By Ashley Hume, Fox News
Published Jan. 6, 2024, 9:54 p.m. ET
Barry Manilow Opens Up About Keeping Sexuality a Secret
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, iconic singer Barry Manilow revealed the struggles he faced in keeping his sexuality a secret for many years, fearing that coming out would jeopardize his career.
“I didn’t want my career to go away. I love it. I’m grateful for it. But it was a burden to keep it quiet,” Manilow said. “I was always worried.”
The Grammy Award winner also recounted an exchange he had with record producer Clive Davis in the 1980s, during which Davis warned him that coming out as bisexual or gay could hurt his career. Davis, however, denied having had this conversation with Manilow.
Despite his fears, Manilow eventually came out as gay in 2017, revealing his longtime romance with husband Garry Kief. The singer explained that he initially kept his sexuality hidden out of fear of disappointing his fans but was pleasantly surprised by their supportive reaction when he did come out.
Manilow, now happily married to Kief, also spoke about his delight at becoming a grandfather after Kief’s daughter adopted a baby girl in an interview with People magazine in October.
Throughout his career, Manilow has kept his private life out of the spotlight, but has recently been more open about his personal life, finding the love and support of his fans and loved ones.