Who Is Susan Deixler? All You Need To Know About Barry Manilow Ex-Wife

Susan Deixler’s name might not be as recognizable as Barry Manilow’s, but for fans of the legendary singer, she remains an intriguing part of his early life. Barry Manilow, whose smooth voice and iconic songs like Mandy, Copacabana, and I Write the Songs have made him one of the most celebrated entertainers of his generation, has had a colorful personal life. Among the chapters in his personal history, his first marriage to Susan Deixler stands out, not because of the length of their union, but because of how little is known about the woman who was once his wife.

Their brief marriage was over almost as quickly as it began, but it still raises many questions for those who have followed Manilow’s career. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Susan Deixler’s life—her background, her marriage to Barry, their divorce, and what she has done since then. While her life might not have been as public as Manilow’s, it is undeniably a part of his history, one that remains largely untold.

Quick Bio

A Quiet Early Life

Susan Deixler’s early life remains somewhat mysterious, as she has made no efforts to publicize it. Born in the 1940s in the United States, little is known about her family or childhood. Unlike Barry Manilow, who grew up in Brooklyn and later moved into the limelight, Susan led a life away from the public’s watchful eye. It is believed that she had a relatively normal upbringing, far from the world of entertainment.

Before meeting Barry Manilow, Susan worked as a secretary in New York. This modest background suggests that she lived a rather conventional life compared to the extravagant world of show business. Susan did not seek fame or public attention and instead focused on her personal life. While Barry Manilow’s career was about to take off, Susan’s life at this point seemed to be grounded in privacy and simplicity.

Meeting Barry Manilow: A Star in the Making

Susan and Barry’s paths crossed in the early 1960s, a time when Barry was still an aspiring artist trying to make a name for himself in New York. At that point, Barry was working as a commercial jingle writer, a position that allowed him to hone his musical skills but was far removed from the superstardom he would later achieve. Susan, on the other hand, was a secretary—a profession that kept her out of the limelight.

It’s unclear exactly when or where the couple met, but their relationship developed quickly. The young and ambitious Barry was drawn to Susan’s down-to-earth nature, and their connection appeared strong despite their different backgrounds. They soon became romantically involved, and in 1966, they decided to marry.

At the time, Barry was still an unknown figure in the music world, and Susan was someone who, by all accounts, enjoyed a quiet life. Their marriage, however, would soon face challenges, as Barry’s career began to take off and demand more of his time and energy. Despite these early hurdles, their union marked an important moment in Barry’s life.

The Marriage: A Union That Would Not Last

Barry Manilow and Susan Deixler’s marriage was short-lived, lasting only about three years. From the outset, the couple seemed to have different expectations for their relationship, and the realities of marriage coupled with Barry’s rising fame soon took their toll. At the time of their marriage, Barry’s career was in its infancy, and he was working tirelessly to build his reputation in the music world. As his career advanced, Barry found himself increasingly consumed with work, which made it difficult for him to maintain a balance between his personal life and professional ambitions.

Susan, meanwhile, was likely unprepared for the demands that came with being married to an aspiring musician. As Barry’s career began to gain momentum, he was spending more time in the studio and on the road. The pressures of balancing his burgeoning career with his marital obligations created a rift between them, one that would lead to their separation.

While both Barry and Susan have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their divorce, it’s clear that the couple’s differing priorities played a key role in the breakdown of their marriage. For Barry, his career took precedence, and Susan, who was not a part of the public entertainment world, might have found herself feeling isolated and disconnected from the world Barry was beginning to inhabit.

A Quiet Divorce: Why Did It End?

The reasons for the divorce between Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow remain largely speculative. Barry has spoken vaguely about the dissolution of his marriage in interviews, expressing regret that it ended but acknowledging that he was not ready for marriage at that stage of his life. In a rare interview, Barry mentioned that his focus was so consumed by his work that he didn’t prioritize his personal relationships.

At the time of their divorce in 1969, Barry was beginning to experience the early stages of fame, and the demands of his career were intensifying. The couple had married when Barry was still struggling to find his footing in the entertainment industry, but by the end of their marriage, he was on the brink of becoming the superstar he would eventually be known as. For Susan, this shift in dynamics likely created feelings of neglect, and the marriage ultimately became unsustainable.

