Susan Deixler is a name that became connected with one of America’s most celebrated entertainers, Barry Manilow. While Manilow went on to become a legendary singer, songwriter, and performer with a career spanning decades, Susan chose a completely different path away from fame and public attention. She is best remembered as Manilow’s first and only wife, but her own life story reflects independence, compassion, and dedication.
The relationship between Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow began long before fame entered the picture. They were young lovers who met during their teenage years, shared dreams for the future, and married while still very young. However, their marriage ended quickly as Manilow’s desire to pursue a career in music became stronger than his ability to maintain a young marriage.
Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Susan did not seek publicity or attempt to benefit from her connection to a famous musician. Instead, she built a meaningful life focused on family, healthcare, and helping others.
Early Life and Background of Susan Deixler
Susan Deixler was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, during a time when the city was experiencing significant cultural growth. She attended Eastern District High School, where she became known not only for her personality but also for her leadership abilities.
During her school years, Susan was a popular and active student. She served as student government president, showing early signs of responsibility and confidence. Her personality and dedication made her well-liked among her classmates.
It was during these teenage years that she met Barry Manilow. At the time, Manilow was not yet the famous performer the world would later recognize. He was simply a young man with musical ambitions and dreams of creating a successful career.
Susan and Barry began dating during her junior year of high school. Their relationship developed during a period when both were still discovering their identities and planning their futures.
A Teenage Romance That Led to Marriage
The relationship between Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow grew from a high school romance into a serious commitment. In 1964, when Susan was only 19 years old, the couple decided to get married.
Their wedding represented the hopes and dreams of two young people starting life together. At that stage, neither could predict the dramatic changes that would soon shape their futures.
For Susan, marriage was a commitment built on love and trust. She believed she was creating a future with the person she loved. However, Barry Manilow had ambitions that extended far beyond their young relationship. He dreamed of becoming a professional musician and wanted to dedicate himself completely to his craft.
Although their marriage began with optimism, the pressures of youth, personal growth, and career ambitions soon created challenges.
The Short-Lived Marriage and Separation
Susan and Barry’s marriage lasted only a little over a year. In 1966, their marriage was officially annulled, bringing an end to their relationship as husband and wife.
Years later, Barry Manilow reflected on this period of his life in his autobiography. He described Susan as a “perfect wife” and acknowledged that the reason for their separation was not because she had done something wrong. Instead, he explained that he was deeply focused on pursuing his musical dreams.
Manilow admitted that he was young and lacked the maturity needed to balance marriage with his ambitions. His desire to follow what he described as a “wondrous musical adventure” ultimately led him away from the relationship.
For Susan, the end of the marriage marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Rather than remaining connected to the entertainment world, she chose privacy and personal fulfillment.
Life After Barry Manilow: Choosing a Private Path
After her separation from Manilow, Susan Deixler moved forward with her life away from Hollywood and celebrity culture. She eventually relocated to California, where she created a new identity independent of her former marriage.
Susan remarried and became a mother of two children. She focused on building a stable family life and avoided the attention that often follows people connected to famous personalities.
While Barry Manilow became internationally recognized through hit songs, concerts, and television appearances, Susan found success in a quieter but equally meaningful way. Her achievements were not measured by fame or public recognition but by the positive impact she had on the people around her.
Susan Deixler’s Career in Healthcare and Community Service
One of the most important parts of Susan Deixler’s life has been her dedication to healthcare and community service.
As a young woman, Susan had an interest in nursing and helping others. She followed that passion by spending decades working in health and human services. Her career reflected her caring personality and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Susan became involved with community organizations, including West Marin Senior Services (WMSS), where she contributed to programs designed to support older adults.
For more than 30 years, she worked and volunteered in roles focused on wellness, recreation, and social support for aging communities. Her work helped create opportunities for seniors to remain active, connected, and engaged.
Unlike the entertainment industry, where success is often measured through awards and public recognition, Susan’s career was built around service. Her contribution came through everyday acts of kindness and dedication.
Susan Deixler’s Reaction to Barry Manilow’s Marriage Announcement
In 2015, Barry Manilow made headlines when news emerged that he had privately married his longtime manager, Garry Kief. The announcement attracted significant media attention, and reporters searched for comments from people connected to Manilow’s past, including Susan Deixler.
When asked about the situation, Susan responded with remarkable maturity and kindness. She described her relationship with Manilow as “ancient history” from nearly 50 years earlier.
Rather than expressing negativity or resentment, Susan wished him happiness and success. She stated that she was happy he had found love and fulfillment.
Her response demonstrated the respectful and peaceful approach she had maintained throughout her life. Instead of focusing on the past, she recognized that both she and Manilow had moved forward and created separate lives.
The Legacy of Susan Deixler
Susan Deixler’s story is unique because it represents a life lived outside the spotlight. Although she was connected to one of the most famous singers in American music history, she never allowed that connection to define her.
Her journey shows that success does not always come through fame. Susan built her legacy through family, healthcare, and service to others. She chose a path centered on compassion rather than public attention.
Her early relationship with Barry Manilow remains a small chapter in a much larger story. While their marriage was brief, it played an important role in both of their lives. Manilow went on to become a global music icon, while Susan dedicated herself to helping others and creating a meaningful personal life.
Conclusion: A Life Defined by Strength and Compassion
Susan Deixler may always be remembered as Barry Manilow’s first wife, but her life represents much more than that title. She was a young woman with dreams, a devoted mother, a healthcare professional, and a person committed to serving her community.
Her ability to move forward after a highly public connection with a famous figure reflects strength and emotional maturity. Instead of seeking attention, she chose a quieter life filled with purpose.
Susan Deixler’s story reminds us that behind every famous person are often individuals whose own journeys are equally valuable. Her legacy is not based on celebrity but on kindness, dedication, and the positive difference she made in the lives of others.
FAQs About Susan Deixler
Who is Susan Deixler?
Susan Deixler is best known as the first wife of legendary American singer Barry Manilow. They married in 1964 and had their marriage annulled in 1966.
When did Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow get married?
Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow married in 1964 when Susan was 19 years old.
Why did Susan Deixler and Barry Manilow separate?
Their marriage ended because Manilow wanted to pursue his music career and felt he was not mature enough to balance marriage with his ambitions.
What did Susan Deixler do after her divorce?
Susan moved away from the entertainment industry, remarried, raised a family, and worked for many years in healthcare and community services.
How did Susan Deixler respond to Barry Manilow’s later marriage?
Susan responded positively, saying their relationship was part of the distant past and wishing Manilow happiness in his life.
