Barry Manilow, the legendary singer behind timeless hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” has enjoyed a career that defied early critical doubts to span more than five decades. Beloved by fans around the world—affectionately called “Fanilows”—Manilow maintained a carefully guarded secret for much of his life, only coming out as gay at the age of 73. Now 81, he lives contentedly with his longtime partner and husband, Garry Kief, and his daughter, embracing his identity and personal happiness after years of privacy. Despite his enduring success, Manilow has also faced persistent speculation about plastic surgery, a topic he now approaches with candor.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 1943, Manilow’s childhood was shaped by complex family dynamics. Raised by his mother, Edna, and his grandparents following his parents’ divorce, he discovered later in life that his real surname was Murphy and that his father, Harold, was Irish—a heritage his family kept hidden in favor of his Jewish identity. A key figure in his upbringing was his mother’s partner, Willie Murphy, an Irish truck driver with a deep love for music. The couple saved for five years to gift Barry an \$800 piano, a gesture that ignited his passion and eventual career in music.

Manilow’s rise to stardom wasn’t immediate. After studying at Juilliard and working at CBS, he briefly married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, at just 21. Although he was in love, he later admitted he wasn’t ready for marriage, as his true devotion lay in music. In the years that followed, he honed his craft writing commercial jingles—catchy, memorable tunes for brands like Dr. Pepper and McDonald’s. These early gigs sharpened his songwriting abilities and paved the way for a pop music career built on melody, hooks, and emotional resonance.

His breakout moment came in 1974 when he reimagined the song “Brandy” into a ballad, renamed “Mandy,” which soared to No. 1. This marked the start of a string of hits, including “I Write the Songs,” “Could It Be Magic,” and “Copacabana,” solidifying his place as a pop icon. By 1978, just five years after his debut album, Manilow had five albums on the best-seller charts and ten number-one singles. Accolades soon followed, including Grammy and Tony Awards, affirming his musical legacy and his unique place in the hearts of fans across generations.

In 2017, Manilow publicly came out, revealing that he and Garry Kief—his manager and partner since 1978—had secretly married in 2014. Fearing backlash from his loyal female fanbase, he had kept their relationship private, only to find overwhelming support once the truth was shared. Alongside his personal revelations, Manilow addressed plastic surgery rumors, admitting to a jowl procedure that “didn’t last” and a brief trial of Botox, but attributing much of his altered appearance to medical treatments for hip pain. Now, well into his 80s, Barry Manilow continues to perform, embracing life with gratitude, love, and the authenticity that has endeared him to millions.