
Photo, Martin Schoeller
For years Barry Manilow kept his sexuality a secret (BIG secret?) fearful of what fans might think. He told People magazine.
“I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything.“
Manilow is not only out but on the cover of People talking about his private life and love of 39 years, his manager Garry Kief who he met in ’78.
“I’m so private. I always have been…. I knew that this was it. I was one of the lucky ones. I was pretty lonely before that.“
For a time, Manilow even lived with TV production assistant Linda Allen, who was rumored to be his love interest as the performer’s sexuality had long been the topic of speculation. He and Kief secretly married in 2014 at their Palm Springs, California, estate.
The news made the headlines a year later, and Manilow publicly came out. He says he is happy with how it’s all been received.
“When (fans) found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy.The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.“
Feels good to be yourself, in public and in private. Congrats.
(via CNN)