Barry Manilow, the renowned singer, recently opened up about the challenges he faced in keeping his sexuality a secret out of fear that it would harm his career. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Manilow, who came out as gay in 2017, revealed that he struggled for years with hiding his sexual orientation. He expressed concern that if he were to disclose his true self, his career would suffer. Despite these fears, he never faced direct questions about his sexuality in interviews.
Manilow recalled an interaction with music producer Clive Davis in the 1980s, during which Davis warned him about the potential damage coming out could have on his career. Davis referenced Elton John’s experience, stating that no artist should reveal their sexual orientation. However, Davis denied having this conversation with Manilow when asked by The Hollywood Reporter.
The Grammy Award-winning singer also discussed his long-term partner, Garry Kief, whom he married in 2014. Manilow had previously been married to his high school sweetheart, but their marriage was annulled. Manilow explained his decision to hide his sexuality, stating that he believed coming out would disappoint his fans. However, when he eventually revealed his relationship with Kief, he was met with overwhelming support from his fans.
Manilow emphasized his desire for privacy, stating that he has always been a private person. He expressed gratitude for the positive reaction from his fans when he came out and mentioned that he knew he had found the right person when he met Kief.
In recent years, there has been greater acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals in the entertainment industry and society as a whole. Manilow’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by artists in the past and highlights the progress that has been made in creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for all.