During a guest appearance on HBO’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, the 80-year-old Copacabana singer said he didn’t think it was important to announce his sexuality during the earlier decades of his career.
Manilow came out in 2017, almost three years after he married his husband and manager Garry Kief in a private ceremony. The couple have been together for 45 years now, though they’ve kept much of their relationship away from the public eye.
When he came out to People magazine in 2017, Manilow — whose real name is Barry Pincus — worried he’d be “disappointing” some of his fans by revealing his sexuality. Instead, Manilow, who was 73 at the time, said the reaction from his fanbase was “beautiful.”
Despite his current feelings of nonchalance about his own coming out, Manilow said announcing his sexuality as his career was booming would have been a bad idea.
“Now being gay is no big deal,” he explained. “Back in the ’70s it would have killed a career.”
Regardless, the usually very private Manilow said he thinks “everybody knew that Garry and I were a couple all those years.”
“Really, Garry and I’ve been together for so long,” he said. “It just never dawned on me that we’re going to come out. But when we got married, it was a big deal, so we did.”
Manilow credited Kief for saving his life. He said he is thankful he had Kief to support him as his music career was taking off, despite keeping their relationship under wraps.
“As my career exploded, it was just crazy. And, you know, going back to an empty hotel room, you can get into a lot of trouble if you’re alone night after night after night,” Manilow explained. “But I met Garry right around when it was exploding. And I didn’t have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had somebody to cry with or to celebrate with.”
Manilow said he did not wish an isolated hotel room for any young people.
“It was pretty lonely until I met Garry. And then it was fun,” he smiled.
Kief is not Manilow’s first spouse. In 1964, Manilow married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler. They were married for one year.
Manilow told CNN’s Wallace he “really did love” Deixler, but added “the gay thing was pretty, pretty strong. I couldn’t deny it.”
The singer said he knew he was gay before marrying Deixler, but their marriage ended because Manilow couldn’t be the committed husband his then-wife needed. He revealed that his sexuality was not the reason his marriage failed.
“We had a very nice marriage, it was great, but I was away every night making music, as a young musician would be,” Manilow described. “It wasn’t good for me, and it wasn’t good for her.”
“I couldn’t be the proper husband,” he continued. “I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats. I wasn’t ready to settle down.”
Brooklyn-born Manilow skyrocketed to international fame in 1974 after his release of the ever-popular pop-rock ballad Mandy. He became one of the biggest-selling musicians of all time. Prior to his success as a singer-songwriter, Manilow was behind a number of famous commercial jingles for brands like State Farm and Band-Aid — a gig that he has said helped him create catchy hooks for his own hit songs.
A Husband’s Question for His Wife
Reading jokes offers more than just a moment of amusement—it provides valuable benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Engaging with humor sharpens cognitive skills like memory and comprehension, as you decode punchlines and grasp context. The clever wordplay and unexpected connections in jokes also spark creativity and promote flexible thinking.
Laughter triggered by jokes releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins uplift mood, temporarily ease pain, and counteract stress by reducing stress hormones and relaxing the body. Sharing humor with others strengthens social bonds and fosters deeper connections, enriching relationships.
Jokes can also serve as a helpful coping mechanism during challenging times, offering a fresh perspective on difficult situations. Far from being frivolous, humor becomes a tool for resilience and emotional support.
Here’s an example of how humor enhances relationships: A husband asks his wife, “Will you marry someone else after I die?” She replies, “No, I’ll live with my sister.” Curious, she turns the question back to him, asking, “Will you marry after I die?” He responds with a cheeky twist, “No, I’ll also live with your sister.”
This playful exchange showcases their ability to tackle serious topics with humor and affection. The wife’s initial answer reflects loyalty, while the husband’s response adds a lighthearted twist, underscoring their comfortable, teasing dynamic. Through humor, they reveal a deep bond built on mutual understanding and love.
So, the next time you read a joke, remember—it’s not just for laughs; it’s a way to nurture your mind, relationships, and resilience.
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