While the details of their divorce are unclear, it’s evident that the pressures of Barry’s professional life played a significant role in their separation. Despite the brevity of their marriage, Barry has admitted that it was a valuable learning experience and has expressed his regret over the way things unfolded.

Life After the Divorce: Susan’s Quiet Existence

After the divorce, Susan Deixler largely disappeared from the public eye. While Barry Manilow went on to become one of the most famous pop artists in the world, Susan chose to live a life away from the spotlight. She has made no public appearances or statements about her life post-divorce, and there are no records of her remarrying or pursuing any career in the entertainment industry.

It is believed that Susan remained in New York for some time after her separation from Barry, but she never sought to capitalize on her connection to the famous singer. While Barry’s career soared, Susan quietly disappeared from the media’s gaze. She did not pursue fame or a public profile, preferring instead to live her life away from the scrutiny that often accompanies the relationships of high-profile celebrities.

In contrast to the glitz and glamour of Barry’s life, Susan’s life was one of privacy and anonymity. She seems to have consciously distanced herself from the world of public relations and media attention, focusing instead on her personal well-being and privacy. This decision undoubtedly contributed to the sense of mystery surrounding her life after the divorce.

The Legacy of Susan Deixler: A Footnote in History

Though Susan Deixler is not a household name, her brief marriage to Barry Manilow has ensured that her story will always be a part of his. Barry’s massive success in the music industry has kept him in the public eye for decades, and as a result, his past relationships have occasionally been explored by curious fans and journalists.

However, unlike other ex-partners of celebrities who may seek to cash in on their former connections, Susan has remained resolutely out of the spotlight. This has led to a fascinating contrast between Barry’s public life and Susan’s private one. While Barry’s career trajectory was marked by chart-topping hits and endless public attention, Susan’s life has been defined by its absence from the public sphere.

Despite her decision to stay out of the public eye, Susan Deixler’s connection to Barry Manilow remains a part of his early history. In some ways, she represents a time in Barry’s life before fame fully took hold, a reminder of the sacrifices made and lessons learned during those early years.

What Susan Deixler Represents in Barry Manilow’s Life

For Barry Manilow, Susan Deixler represents a period of growth and self-discovery. Their marriage, though brief, was an important chapter in Barry’s life, one that likely shaped the way he approached his future relationships. In interviews, Barry has referred to his first marriage as a time of learning, noting that he was too young and too focused on his career to be a good husband at the time.

The relationship with Susan marked the beginning of Barry’s journey into the world of fame and the personal challenges that come with it. As his career took off, Barry found himself dealing with the complexities of love, commitment, and sacrifice—lessons that would serve him in future relationships.

In many ways, Susan Deixler’s brief time in the public eye reflects the dichotomy between the world of show business and the private lives of those who get caught up in it. While Barry embraced fame, Susan chose to retreat from it, living a quiet life far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Conclusion: A Life of Privacy and Mystery

Susan Deixler’s life may never be as widely known as Barry Manilow’s, but it is no less significant. As Barry’s first wife, she played an important role in his early life and career, even though their marriage ended quickly. Despite her connection to one of the world’s most famous singers, Susan has remained remarkably private, avoiding the media and living her life outside the public’s gaze.

While the specifics of her life after her divorce from Barry remain unclear, one thing is certain: Susan Deixler made a conscious choice to step away from the limelight. Her decision to live a quiet, unassuming life serves as a stark contrast to Barry’s world of fame and fortune. Together, their brief marriage is a reminder of the complexity of personal relationships, especially when intertwined with the pressures of stardom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Susan Deixler?

• Susan Deixler is Barry Manilow’s first wife. They were married from 1966 to 1969 before divorcing due to the pressures of Barry’s rising career.

2. Why did Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow get divorced?

• The marriage ended due to the challenges of Barry’s growing career, which led to neglect in their relationship. Barry has mentioned in interviews that he wasn’t ready for marriage at the time.

3. What has Susan Deixler done after her divorce from Barry Manilow?

• Susan has remained private and out of the public eye, choosing not to pursue fame or any career in entertainment.

4. Does Susan Deixler maintain contact with Barry Manilow?

• There is no public indication that Susan and Barry have maintained contact after their divorce. Both have kept their personal lives private.

5. Why is Susan Deixler’s life so private?

• Susan has chosen to live a quiet, private life away from the media spotlight, preferring to avoid public attention despite her brief marriage to a famous celebrity.