Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has reflected on his decision to keep his sexuality private for most of his career, indicating that coming out during the 1970s or 1980s could have adversely affected his professional trajectory. Manilow, who publicly acknowledged his homosexuality in a cover story with PEOPLE magazine in 2017, revealed that he had been in a long-term relationship with his manager, Garry Kief, and had secretly married him in 2014.
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In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 82-year-old artist discussed the public’s response to his coming out. “It was a non-event. Nobody really cared,” Manilow commented. He suggested that his sexual orientation was something that people around him were already aware of. However, he chose to remain discreet about it for fear of potential repercussions in an era where coming out could be detrimental to a career in the entertainment industry. He added, “In the ’70s and ’80s, that would have killed the career, and I didn’t want to do that.”
During the 2017 interview, Manilow expressed his concern about disappointing fans if they were to find out he was gay. “I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew,” he recalled. However, when the news broke that he and Kief were partners, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Manilow mentioned how strangers congratulated him, saying things like, “Great for you!” This reaction left him feeling grateful for the acceptance he received.
Besides his personal life, Manilow and Kief have enjoyed a relationship that has endured for over 47 years. In March 2023, Manilow shared his feelings of luck and happiness about having Kief by his side, stating, “I feel like a very lucky guy that he has chosen to share his life with me.” Their bond continues to flourish as they navigate their lives together, surrounded by their two beloved dogs.
In 2023, Manilow faced a health challenge after being diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. He underwent a lobectomy to remove a portion of his left lung affected by the disease. Despite the difficulties of recovery, he remains grateful for the simple joys in life with Kief, stating, “We still laugh, and we don’t get bored with each other. It’s a great life.”
Reflecting on the burden of secrecy surrounding his sexuality, Manilow conveyed a sense of relief and gratitude for his career. “I didn’t want my career to go away,” he explained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024. “But it was a burden to keep it quiet.” The singer recalled the pressure he felt during interviews, where he anticipated questions about his sexuality, although he noted that nobody ever dared to ask.
As he continues to celebrate his personal life and achievements, Manilow is set to release a new album titled “What a Time,” scheduled for June 5, 2024. The album marks yet another chapter in a rich musical career spanning decades. With a steadfast appreciation for his journey and his partner’s unwavering support, Barry Manilow remains an enduring figure in the world of music.