Actor David Joyner played Barney the Dinosaur from the show's inception until 2001. (a Protoceratops). ", BARNEY DOCUSERIES DETAILS DARK SIDE OF BELOVED KIDS SHOW, INCLUDES DEATH THREATS, DRUG RUMORS, Barney, the purple dinosaur, was the star of the PBS TV series "Barney and Friends." All logos, images, video and audio clips pertaining to actors, characters and related indicia belong to their . However, West's pre-recorded voice could still be heard in A Day in the Park with Barney at Universal Studios Florida until the attraction's closure in February 2021, as it was recorded in the mid 1990s due to his retirement. And when he talks about his meditation and the energy he would pull from his body, he tried to push it through as weird as it sounds push it through the television. A lot of times when I see infants and Im out and about at the grocery store or whatever, they start staring at me. Once he got on stage, he felt divine energy radiating through him, as he sought to spread optimism, mindfulness, and joy to the many children watching the show. It's meditation, it's energy work. Maybe he works for the Watchers, or maybe he's a time hopping do-gooder like Dr. Sam Beckett in that '90s sci-fi series "Quantum Leap." Considering all of these medical show cameos, we wouldn't be surprised to find out that Joyner was hiding a couple medical degrees and licenses to go along with his engineering, massage therapy, musical, and reiki skills. Barney & Friends was a genuine pop culture phenomenon. The actor has spoken out in appreciation of Tantra and says it actually inspired his portrayal of Barney. But David Joyner has been quite outspoken about how much he loved playing Barney. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He toldBusiness Insiderhe knew beforehand that he was going to get the Barney role, stating "I was supposed to do this character.". Well, David Joyner is big on tantra. and Barney: Let's Go to the Zoo. In his mind, the backlash was driven in part by kids trying hard to flex their machismo.. Friendships just don't get much better than that. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Avallone stressed that while many people associate Joyners tantra principles with sex, "that was never happening with Barney." For 10 years, David Joyner was the actor inside the Tyrannosaurus Rex suit that helped kids of a certain generation to learn about new situations in a fun and informative way. Its a pretty good indication the love was strong. (Business Wire/AP) Article. [6], Joyner once stated that he had a dream the night before he auditioned to play the role of Barney. (Photo by Lyle A. Waisman/FilmMagic via Getty Images), I love you, you love me? Barney is a gentle teacher who talks to the children. Theres so many better spots to put my drugs if I did drugs!'". Robert Matthew West (born June 25, 1956) is an American voice actor and graphic designer. Barney & Friends (TV Series 1992-2010) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. [1] He is best known as the original voice of Barney in the PBS children's television series Barney & Friends. In a regular day, he works at the production company that puts together "Hip Hop Harry," but in addition to being the man in the furry yellow bear costume, he also works behind the scenes and spends long nights in the office. ", Avallone said that when it came to exploring her sons case, "it was definitely a delicate story to tell. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). IE 11 is not supported. Nowadays, his path has taken him down a more sensual route as he practices as a tantric sex therapist. Turns out that right beneath our noses, we've seen Joyner on "House" playing a cardiac surgeon standing face-to-face with the misanthropic title character. David Joyner is one spiritual dude. Celeb obsessed? [Laughs.] Popular American kids' show Barney and Friends was created by Sheryl Leach. The silliest of these rumors, which still pops up from time to time, is that the "actor who played Barney" (who is nameless, in this story) was actually a crazy cocaine addict, supposedly so addicted that he hid his prized cocaine stash up Barney's purple tail, which eventually got him caught and thrown in jail. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images). Parks and Rec ladies reunite for Galentines Day (, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler going on tour together (, S Club 7 reuniting for 25th anniversary (, Hilary Duff teases Josh Radnors involvement on How I Met Your Father (, Patrick Mahomes, wife take son to Disneyland after Super Bowl win (, Plane movie getting a sequel called Ship (, Megadeth to reunite with guitarist Marty Friedman for first time in 23 years (, Eminems former stunt double dies at 40 (, Drew Barrymore breaks down crying in Pamela Anderson interview (, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan announce Las Vegas residencies (. