Now that the initial shock has passed, we can pass along the news that’s been sitting on our desk all morning: Barry Manilow has come out as gay at 73, thus breaking his decades-long silence on the subject.
Related: Barry Manilow Feels Free After Marrying His Partner Of 30 Years, Says Suzanne Somers
Speaking to People, the iconic “Copacabana” crooner finally opened up about his relationship with husband/manager Garry Kief, confessing to the publication that thought he “would be disappointing [my fans] if they knew I was gay.”
“So I never did anything.
When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”
He’s previously called the headlines about his sexuality “a blessing and a curse.”
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The couple, who have been together for 39 years, married in secret in April 2014 on their sprawling Palm Springs estate.
“He’s the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life,” Manilow says of Kiev, “and a great guy, too.”
Related: Three Ways Barry Manilow Has Sustained His Great Glass Closet
1EqualityUSA
Thanks for being out. It helps other know that they’re not alone.
Donston
Good for him.
It does seem like once you hit thirty if you haven’t come out as gay it’s gonna be long time til you get unless you’re exposed. Although, of course, he had his career, etc.
Roan
Barry Manilow is gay? Wow.
Terrycloth
He’s gay ? This is NOT news….
Snicky
Good for them both. Stand up proud as a successful long term entertainer in a successful long term relationship. Bravo!
Donston
I’m always here for the celebration of gay love and commitment in the entertainment industry as opposed to what we normally get which is someone merely admitting that they might get enjoyment out of same-gender sex encounters, they might have attraction to the same gender, they might have experimented or might possibly be open to gay relationships.
Terrycloth
He’s gay ? This is NOT news….the entire world knew it..probably before he did…glad he’s happy
joelvargas1287
This is the guy who used to play piano for Bette Midler back when she was called “Bathhouse Bette.” Dose anyone really believe he only played the piano in those bathhouses back in their days together….girl pleazzzzzzz! He’s as bad as Liberace who thought no one ever knew the truth about him.
ChrisK
Why are you guys showing Madame Tussauds wax figure instead of the real Barry Manila?
ChrisK
Manilow
BriBri
You could have knocked me over with a feather!
toronto
Barry, love your music, but please, for the love of god, stop with the cosmetic surgery.
Sluggo2007
Amen to that!
Kangol
On first glance I thought this was a photo of Barbara Walters. They’re starting to look like twins.
readycarlos
That strange sound you hear is the entire world simultaneously going, “Duh!”
radiooutmike
That’s great for Barry. I’m happy. But… Does anyone notice that Barry kinda looks like Martin Short’s version of that plastic surgeon on Kimmy Schmidt?
Kangol
Good for him. Anyone who ever saw him on TV, let alone live on stage, knew he was gay 40 years ago.
My2Cents
In other news, water is wet.
Herman75
I will never get tired of hearing Weekend in New England. Luv ya Barry Manilow.