he disclosed the names of the burglars. Two days following the theft from Nash, unknown individuals stormed a townhouse in Wonderland, armed with hammers and metal rods.

Four individuals involved in the robbery at the residence – Ron Launius, William “Billy” Deverell, Joy Miller, and Barbara Richardson (the girlfriend of an accomplice) – sustained fatal injuries from blunt-force trauma. However, Susan Launius survived the attack. During the trial, Thorson accused Nash of masterminding the murders, but the jury remained undecided, resulting in no conviction. Tragically, Nash passed away in 2014. Following the trial, Thorson claimed he entered the federal witness protection program and altered his identity.

1. The tragic murders at Wonderland sparked an intriguing scene in the film “Boogie Nights,” where Mark Wahlberg’s character, resembling John Holmes in the porn industry, attempts to swindle a drug-dependent Alfred Molina, who portrayed a character reminiscent of Nash. This event is also the focus of a fresh four-part docuseries titled “The Wonderland Massacre & The Hidden Truths of Hollywood,” directed by Alison Ellwood. It will premiere on MGM+ on September 8. The series was developed from the 2022 podcast, “The Wonderland Murders and the Secret History of Hollywood,” which aired on Audible and included interviews with Thorson and author Michael Connelly.

Thorson battled persistent issues with alcohol and illegal substances all through his lifetime, frequently encountering legal troubles. In 2008, he was sentenced to spend four years in prison following a guilty plea for felony drug and burglary offenses.

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2024-08-26 21:46