When people hear the name Barry Manilow, they think of sold-out concerts, timeless songs, and the glitter of stardom. But behind the spotlight lies a name that only true fans know—Susan Deixler. Though she never chased fame herself, Susan played a quiet but meaningful role in Barry Manilow’s life during his earliest years of music and self-discovery.
Born in Brooklyn in 1944, Susan grew up in a typical New York household built on simple values and strong family ties. Her path crossed with Barry’s when both were teenagers walking the halls of Eastern District High School. Susan was just a junior when she caught the eye of Barry, who was a senior then. For many young couples, high school sweethearts drift apart when graduation caps fly, but for Susan and Barry, it was just the beginning.
How Did Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow Meet?
Their love story was the kind that felt pulled from a black-and-white romance film. They shared notes, dreams, and plans for the future while juggling schoolwork and weekend dates. It didn’t take long for friends to notice they were inseparable. By the time Susan turned 19, they made a life-changing decision—one that set them apart from most young couples their age.
In 1964, Susan and Barry eloped, choosing intimacy over extravagance. There were no paparazzi, no headlines, just two kids believing they could take on the world together. Back then, Barry wasn’t a superstar yet. He was a talented musician with big ambitions but limited means. Susan stood by him during these early days, giving him the stability he needed while he figured out who he was and what he wanted his life to be.
Why Did Susan and Barry’s Marriage End?
But fairy tales often come with unexpected twists. After only two years of marriage, Susan and Barry’s relationship came to an end. In 1966, they filed for an annulment—a step that puzzled many who knew how deeply they cared for each other.
The reason for their split was something Susan handled with quiet grace. Years later, Barry opened up about the struggles he faced with his identity, including his sexuality, during those early years. He has shared publicly how hard it was to fully understand himself while being married to Susan. While their love was real, the truth about who Barry was would eventually push him to make choices that forever changed both their lives.
Though it could have been a story of bitterness and scandal, both Susan and Barry navigated their separation with maturity and respect. There were no public spats, no messy interviews—just two people moving forward in different directions.
What Happened to Susan After the Divorce?
Unlike Barry, who shot into superstardom with hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” Susan chose the quiet life. She didn’t sign tell-all books or give interviews for fame. Instead, she focused on building a home far away from bright lights and big stages.
She eventually moved to California, remarried briefly, and welcomed two children—Pauline and Danny—into her world. Her role as a mother became her focus. She shielded her kids from the public curiosity that came with her connection to Barry Manilow’s name.
Susan’s Work and Life Philosophy
While Susan never chased the limelight, she didn’t spend her days idle either. She found her calling in holistic healing—a field that perfectly matched her kind-hearted spirit. Her work focused on caring for older adults, providing not just physical help but emotional support too. Neighbors and friends describe her as warm and compassionate, someone who always had time for others.
She built her life on service rather than spectacle. In a world fascinated by celebrity status, Susan found quiet satisfaction in being a caregiver, a mother, and a comforting presence for those who needed it most.
Does Susan Still Keep in Touch With Barry?
Publicly, neither Susan nor Barry have spoken much about whether they stayed in contact. But there’s never been bad blood between them. Barry has only ever spoken fondly about Susan, often referring to her with warmth and respect when questions about his first marriage come up.
Today, Barry Manilow’s career spans decades and millions of records sold. His net worth sits high above the average mark, yet Susan has never seemed interested in cashing in on the connection. Her life remains modest compared to Barry’s global fame and fortune, but that’s exactly how she prefers it—calm, comfortable, and drama-free.
Where Is Susan Deixler Now?
As of now, Susan Deixler lives in a quiet town in California, surrounded by a small community that values privacy as much as she does. She’s approaching her 80s but remains active in her own way—focused on family, well-being, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.
For some, she will always be the woman who was once married to Barry Manilow. But for those who know her story more deeply, Susan is so much more. She’s a mother, a caregiver, a believer in peace over noise. Her chapter in Barry’s life may have been short, but it played a part in shaping the man he would become.
The Legacy of Susan Deixler
Some stories don’t end with stardom or millions of fans. Some stories, like Susan Deixler’s, remind us that not every important life has to play out on magazine covers. Her journey reflects the quiet strength it takes to walk away from the past, focus on family, and help others—while keeping a piece of history that music lovers still find fascinating.
In a world where everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame, Susan Deixler stands out for never needing them. And that may be the part of her story that’s most worth remembering.