Barry Manilow Shares He’s Cancer Free After “Nightmare” ICU Stay

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His name is Barry Manilow, and he’s feeling grateful. 

As someone who’s always advocated for prioritizing health, I was so moved to hear the latest update from the incredible singer of ‘Copacabana.’ After bravely sharing his lung cancer diagnosis a few months ago, he’s now finished treatment! He detailed a really tough journey – he actually had a portion of his left lung removed and spent a week in intensive care. It’s a testament to his strength and a reminder to all of us to take care of ourselves and listen to our bodies.

He described the experience as a nightmare, but in an interview with People magazine on March 24th, he also said he felt fortunate, explaining, “I don’t have to go through chemo, radiation, or any of that.”

Barry, who married Garry Kief in 2014, says a recent health scare caused him to re-evaluate his life and appreciate what he has.

Barry reflected that people rarely consider how quickly life can change. He described being diagnosed with lung cancer as a sudden shock, but emphasized he was still alive, even though a portion of his lung had been removed. Now, he’s focused on figuring out his next steps and how to move forward.

He explained that this experience led him to reflect on his life, asking himself if he’d achieved his goals and brought joy to others. He wondered if he’d been a good friend – essentially, if he’d lived up to the simple, heartfelt values he’d always believed in.

The diagnosis of stage one lung cancer came as a shock to the 82-year-old.

Barry remembered the phone call vividly. They suggested he might have cancer, a word he immediately rejected. He thought, ‘No way. I refuse to believe that. I can’t be sick with cancer.’

At first, it was tough to hear, but once I processed it, Barry really highlighted how grateful he was to find out sooner rather than later. He felt lucky to have the news when he did, instead of it dragging on or being delayed.

Barry continued, “I had no idea how long it was there. It could have been years! If it had gotten any worse, I would have been in a really bad situation. Luckily, it hadn’t spread, and honestly, I was terrified I was going to die.”

The award-winning performer is looking forward to returning to his regular routine. He’s releasing a new album called What a Time in June and, if his health allows, will soon be back on the road for his farewell tour.

“This really rocked me,” Barry admitted, “but I’m getting stronger.”

For more stars who have shared insight into their cancer journeys, keep reading… 

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, making this his third time battling the disease.

After receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 that his surgery and treatment had been successful, and he was now cancer-free. This was the third time he’d announced positive news about his health.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he shared a powerful message: your struggles don’t define you – you are bigger than them. He explained that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries emotional wounds, he accepts them as part of himself, believing that acknowledging these things is the key to healing and growth.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s currently no cure for his condition, which has deeply affected every choice he makes. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned of it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancerous tissue removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She later confirmed she was cancer-free.

After undergoing treatment and a double mastectomy, the star of Up All Night received a clean bill of health and is now cancer-free.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free after years of battling the disease.

In September 2018, the actress known for Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she had overcome anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her experience, even with photos showing the effects of treatment like hair loss, made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentically herself.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, received treatment for his third case of basal cell carcinoma in 2014. Following the treatment, his representative confirmed to TopMob News that he has made a full recovery.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering he had more basal cell carcinoma. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the Northern Hemisphere that summer was approaching and to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen.

Oh my gosh, I was SO relieved to hear that my absolute favorite former Housewife of Beverly Hills hit her one-year cancer-free mark back in January! It just makes me so happy for her. I remember when she first shared her diagnosis back in 2013 – endometrial cancer, can you believe it? She was so brave going through a full hysterectomy. She’s such an inspiration, and I’m just thrilled she’s doing so well!

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

Oh my gosh, I was SO worried when I saw the photos! He posted these pictures – you could actually see the stitches, a whole line running from under his ear down to his jaw! Apparently, he had a procedure done to get rid of skin cancer. He covered it with a bandage after, but honestly, seeing those stitches just broke my heart. I’m just so glad he’s okay and getting the treatment he needs!

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was very thankful for the team at The Skin Associates, who quickly and successfully removed a Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later happily welcomed two children with her husband, Taran Killam.

A television personality has shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars recently had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the well wishes! I’m home and resting.”

The actress shared some amazing news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, ‘#wootothemotherfkinhoo!’

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She said her husband encouraged her to get the mark checked, which led to the discovery.

The man from Scotland is doing well and enjoying his hobby of trainspotting again after successfully having a cancerous mole removed from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist almost certainly protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

As someone who’s followed celebrity wellness for years, I remember when the news broke that the incredibly talented actress from ER and Parenthood had to step away from her show to bravely battle breast cancer back in 2009. Thankfully, her treatment went really well, and it was wonderful to see her back on the red carpet so quickly – a true inspiration!

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight how crucial regular screenings are, and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in approximately 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming a battle with stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar winner dedicated herself to activism and became a source of inspiration for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, turned her experience with breast cancer into a funny and relatable show called God Said Ha! which became a Broadway hit.

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2026-03-24 17:48