Barry Manilow, the songwriting icon whose ballads have soundtracked generations, recently offered a candid look into his past, reflecting on the decades he spent keeping his romantic life private. The performer revealed that coming out during the height of his fame in the 1970s and 1980s would have likely ended his career, a choice he wasn’t willing to make at the time.
Known for timeless hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” Manilow publicly confirmed he was gay in a 2017 interview with People magazine. This revelation also brought to light his 2014 private marriage to Garry Kief, his long-term manager and partner. Now, at 82, Manilow is speaking with a relaxed frankness about the journey and the unexpected tranquility that followed.
A Non-Event That Changed Everything
When reflecting on how the world reacted to his coming out, Manilow told the Los Angeles Times, “It was a non-event. Nobody gave a s***. They all knew.” He further elaborated, “I never really hid it, but in the ’70s and ’80s, that would have killed the career, and I didn’t want to do that. So I just never talked about it.”
This sentiment underscores a historical reality for many public figures within the LGBTQ+ community. During that era, the music industry was less forgiving, and the potential backlash from fans and critics could derail even the most successful careers. Manilow’s decision, though personal, reflects the immense pressure artists faced to conform to societal expectations.
The Burden of Silence
In a separate conversation with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, Manilow described the secrecy as a heavy load. “I didn’t want my career to go away. I love it. I’m grateful for it. But it was a burden to keep it quiet,” he admitted. He also shared the constant anxiety leading up to interviews, always bracing for the “They’re going to ask me whether I’m gay or not” question that, surprisingly, never came. “Nobody ever did, by the way. They never asked me the $64 question,” he recounted.
His hesitation stemmed from a desire to protect his dedicated fanbase, fearing their disappointment if his truth were known. “I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything,” he told People in 2017. However, the actuality was quite different. “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it,” he said, expressing relief and gratitude for the outpouring of support.
A Love Story for the Ages
Manilow and Kief’s enduring partnership spans over 47 years, a testament to their deep connection and mutual commitment. Their bond is a heartwarming narrative of companionship that has weathered the test of time, both in private and, more recently, in the public eye.
In a March interview, Manilow continued to share his appreciation for his husband, saying he felt like “a very lucky guy that he has chosen to share his life with me.” This sentiment was echoed in his chat with the LA Times, where he gushed, “I’m very lucky – I live in the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen and I have the most wonderful partner that you can imagine. I’m grateful he’s chosen to share his life with me. We’ve been together for over 46 years, and we still laugh and we still love each other. That’s the greatest award I’ll ever get.” Their life together is simple, yet profound: “Two guys in a house on a hill with two dogs that we love — that’s us. I’m very grateful.”
Navigating New Challenges
Beyond personal revelations, Manilow has also recently faced significant health challenges. In November, he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer, which necessitated a lobectomy to remove the affected part of his left lung. The recovery process has been demanding, requiring him to take a break from performing.
“Since the surgery, I can’t go on the road,” he shared. “Ninety minutes of screaming in tune, which is what I do for a living, I’m not up for that yet. I will be, but it’s taking a long time to get my voice back. They warned me that I’d have to learn to breathe again. So these days, I get up, I go to my piano and I try to be creative. Before I know it, the afternoon’s over.”
Manilow recounted the initial shock of his diagnosis. “When they told me, I was on the road, and I just went back to sound check. What else could I do? I never thought cancer would get me, it wasn’t in the cards,” he recalled. The singer also detailed a critical period during his treatment when complications arose, including AFib, acid reflux, and pneumonia, leading to a week in the ICU. He even overheard doctors expressing concern, stating, “We don’t want to lose him.”
Despite these hurdles, Manilow remains optimistic and focused on recovery, finding solace in creativity and the unwavering support of Kief. As he looks forward to the release of his new album, What a Time, on June 5, the music maestro continues to embrace life’s precious moments, appreciating the deep love and companionship that defines his world.
