Claybourne Elder in leather pants at Liza Minnelli’s birthday tribute has everyone zooming in
'The Gilded Age' hunk is the full package.
Mark
Actor Claybourne Elder was among the performers at a special concert in honor of Liza Minnelli’s 80th birthday.
“Liza! at 80: A Celebration in Song and Dance” took place last Thursday at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Minnelli was never specifically billed to turn up and did not do so, leaving some fans disappointed as they hoped for a surprise appearance.
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However, even without the birthday girl, the audience enjoyed a packed evening of entertainment. Mo Rocca (CBS Sunday Morning) and Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner Marc Shaiman (Hairspray) hosted the event.
Claybourne Elder (The Gilded Age) posted photos of his appearance to his Instagram yesterday. Many could not fail to notice the gay thespian’s figure-hugging leather pants.
“The gayest thing I could do for pride is sing at Liza Minnelli’s 80th birthday in leather pants at Carnegie Hall. Thank you Jack Cummings and @transportgrp for having me and @nicolewilsonnyc @nicolewilsonphoto for the photos. Happy Pride y’all,” Elder said in an accompanying caption.
“On behalf of all gays, we are grateful for leather trousers ????,” said one well-liked reply.
“The leather pants are everything. ????” agreed another. Others said they had to zoom in to the photo for a closer inspection.
Liza with a Z
Others to perform at the tribute event included Mario Cantone (And Just Like That…), Robyn Hurder (Moulin Rouge), Kate Baldwin (Hello, Dolly!), Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked) and Minnelli’s sister, Lorna Luft. Guest speakers included Emmy winner Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown) and fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi (Chicago).
The show featured songs from across Minnelli’s 60-year career. Check out Mario Cantone singing “Say Liza (Liza with a ‘Z’)” below.
And here’s Andrew Rannells performing “Losing My Mind”.
Audience members also each received a signed copy of Minnelli’s recent memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!
In a statement released several weeks in advance of the show, Minnelli said, “I am grateful and honored that my collaborators and career are being celebrated at Carnegie Hall this summer. [Producing company] Transport Group is a brilliant creative force, and their tributes are always filled with equal measures of talent, heart, and music. I believe this will be a magical evening, and I hope to see all my New York friends at the performance. It was planned as a birthday party for me, and my calendar made June 25th the perfect date. Turning 80 means you celebrate your birthday as long as possible.”
Minnelli turned 80 on March 12, 2026.
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