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Barney is on the receiving end of more hostility than just about any other popular cultural icon I can think of, the University of Chicago academic W.J.T. He was inescapable. And as the interviews go on, youre like, Oh, I actually see where the hate comes from. Gray of Oxford Research Encyclopedias. Basically, theres a lot of content out there promoting the killing off of such a wonderful childrens influence. He's a real, regular guy, the kind of person who takes excited selfie videos of himself onNapa Valley road tripsor shares funny class photos of himself in sixth grade, wearing cool shades. In 2015, creator Sheryl Leachs son, Patrick Leach, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for shooting his neighbor in Malibu, California. But if you look hard enough some adults or parents dont like CoComelon. But it would never be as big as the Barney backlash because it was just a different time.". Do you have a story to sell? Its now the subject of a docuseries on Peacock that premiered Wednesday titled "I Love You, You Hate Me," which explores how a TV phenomenon ended up receiving negative criticism nationwide to the point that it became a cultural punching bag for furious adults.The hit PBS series, created by Sheryl Leach, Kathy Parker and Dennis DeShazer, aired from 1992 until 2010. In an exclusive interview with Grunge, David Joyner told his own story. Seriously, it seems like this guy can do everything. Its not a black-and-white issue. He treated around 30 clients or "goddesses" and guided them into discovering their "sexual energy.". Joyner responded that "Yes, sir, I am. In 1998, the feature film "Barneys Great Adventure" was released. Mattel. The docuseries "I Love You, You Hate Me" explores the strange backlash to "Barney & Friends." Bob West, who once voiced the character, found himself at the center of the storm. I dont recall that kind of backlash happening in other countries. I actually responded to a lot of them when I was still on AOL and it was cool to be on AOL and most of them would write back and say, Oh, Im so sorry, I didnt realize there was a real person that was going to answer. I never heard back from some. Joyner was originally cast to play Barney in two Barney & The Backyard Gang home videos, but continued to play Barney in the TV series Barney & Friends during the first six seasons, as well as in live performances. But not everyone considered Barney a friend, a phenomenon at the heart of a new Peacock documentary series called I Love You, You Hate Me. (NBC News and Peacock are both owned and operated by NBCUniversal.). So the next time you get grumpy about working in food service or sitting at a desk all day punching numbers, just remember that this cheerful dude managed to turn what could have been a tough, thankless job into the time of his life. I think there might be a cultural difference. Needless to say, he's definitely honored that wish. Carey Stinton was the third person to pefrorm in the costume of Barney and for 22 years, he maintained that role. [2] Career [ edit] 1979-1988: Early voice work career [ edit] David Joyner, the actor in the Barney suit, began studying tantra at age 20. BARNEY THE DINOSAUR ACTOR IS NOW A TANTRIC SEX THERAPIST, David Joyner, the actor in the Barney suit, began studying tantra at age 20. Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. Related: These Are The 10 Most Successful Scream Queens, Ranked By Net Worth. It just kind of felt right. He inquired about changing his flight from Monday, September 10, to Tuesday, September 11, and was told that they had open seating on United Airlines Flight 175. He was also the Blue-Jay puppeteer in Come on Over to Barney's House and the polar bear in Riff's Musical Zoo. David Joyner. Barney will always have a place in education, in culture, in helping kids grow up feeling safe. "[7], Joyner originally auditioned for the role in 1991, replacing Barney's original costume actor, David Voss. David continued: Before I got into the [Barney] costume, I would pray and ask God to allow his loving divine spirit to flow through me through the costume and let that draw the kids. All rights reserved. Barney the Dinosaur with David Voss, the original body actor. "Barney & Friends" wasnt always "one big happy family.". It was completely surreal. He played the role of a voice actor for Barney between 1997 and 2000 following Bob Wests departure. As well as Barney, David has featured in House, That 70s Show, Hip Hop . The basic concept Barney the purple dinosaur interacting with a group of kids was first brought to life in a series of made-for-video projects under the umbrella title Bar Much like other children's programming that spanned across many years and reached a global audience, "Barney & Friends" faced a litany of critics who weren't too fond of the show's jubilant and happy-go-lucky approach to edutainment. Barney the Purple Dinosaur attends the NBC Universal VIP party during the Cable Show 2011 at Privet Nightclub and Lounge on June 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I have a vested interest in seeing that the tradition of the character is honored. While it was only recently that the public really became aware of David Joyner's true identity, there have always been bizarre conspiracy theories about the previously unknown "guy who played Barney." Every once in a while Id go out in a Barney jacket and Id hear, Oh, I hate that show! It was kind of sad, but you just have to laugh it off. