Barry Manilow has been a defining voice in popular music for over five decades, yet the most searched questions about him center on his personal life and health. This fact-checked guide addresses the key curiosities—from his marriage and sexual orientation to his cosmetic surgery and recent lung cancer diagnosis—using reliable sources.
Full name: Barry Alan Pincus | Born: June 17, 1943 (age 81) | Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer | Spouse: Garry Kief (m. 2014) | Children: None
Personal Life
- Born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York (Official website)
- Married to Garry Kief since 2014 (Los Angeles Times)
- No children
- Came out as gay in 2017 (People)
Career Highlights
Health & Appearance
- Underwent hip replacement surgery in 2010
- Vocal cord surgery in 2017
- Has had one facelift with minor touch-ups (Los Angeles Times)
- Diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in December 2025 (Fox News)
Net Worth & Legacy
- Estimated net worth of $100 million
- Sold over 80 million records worldwide
- Continues to perform live
- Influenced adult contemporary genre
Note: The exact number of facelifts Manilow has had is not publicly specified. He has acknowledged one facelift and minor touch-ups, but online speculation often exaggerates the count.
Barry Manilow’s Health Diagnosis and Recovery
What has Barry Manilow been diagnosed with?
In December 2025, Barry Manilow publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. The discovery came after a routine doctor’s visit for hip pain, and subsequent investigation following bronchitis-like symptoms revealed a spot on his left lung. Fox News reported the singer’s announcement, noting the cancer was caught early. The Los Angeles Times later confirmed the diagnosis and added that the spot on his left lung needed to be removed (Los Angeles Times).
Treatment and recovery
Manilow underwent surgery to remove one lobe from his left lung. People reported that he became cancer-free after treatment. The singer has not disclosed any follow-up therapies, and his public appearances since early 2026 suggest a full return to his Las Vegas residency and touring schedule. The HealthDay-distributed report also highlighted his Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award wins, reinforcing his status as a music legend even while facing health challenges (Powers Health).
What this means: Manilow’s lung cancer was discovered incidentally during a check‑up for an unrelated issue, underscoring the value of routine medical screenings even for minor symptoms.
Who is Barry Manilow’s husband?
How Barry Manilow met Garry Kief
Barry Manilow met Garry Kief in the early 1980s. Kief eventually became his manager, and the two have been together for more than 46 years, according to the Los Angeles Times. Kief is a television producer by profession, though details of his career are kept largely private.
Their wedding and marriage
The couple married in a private ceremony in 2014, shortly after same-sex marriage became legal nationwide. The Los Angeles Times reported that Manilow and Kief had been together long before the legalization, and the wedding was a low‑key affair. Manilow has often referred to Kief as the anchor of his life.
Is Barry Manilow LGBTQ?
Barry Manilow’s sexuality and coming out
Barry Manilow came out as gay in 2017. In an interview with People, he said he had kept his sexuality private out of fear of disappointing his fans. “I thought I would be disappointing my fans if they knew I was gay,” he stated. By that time, he had been in a long‑term relationship with Garry Kief for over three decades.
Public reaction to his coming out
The public and fan reaction was overwhelmingly supportive. No significant backlash was recorded, and Manilow later expressed relief at being open about his identity. His coming out was widely covered by major outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, which noted that many fans already assumed he was gay but respected his privacy.
How many facelifts has Barry Manilow had?
Barry Manilow’s cosmetic surgery history
In May 2026, Manilow told the Los Angeles Times that he had undergone one facelift while living in Los Angeles, followed by only minor touch‑ups. He also said he does not get Botox. This is the most precise public accounting he has ever given.
Statements from Barry Manilow about his facelifts
In a People interview, Manilow joked: “I look fantastic, but I’m a hundred years old, right?” He has never specified an exact number of procedures, but the 2026 clarification puts to rest rumors of “dozens” of facelifts. The singer has consistently maintained that he is comfortable with aging and only seeks minor enhancements.
Takeaway: Manilow has had one facelift with subsequent touch‑ups. The frequent online claim of “multiple facelifts” is not supported by his own statements.
Is Barry Manilow nice in real life?
What coworkers and fans say about Barry Manilow’s personality
Colleagues and fellow entertainers describe Manilow as generous, professional, and warm. He has worked with legendary artists such as Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick, who have spoken positively of him in interviews. The Los Angeles Times article from 2026 noted that his longtime manager and husband Garry Kief plays a central role in his life, and those close to Manilow cite his loyalty and sense of humor.
Evidence of his philanthropy
Manilow’s official website identifies him as the national spokesperson for the Foundation Fighting Blindness (Official website). He also created the Manilow Music Project through the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, which supports music education in schools. These charitable efforts provide tangible evidence of his generosity beyond the stage.
Why did Barry Manilow leave his wife?
The story of his marriage to Susan Deixler
Barry Manilow married his high school girlfriend, Susan Deixler, in 1964. The marriage lasted only two years, ending in divorce in 1966. At the time, Manilow was a struggling young musician, and the relationship was kept largely out of the public eye. The Los Angeles Times reported the details of the brief union.
Reasons for their divorce in 1966
Manilow later stated that he married too young and was not ready for the commitment. He has not elaborated on specific reasons, and Deixler has maintained her privacy. The divorce occurred before Manilow’s career took off, and he has expressed regret about the breakup, though he and Deixler have remained on good terms.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1943: Born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York (Official website)
- 1964: Married Susan Deixler; divorced in 1966 (Los Angeles Times)
- 1972: First hit single “Mandy” reaches no. 1
- 1978: Released “Copacabana”
- 2010: Hip replacement surgery
- 2014: Married Garry Kief (Los Angeles Times)
- 2017: Came out as gay; vocal cord surgery
- 2023: Released album “What A Time”
- 2025: Diagnosed with early‑stage lung cancer (Fox News)
- 2026: Confirmed cancer‑free; discussed facelift in interviews (People)
hellomagazine.com, en.wikipedia.org, facebook.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, barrynethomepage.com, ew.com, riksfokus.se
For a deeper look at his life, Barry Manilows biography and health provides further details on his marriage and health journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barry Manilow
What is Barry Manilow’s real name?
Barry Manilow was born Barry Alan Pincus. He later adopted his stepfather’s surname, Manilow.
How many albums has Barry Manilow sold?
He has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling adult contemporary artists of all time.
What is Barry Manilow’s most famous song?
“Copacabana” is widely considered his signature song, though “Mandy” and “Could It Be Magic” are also iconic.
Is Barry Manilow still touring?
Yes, he continues to perform a Las Vegas residency and national tours. His 2026 schedule included shows following his cancer recovery.
Has Barry Manilow won a Grammy Award?
Yes, he won a Grammy Award and has also received Tony and Emmy awards.
What is Barry Manilow’s latest album?
His most recent album, “What A Time,” was released in 2023.
Where does Barry Manilow live?
He maintains homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where he performs regularly.
Implication: The most common rumors about Barry Manilow—excessive facelifts, a hidden illness, or a contentious divorce—are not supported by his own statements or reputable media reports. His life is far more straightforward than internet speculation suggests.
Further Reading
For more on iconic musicians from the same era, see Andy Williams: Life, Career, Death and Biggest Hit and Nick Drake: Biography, Music, and Untold Story.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.