Susan Deixler was Barry Manilow’s high school beloved and the only woman he ever married. Their brief marriage finished few years ago, yet her role in his life became a famous part of his story. Susan’s life, career, and the dynamics of her relationship with Barry  have continued to offense public interest, especially after Barry showed more details about their past in recent years.

Early Life and Background

Susan was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Like Barry, she attended High School in Brooklyn. Described as bright and full of life. She was popular and well-liked among her friends.

Growing up during the 1960s, Susan explore a changeable era in American history. Society was converting fastly with changing cultural values, especially around gender roles and music. This period helped shape her as a person and influenced the decisions she made later in life.

Meeting Barry Manilow

Barry and Susan first met in high school and quickly became close. Barry was drawn to Susan’s confidence, beauty, and good personality. He later described her as his “ideal woman.” Barry was a young musician about music, and had a bright future in the arts, while Susan was supportive and encouraging of his dreams.

At only 19, Barry Manilow proposed to Susan, and they married. Their marriage was a simple ceremony, without a large wedding or high celebration. Barry and Susan moved in together in New York, with Barry balancing his college studies and early music.

The Short-Lived Marriage

Soon after their marriage, Barry began experiencing problems in balancing his personal life and career. His early career was not progressive, and he was still struggling to establish himself in the music industry. Susan wanted a stable family life, while Barry felt an internal struggle. He realizing that he needed more freedom to pursue his career.

While he had vital affection for her, he was uncertain if he was ready for the commitment, particularly as he go after a music career.  Their marriage was officially void rather than a traditional divorce, a decision that closed a chapter in Barry’s life as he continued pursuing his dreams in the music industry.

Susan Deixler’s Life After Barry Manilow

After their dissolution, Susan chose to move on quietly. She did not seek fame or public attention, nor did she frequently discuss her brief marriage with Barry. She pursued her education and finally focused on building her career and family.

Susan kept a low profile for much of her life. While details about her career are limited. Susan worked in healthcare as a nurse in California. She built a private life, keeping a distance from the music industry and the public eye. Susan’s life revolved around her family and professional pursuits and strength.

Barry Manilow’s Reflection on Susan Deixler and Their Relationship

After few years, their marriage ended, Barry spoke publicly about Susan for the first time . By then, he had become an internationally most famous singer and performer.  He admitted to being too young to fully understand what he wanted in life at the time of their marriage.

Barry described Susan as someone who had a great impact on his life. Despite their brief marriage, he credited her as one of the first people to truly understand him and support his passion for music. He acknowledged that if he had met her at a different stage in his life, their story might have been different.