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. In his interview withTrainwreck'd Society, Joyner described himself as being a student of White Lotus Tantra since he was 19. Most of these incidents were copyright infringement issues. He was the Jar Jar Binks of kids TV. It's hard to say whether the coolness factor here comes from his obvious skill at drumming or if it's just the likable sincerity of the fact that he posts such videos online, but either way, David Joyner is one exceptionally rockin' guy. Barney disproved that., So, what happened? The millions and millions of people who watched the show they loved it. The Great Gazoo was voiced by actor Harvey Korma Just as Barney gave hope to kids all over the world, it looks like Joyner gives hope to adults. Barney opened children's eyes to the joys of learning and discovery, the wonders of make-believe, and the beauty of unconditional love. This prompted legal action from the shows producers as well. [1], In 1987, he was cast as the voices of Jasper T. Jowls and Pasqually in the Chuck E. Cheese's animatronic stage show, he voiced the characters for ten years until 1998. But Joyner wouldn't have it any other way: "I can truly say that I love where I'm at, in my career and in my life, because I have a lot of passion about everything that I do." Barney, the purple dinosaur, was the star of the PBS TV series "Barney and Friends.". All rights reserved. But that turned out to be all in good fun. This rumor is pretty stupid when you think about the impracticality of it those tiny little arms on the Barney costume couldn't reach far enough to scratch the actor's head, much less pull drugs out of the tail but the "story" caught on, probably due to its sensationalism. But we kept in touch via emails and I think shes an amazing person. As the person who wore the purple dinosaur suit for a long period of time, David Joyner is someone whose opinion on the topic deserves to be heard. He told Grunge he "wears a lot of hats" for the series: He works as a producer, helps with production details on the set, and since he's a math whiz does the books. [8][1], This article is about the voice actor. But usually when people lash out like that, theres something theyre dealing with. He's kinda like a real-life Peter Parker or Clark Kent. (Photo of the updated Barney courtesy of Mattel), Former child star Austin Majors is dead at 27. The people who sent me those threats were all kids in middle school. Bob West, who was the original Barney, says he used to receive scathing emails from children as young as eleven. Retrieved from, "10 Things You Never Knew About The Man Who Played Barney", "Energetic David Joyner a natural TV talent as Barney, Hip Hop Harry", "Black History 'Erryday': Happy Birthday David 'Barney' Joyner", https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-man-who-played-barney-the-purple-dinosaur-for-10-years-david-joyner-interview-2017-5, "What It's Like To Play Barney For 10 Years", "UTG INTERVIEW: David Joyner, The Man Inside Barney", "The Actor Who Played Barney Is Now a Tantric Sex Therapist | Time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Joyner_(actor)&oldid=1135255993, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Episode: "New York Bar Hostage Situation", Hip Hop Harry (In-suit performer), Chef Rob, This page was last edited on 23 January 2023, at 15:23. But one thing is for sure: Joyner's face has secretly been playing peekaboo everywhere. Simply the Worlds Most Interesting Travel Site, All The Actors Whove Played Barney, Ranked by Net Worth, These Are The 10 Most Successful Scream Queens, Ranked By Net Worth, The 10 Richest Nickolodeon Stars, Ranked By Net Worth, David Joyner portrayed the costume of Barney, The 10 Richest Screenwriters In Hollywood, Ranked By Net Worth, The Cast Of 'New Amsterdam' Ranked By Net Worth, Here's The Cast Of The Office, Ranked By Net Worth, David Hyde Pierce Rejecting The Frasier Reboot Completely Changed The Show Creatively, According To Kelsey Grammer, Everything Gabriel Macht Has Been Up To Since The End Of Suits. Told his own story scathing emails from children as young as eleven. ) hear, Oh, am! Them into discovering their `` sexual energy. `` up feeling safe much better that. To their millions of people who sent me those threats were all kids in middle.! Goddesses '' and guided them into discovering their `` sexual energy. `` in 1998, the wonders make-believe. 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