Barry Manilow comes out as gay at 73

By Tribute on April 6, 2017 | 13 Comments


Barry Manilow has released several songs about love and its undying power. But until now, he hasn’t spoken about the long-standing love of his life — his husband, Garry Kief.

That’s right. If you didn’t catch that, Barry is married to a man.

During an interview with PEOPLE, in which the 73-year-old legendary performer opened the doors to his Palm Springs home and granted the publication exclusive access to his beautiful abode, he also shared intimate details of his love life and by doing so, came out as gay to the world.

In the feature on the “Copacabana” singer, Barry chats about his 39-year relationship with Garry, who was a TV exec when the pair met but is currently Barry’s manager and the president of Barry Manilow Productions.

Barry, who calls himself “so private,” revealed that he and Garry wed in April 2014. Recalling the day he met his eventual partner, Barry said, “I knew that this was it. I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.”

Barry additionally discusses his first marriage to his high school sweetheart Susan Deixler, stepping out and living with a woman he was rumored to be romantically involved with (when in reality he was seeing Garry), and why he’s been reluctant to discuss his sexual orientation.

While exploring his choice to remain closeted for so many years, the Grammy winner said, “I thought I would be disappointing [my fans] if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything.”

However, “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.”

Looks like we Barry made it.

What do you think of Barry’s decision to discuss his sexual orientation with PEOPLE as well as his relationship with Garry? Are you surprised about his revelation? ~Matthew Pariselli



Comments & Discussion

  1. Linda • April 6, 2017 @ 10:41 AM

    I always thought he was gay, didn’t realize he hadn’t come out. So he’s gay….what a great performer. love the guy

  2. Jan • April 6, 2017 @ 11:02 AM

    People knew he was gay decades ago. So what-half of the entertainment/art world is gay. He’s one of the kindest, most talented writer/singer/musicians in the world! I wish he was returning to Toronto.

  3. CDubya • April 6, 2017 @ 11:53 AM

    ha ha and the world can start spinning again. Seriously, I think everyone was happy cause they didn’t want to say “well, duh…”
    Good on him for finally being comfortable enough to come out. If you want to be truly happy, you can’t hide it. Embrace it.

  4. Stacy • April 6, 2017 @ 12:48 PM

    Yes, I don’t think anyone is at all surprised, but I hope most people (if not all) are happy and relieved for him. I hope coming out brings him peace because the truth is people shouldn’t even have to come out anymore. The assumption that someone is heterosexual until they come out as otherwise is problematic and needs to be squashed.
    Better late than never, Barry! Well done.

  5. WDG • April 6, 2017 @ 12:58 PM

    Surprise, surprise!

  6. My 2 Cents • April 6, 2017 @ 1:21 PM

    Funny.

    Never thought of him ever being straight…

  7. Claycee • April 6, 2017 @ 1:45 PM

    Regardless of his sexual orientation he is still one of the best performer still going strong.

  8. MA • April 6, 2017 @ 3:59 PM

    ….emmmmm…..think most people already knew this!

  9. quinn • April 6, 2017 @ 4:31 PM

    Was anyone really surprised. The real surprise would of been if he came out as straight.

  10. Joe Swanson • April 6, 2017 @ 6:01 PM

    I love Barry Manilow

  11. Joann • April 6, 2017 @ 9:01 PM

    I didn’t likw the look on his face many many years ago as he watched two very small children. If you said he was a pedophile I’d certainly believe it. No surprise in the big revelation.

  12. Mary • April 8, 2017 @ 10:55 PM

    I have loved you Always, Barry. I am so glad you are happy. I still enjoy your music… even now… 🙂

  13. D. Dancer • April 9, 2017 @ 8:53 PM

    Great song writer, wonderful performer. As long as he is happy we are happy for him.


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