Barry Manilow has long been a beloved figure in the music world, known for his timeless hits that have touched audiences worldwide. With his iconic songs like Mandy and Copacabana, he became a household name in the 1970s. While critics initially dismissed his music, claiming it wasn’t particularly impressive, the public disagreed, making him a global sensation.

Despite his fame, Manilow carried a deep secret for much of his life: he came out as gay at 73 years old. Now at 78, the Brooklyn-born singer has found happiness, living a fulfilling life alongside his husband, Garry Kief, and their daughter.

Barry Manilow was born on June 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of diverse backgrounds. His father, Harold, was an Irish truck driver, and his mother, Edna, was of Jewish descent. His grandparents, both of whom were Russian immigrants, raised him after his parents’ divorce when he was just an infant. Barry recalls how his mother changed his last name from Kelliher to Pincus to preserve the family’s Jewish heritage, even though it wasn’t well received by everyone in their circle.

Manilow’s love for music began at a young age. His mother and stepfather, who had a deep affection for him, recognized his passion for the piano and purchased one for him when he was a child—though it took them five years to pay for it. This gesture was a sign of their unwavering support for his musical dreams. He went on to study musical theater at Juilliard and worked at CBS before finding his first love in songwriting.

Before his big break in pop music, Barry worked in the jingle industry, writing catchy melodies for commercials. His most notable success in this realm was with a McDonald’s commercial where he composed the famous You Deserve a Break Today. This experience taught him the importance of crafting simple, catchy melodies—skills that would serve him well when he transitioned into pop music.

 

In 1973, Manilow released his self-titled debut album. Though it didn’t gain immediate success, his career took a massive leap just a year later with the release of Mandy. This song, which was originally written as Brandy, shot to No. 1 on the charts, catapulting him into stardom. He continued to release hits like I Write the Songs, Could It Be Magic, and Copacabana (At the Copa), becoming a global sensation. By 1978, just five years after his debut album, he had five albums simultaneously on the best-selling charts and had become a staple in pop music.

Manilow’s fame, however, wasn’t always easy to navigate. Despite his success, he learned to embrace his fame in a balanced way. “At the beginning of your life, it’s all about ‘me,’” he reflected. “But at some point, the arrows need to point outwards. It’s not just about showing how great you are—it’s about recognizing the people around you.”

While Manilow’s career flourished, his personal life wasn’t always as smooth. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, in 1964, but the marriage was short-lived. Barry later confessed that he wasn’t ready for marriage at the time and wanted to focus on his career. In the years that followed, he struggled with loneliness, but that changed in 1978 when he met Garry Kief. The two would eventually marry in 2014, after years of being together. Barry came out as gay in 2017, sharing his life with Garry and his daughter from a previous relationship.

Manilow’s journey has been one of self-discovery, and he admits that coming out was not an easy decision. “I feared it would hurt my career and disappoint my fans, especially the female ones,” he confessed. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support he received, explaining that nothing changed after coming out except for the happiness he felt. “People just wanted me to be happy,” he said.

Alongside his music career, Barry has also become known for his youthful appearance, which has sparked speculation about plastic surgery. Manilow himself confirmed that he had undergone procedures to address his jowls and had tried Botox in the past. However, he admitted that he wasn’t fond of the results, finding that Botox didn’t suit him. “I just didn’t like it. It didn’t look right for me,” he said. He also mentioned that surgeries related to hip problems in recent years may have contributed to changes in his appearance.

Manilow’s resilience and ability to adapt to life’s challenges have helped him maintain a remarkable career and personal life. At 78, he continues to perform and engage with fans, all while living happily with his husband and their family. He remains an iconic figure in the music industry, known not only for his songs but also for his authenticity and courage in embracing who he truly is.