Barry Manilow, the renowned American singer and songwriter, recently disclosed his decision to keep his homosexuality private for decades, citing societal pressures in the ’70s and a personal discomfort with discussing private matters.
The Decision to Keep His Sexuality Private
Barry Manilow, the iconic singer-songwriter, recently explained why he kept his sexuality private for many years. In the ’70s, revealing that he was gay could have harmed his career, as society wasn’t as accepting as it is today. Manilow, in a conversation with Chris Wallace, emphasized that discussing personal matters felt uncomfortable to him, and back then, being openly gay was not widely embraced.
The Evolution of Acceptance
During the interview, Manilow shared that the decision to come out in 2017 at the age of 73 was influenced by a desire to avoid disappointing fans and a general reluctance to talk about his personal life. Despite societal challenges, he never actively felt the need to hide his identity.
The Role of Garry Kief
He credited his husband and manager, Garry Kief, for providing crucial support, stating that Kief saved his life by being a constant emotional companion during the highs and lows of his career. In essence, Manilow’s journey reflects the evolving societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and his personal choice to prioritize privacy, eventually finding support and companionship in his long-time partner, Garry Kief.
Who is Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus on June 17, 1943, is a well-known American singer and songwriter whose impressive career spans seven decades. He is recognized for hit songs like “Could It Be Magic,” “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Manilow holds a remarkable record with 51 Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary Chart, including 13 that reached number one.
He boasts 13 platinum and six multi-platinum albums, contributing to over 85 million records sold globally as a solo artist. While not always a favorite among music critics, Manilow has earned praise from industry peers, including a notable endorsement from Frank Sinatra in the 1970s.
Beyond his solo work, Manilow has produced and arranged albums for various artists and has been recognized with Grammy nominations and wins as a producer, arranger, and performer. His influence extends to writing and performing for musicals, films, and commercials for major brands like McDonald’s, Pepsi Cola, and Band-Aid.
Is Barry Manilow Gay?
Yes, Barry Manilow is gay. He recently explained that he kept his sexuality private for many years, particularly during the ’70s when being openly gay could have harmed a career. In a conversation with Chris Wallace, Manilow mentioned feeling uncomfortable discussing personal matters and a general societal unacceptance at that time.
He eventually came out in 2017 at the age of 73. Manilow is married to his manager, Garry Kief, whom he credits with providing crucial support and saving his life during the challenges of his successful career.
What Happened to Barry Manilow – FAQs
- Why did Barry Manilow keep his sexuality private for many years?
Barry Manilow explained that in the ’70s, revealing his homosexuality could have negatively impacted his career due to societal norms, and he felt uncomfortable discussing personal matters. - When did Barry Manilow come out as gay?
Barry Manilow publicly acknowledged his homosexuality in 2017 at the age of 73. - How did society’s views on being gay influence Manilow’s decision to come out?
Manilow stated that in the ’70s, society wasn’t as accepting of openly gay individuals, and he believed it could have harmed his career. - How did Barry Manilow describe his feelings about discussing personal matters in the interview with Chris Wallace?
Manilow expressed discomfort with talking about his personal life, finding it “creepy,” and preferred focusing on his music. - Who is Barry Manilow married to, and when did they get married?
Barry Manilow is married to Garry Kief. They tied the knot in 2014.
