Michael Douglas is getting into character.
The actor, who is portraying Liberace in his latest biopic Behind the Candelabra, dressed in drag for his spread in New York Magazine, posing either in the kitchen with his coffee mug in hand or laying on a lavish green armchair, wearing only a pink robe and in some cases, a bit of purple eyeshadow.
During his interview with the mag, Douglas spoke about his gay love scenes with costar Matt Damon (which we already know were "comfortable") and his own personal memories of the flamboyant pianist.
The celeb explained that once the first kiss was made, being up close and personal with Damon was not awkward, but it was the sex scenes that got him a little apprehensive—and that was only because he felt people were probably criticizing his every move.
"The hardest thing about sex scenes is that everybody is a judge," he said. "I don't know the last time you murdered somebody or blew anyone's brains out, but everyone has had sex and probably this morning, which means everyone has an opinion on how it should be done."
Regardless, it's not Lee's sexual etiquette that Douglas will be focused on perfecting, but his charming and outgoing personality that the star fondly remembers.
"I also had a strong memory of Liberace. I met him once with my father in Palm Springs, where they both had homes, but what I mostly remember is Lee's TV show. Liberace talked directly to the camera—he was the first person to do that. He was having such a good time that he was contagious. For me, Lee's gayness didn't even enter the picture—you just wanted to share the good time with him. And he was nice. I was attracted to his sheer likability."
Behind the Candelabra premieres on HBO May 26.