
Introduction
Susan Deixler is best known as the first wife of legendary entertainer Barry Manilow, but her story extends far beyond a two-year marriage overshadowed by a rising superstar’s ambition. Though her time in the spotlight was brief, Susan’s quiet, purposeful life and her commitment to community wellness have long intrigued fans who wonder what became of the woman Barry once described with deep affection. This rewritten profile explores Susan’s background, her connection to Manilow, and the independent path she built after stepping away from fame.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Deixler |
| Profession | Holistic wellness advocate, volunteer worker |
| Known For | First wife of Barry Manilow |
| Date of Birth | Estimated 1940s |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Spouse | Barry Manilow (married 1964, annulled 1966) |
| Children | None |
| Notable Work | Community involvement, holistic health advocacy |
| Current Status | Private life, focused on personal growth |
| Net Worth | Not publicly reported |
Early Life and Background

Details about Susan’s childhood remain limited, but she is believed to have been born sometime in the 1940s in the United States. Friends and acquaintances from her youth recall her as an intelligent, warm-hearted young woman who grew up in a supportive family that valued education and independence.
She attended Eastern District High School in Brooklyn, New York—an environment where she developed a reputation for kindness and determination. It was here, as a teenager, that she crossed paths with a young Barry Manilow, long before he would become a global music icon.
Meeting him would briefly propel her into the public eye, but her ambitions extended far beyond a future tied to a celebrity.
Age and Appearance
Although her exact date of birth has never been confirmed, Susan is believed to be in her late seventies or early eighties today. As a young woman, she was often described as naturally attractive and poised, with a bright, engaging presence. Her confidence and intelligence made her stand out during her school years—traits Barry himself admired deeply.
Marriage to Barry Manilow

The relationship between Susan and Barry is one of the most talked-about chapters of her life. They fell in love in high school, when Barry (then still Barry Alan Pincus) was mesmerized by Susan’s personality and charm. The youthful romance grew quickly, and in 1964, the couple married in their early twenties.
However, their marriage unraveled almost as soon as it began. Barry later admitted that he was far too young and too focused on his musical aspirations to fully commit to married life. Within a year, he pursued his career with increasing intensity, leaving Susan behind. In 1966, the marriage was officially annulled.
Despite the painful ending, Susan has always spoken about Barry with respect, acknowledging his gifts and expressing no bitterness toward his success.
Who Is Barry Manilow?
Barry Manilow, born in 1943, is internationally recognized for timeless hits such as “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.” His career spans decades, filled with Grammy wins, global tours, and chart-topping records. Barry has often said that his early relationships—including the one he shared with Susan—played a meaningful role in shaping his life.
Holistic Healing and Personal Advocacy
After stepping away from a public life connected to Barry’s rising fame, Susan pursued her own interests, eventually becoming involved in holistic healing. She became known in her community for promoting natural wellness practices, healthy living, and balanced lifestyles. Her passion for helping others reflects the nurturing, grounded nature she demonstrated even in her youth.
Susan’s work in alternative wellness has earned her a reputation as a thoughtful advocate who values both emotional and physical well-being.
Community Service and Volunteer Work
Alongside her wellness efforts, Susan devoted significant time to volunteer work. She has been active in programs designed to support underserved communities, assist vulnerable groups, and strengthen local initiatives. Her consistent contribution to community life is one of the most defining features of her post-Manilow years.
Even outside the public sphere, Susan found ways to leave a meaningful mark.
Personal Life and Legacy
Following the annulment, Susan chose a quiet, private life. She never remarried and did not have children, instead focusing on personal growth, friendships, and service to others. Her story is one of resilience—of a young woman who walked away from an overwhelming period of public attention and carved out a life based on her values, not others’ expectations.
Her legacy is rooted more in compassion and quiet strength than in the brief fame that once surrounded her.
Financial Status
Susan has kept her financial life completely private. She never pursued a career in entertainment, and there is no public estimate of her net worth. However, her commitment to meaningful work rather than wealth suggests she has lived a stable, balanced, and fulfilling life.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Susan’s early brush with fame brought pressures few young women are prepared for. Yet she handled public interest with dignity, choosing to retreat from the spotlight and build a life grounded in authenticity. Her story offers lessons in independence, self-respect, and the courage to define one’s own path.
Is Susan Deixler Still Alive?
Yes—Susan is still alive and continues to maintain the privacy she has valued for decades. Today, she remains admired for her contributions to holistic healing, her decades of volunteer work, and the grace with which she handled a relationship that briefly tied her to one of the most recognizable voices in music.
Conclusion
Although she is often introduced as “Barry Manilow’s first wife,” Susan Deixler is far more than a footnote in the life of a famous musician. Her journey is one of independence, compassion, and quiet resilience. From her high-school romance with a future superstar to her later work uplifting her community, Susan built a life defined by purpose rather than fame—and that is what truly shapes her legacy.
