Barry Manilow is a giant in the music industry, but when it comes to his physical stature, things get a little more complicated. You’ve probably seen him on stage, commanding a massive orchestra while wearing a sequined jacket that catches every spotlight in the room. He looks huge. He dominates the space. But then you see him standing next to a talk show host or a fan in a leaked paparazzi photo, and you start wondering. Honestly, the question of how tall is Barry Manilow has been a topic of debate among Fanilows for decades, mostly because the man has a presence that defies simple measurement.
He's tall.
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Most official records and long-standing biographical profiles list Barry Manilow at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm). In the world of 1970s pop stars, that actually made him quite a bit taller than many of his contemporaries. Think about it. While stars like Prince or even Elton John were on the shorter side, Manilow was often the tallest person in the room. Yet, if you search the corners of the internet, you'll find people swearing he's actually 5’11” or maybe even a bit shorter now that he’s entered his 80s.
The 6-Foot Mystery and the "Thin" Factor
Why is there even a debate? Well, a lot of it comes down to his build. Barry has always been famously lean. Back in 2012, there was actually a bit of a media frenzy when some tabloids claimed he had dropped down to a shocking 7 stone (about 100 pounds). While his reps quickly debunked those extreme numbers, they did confirm that he is "pretty trim."
When you are 6 feet tall and very thin, you tend to look even taller than you are. It’s an optical illusion. His long limbs and slender frame give him a "lanky" silhouette that works perfectly for television. He fills the frame without looking bulky.
But height is a tricky thing in Hollywood.
We have to talk about shoes. If you’ve ever been to a Manilow show in Vegas, you know the wardrobe is part of the magic. High-heeled boots and Cuban heels were staples of the era when he rose to fame. A two-inch heel on a 6-foot man suddenly makes him 6’2”. On stage, under the lights, with the hair—which, let’s be real, adds another inch or two of verticality—he can easily look like a basketball player.
What Barry Says vs. What We See
Barry himself hasn't spent much of his career obsessing over his height in interviews. He’s usually too busy discussing the technical nuances of a key change or the production of a new musical. However, in various biographical snippets over the years, that 6'0" figure has remained the gold standard.
Here is the thing about aging in the public eye. It is a scientific fact that people shrink as they get older. The discs in our spines compress. Manilow was born in 1943. Even the sturdiest 6-foot-tall man is likely to lose an inch or so by the time he reaches his 80s. If you see him today and think he looks a bit shorter than he did during the Mandy era, you’re probably right. It’s just nature doing its thing.
Why Does It Actually Matter?
It matters because of stage presence.
The entertainment industry is built on "bigger than life" personas. When we ask how tall is Barry Manilow, we aren't just looking for a number to put on a driver's license. We’re trying to reconcile the human being with the icon. There’s a psychological component to how we perceive performers. Tall performers often project a sense of authority and grace. Barry’s height allowed him to transition from a "guy at the piano" (where height is hidden) to a standing front-man who could work a stage with the best of them.
Think about his posture. Manilow has a very specific way of standing when he performs. He leans into the microphone, often slightly hunched in a soulful, dramatic way. This "performer's slouch" can actually make a tall man look shorter than he is. Then, he straightens up for the big finale, and suddenly, he's towering over the front row again.
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Comparing Barry to Other Legends
To get a real sense of his scale, it helps to look at him next to other celebrities where the height is verified.
- Bette Midler: Barry famously started as her accompanist. Bette is about 5'1". When they stood together, the height difference was comical. He towered over her by nearly a foot.
- Clive Davis: The man who helped launch Barry's career is roughly 5'9". In photos of the two together, Barry is consistently and noticeably the taller man.
- Late Night Hosts: When Barry sits on the couch with someone like Stephen Colbert (who is 5'11"), they look almost eye-to-eye, though Barry’s lean frame often makes him appear slightly more "stretched out."
The "Vegas Effect" and Visual Perception
Las Vegas stages are enormous. If you’re a small person, you can get swallowed up by the production. Barry’s 6-foot frame is part of why his residency at the International Theater at Westgate works so well. He has the physical reach to make the person in the very back row feel like they are seeing a "big" star.
Interestingly, fans who have met him at stage doors or during VIP meet-and-greets often remark that he is "taller than they expected." This is usually a sign that a celebrity is telling the truth about their height. Most actors claim to be 6'0" when they are actually 5'10". Barry seems to be one of the few who actually hits the mark.
Common Myths About Barry’s Stature
One of the weirdest rumors that circulated years ago was that Barry used specific camera angles to hide his height because he didn't want to look "too lanky" next to female co-stars. This is almost certainly nonsense. In the 70s, being a tall, thin "crooner" was the peak aesthetic.
Another myth? That he wears massive lifts. While he definitely wears stage boots with a bit of a heel, he's never been known for the aggressive "elevator shoes" that some shorter leading men in Hollywood are famous for. When you're already 6 feet tall, you don't really need the extra help to be seen.
How to Estimate Height Like a Pro
If you’re ever trying to settle a bet about a celebrity’s height, don't just look at their shoes. Look at their shoulders. Shoe height varies, but the distance from the top of the head to the shoulder line is a much more stable metric. Barry has a "long" head and neck, which contributes to that 6-foot measurement.
You also have to account for the "TV 10 Pounds" rule, but for height. Television usually makes people look shorter and wider than they are in real life. If Barry looks 6'0" on your screen, he's almost certainly at least that tall in person.
Final Take on the Manilow Measurement
So, what's the verdict?
Barry Manilow is 6 feet tall. He might be a fraction under that now due to the standard effects of aging, but for the vast majority of his career, he has stood at the 72-inch mark. His slim build and penchant for well-tailored suits (and the occasional platform boot) have often made him look even more imposing.
Next time you’re watching a clip of him performing Copacabana or I Write the Songs, pay attention to his stride. He covers a lot of ground with those long legs. It’s a classic example of how physical stature can complement a performance style. He isn't just a voice; he's a presence.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re heading to a show or just want to appreciate the Manilow legacy more deeply, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Footwear: If you're lucky enough to be front row, look at the boots. He still favors a slight heel which adds to the "Vegas Legend" look.
- Watch the Posture: Observe how he uses his height to command the stage. He uses his reach to engage with the audience in a way shorter performers sometimes struggle with.
- Respect the Longevity: Remember that maintaining a 6-foot, "trim" frame into your 80s takes incredible discipline. His height is just one part of a very carefully maintained professional image that has lasted over 50 years.
Don't let the tabloid rumors about his weight or "gaunt" appearance fool you. He’s a tall guy who has stayed thin his whole life, and in a world of manufactured pop stars, his 6-foot stature is one of the few things that has remained remarkably consistent.