LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Barry Manilow, the renowned musician, recently opened up about the challenges he faced hiding his sexuality throughout his career. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Manilow reflected on the burden of staying closeted, stating that he was afraid of jeopardizing his career. He expressed gratitude for his success but admitted that keeping his LGBTQ identity a secret was difficult and never considered coming out as an option.
Manilow discussed a conversation he had with Clive Davis in the 1980s, where he mentioned how Elton John’s career was impacted after coming out as bisexual. Davis, however, stated that he did not remember that specific conversation and they never discussed whether Manilow should come out. Although Davis acknowledged that coming out could have posed risks to a career, Manilow never disclosed his sexual orientation to him.
The singer also shared a memory from his early career of performing at a gay bathhouse. When asked if the experience influenced his own sexual development, Manilow responded by emphasizing that the audience was simply there to enjoy the show.
It was only in 2017 that Manilow officially came out as gay in an interview with People. He revealed his love story with husband Garry Kief, whom he had been in a relationship with since 1978. The reaction to their relationship was overwhelmingly positive, with strangers expressing their support and happiness for them.
In conclusion, Barry Manilow recently spoke about the challenges of hiding his sexuality during his career and the burden it placed on him. Despite the risks involved, he eventually came out as gay and received an outpouring of support from fans and strangers alike.