10 Shocking Secrets: What Happened To The Stars Of Barney & Friends, From Broadway To Gang Life

The purple dinosaur is back in the spotlight, and with him, a renewed public fascination with the child stars who once sang "I Love You" alongside him. As of December 10, 2025, the careers and personal lives of the *Barney & Friends* cast are more diverse and dramatic than anyone could have imagined, spanning from global pop superstardom to shocking revelations about death threats and even involvement in gang activity. This comprehensive, up-to-date look reveals the current status of the most famous and most mysterious alumni from the beloved children's program.

The show, which aired from 1992 to 2010, served as an unlikely incubator for some of Hollywood’s biggest names, but also as a launchpad for others who faced intense backlash and took unexpected, sometimes dark, turns. The recent focus on the show, fueled by the 2022 documentary *I Love You, You Hate Me*, has brought the true, often complicated, legacy of *Barney the Dinosaur* back to the cultural forefront.

Barney & Friends Cast: A Full Biography and Current Status

The cast of *Barney & Friends* is a unique ensemble, comprising the actors who played the costumed characters and the revolving door of talented child performers. Here is a breakdown of the most notable names and their latest updates.

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• Selena Gomez (Gianna): The undisputed breakout star, Gomez appeared on the show from 2002 to 2004. She transitioned to Disney Channel's *Wizards of Waverly Place* and has since become a global icon in music, film, and business. Her recent work includes the critically acclaimed series *Only Murders in the Building* and her successful makeup line, Rare Beauty.
• Demi Lovato (Angela): Lovato co-starred with Gomez from 2002 to 2004. After their time as a Disney Channel star, Lovato launched a major music career, becoming a Grammy-nominated singer and a prominent advocate for mental health and sobriety. Their latest projects continue to focus on music and documentary work.
• David Joyner (Barney's Performer): Joyner physically portrayed Barney the Dinosaur from 1991 to 2001. After leaving the suit, he pursued other acting roles and, in a surprising twist, became a certified Tantra massage specialist. As of 2025, Joyner remains connected to the show’s legacy, appearing at fan conventions and expressing excitement for the upcoming A24 live-action *Barney* remake.
• Bob West (Barney's Voice): West provided the iconic, friendly voice for Barney from 1988 to 2000. In a shocking revelation detailed in the *I Love You, You Hate Me* documentary, West disclosed that he received numerous death threats due to the public backlash against the character. This news brought a dark, new dimension to the show’s history.
• Pia Manalo Hamilton (Min): Hamilton was one of the original child cast members, playing Min from 1992 to 1995. After *Barney*, she continued her career as a dancer and actress, eventually performing in the Broadway production of *The Lion King*. She also founded her own dance studio in Chicago, teaching and inspiring the next generation of performers.
• Rickey Carter (Derek): Carter played the beloved character Derek from 1990 to 1995. His post-Barney life proved to be one of the most tumultuous. The *Barney* documentary revealed that after leaving the show, Carter struggled and, for a time, joined a gang, a stark contrast to his wholesome TV image. He has since pursued a career as a rapper.
• Jackson Pace (Adam): Pace was a later cast member who went on to find success in dramatic television. He is best known for his role as Chris Brody on the critically acclaimed Showtime series *Homeland*.
• Brighton Sharbino (Uncredited): Sharbino had a small role on the show before landing a major, recognizable part on AMC's *The Walking Dead* as Lizzie Samuels, a character known for one of the series' most tragic and shocking storylines.
• Jaren Lewison (Uncredited): Lewison is another star who appeared on the show early in his career. He is currently best known for playing Ben Gross on the popular Netflix series *Never Have I Ever*.

The Dark Side of the Purple Dinosaur: Backlash and Controversy

For a show built on the simple messages of love and sharing, the level of intense hatred and backlash directed at *Barney & Friends* is one of the most bizarre cultural phenomena of the 1990s and 2000s. The 2022 Peacock docuseries, *I Love You, You Hate Me*, explored this "Barney-bashing" in depth, revealing the disturbing extent of the negativity.

The anti-Barney movement manifested in online forums, college drinking games, and even violent fantasies. The popular "Barney Kills" websites and fan-made videos depicted the friendly Tyrannosaurus rex being destroyed in various gruesome ways. It became a cultural touchstone for cynicism and irony, a direct rejection of the show's saccharine positivity.

The most alarming revelation was the true impact of this hate on the people behind the suit. Bob West, the voice of Barney, received numerous death threats against himself and his family. The threats were detailed and terrifying, forcing him to take protective measures. This shocking reality highlights the severe psychological toll that pop culture backlash can take on performers, even those behind a friendly purple costume.

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From Child Star to Unlikely Path: The Post-Barney Careers

The paths taken by the *Barney & Friends* cast members are a testament to the unpredictable nature of child stardom. While the success of Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato is well-documented, the careers of the other actors reveal fascinating, often surprising, journeys.

The Shocking Story of Rickey Carter (Derek)

Perhaps the most compelling story is that of Rickey Carter. His confession in the documentary about joining a gang after his time on the show was a major shock to fans. He described the difficulty of transitioning from the sheltered, positive environment of the set to the harsh realities of growing up. His experience underscores the unique challenges faced by child actors when the spotlight fades.

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David Joyner’s Spiritual Journey

David Joyner, the man inside the suit, has also taken a unique path. After his decade-long run as the physical performer for Barney, Joyner utilized his skills to become a certified Tantra massage therapist. He has spoken openly about how the positive energy and love he channeled as Barney helped him in his new spiritual and therapeutic career. He views his work as an extension of the character’s mission to spread joy.

Broadway and Beyond for Pia Manalo Hamilton (Min)

Pia Manalo Hamilton’s career is a success story that demonstrates the value of the show’s early training. Her work in high-profile stage productions, including a run in the Broadway version of *The Lion King*, shows a dedication to the performing arts that began on the *Barney* set. Her transition to owning a dance studio also highlights a successful pivot to entrepreneurship within the arts community.

The Future of Barney: CGI, A24, and a New Generation

The legacy of *Barney & Friends* is far from over. The purple dinosaur is currently undergoing a major modern-day revival, demonstrating the character’s enduring, if controversial, appeal. These new projects are set to introduce Barney to a new generation while engaging the original fans.

In October 2024, a new CGI-animated series titled *Barney's World* premiered on Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito and streamed on HBO Max. This modern reboot features a new voice actor, Jonathan Langdon, and a new cast of children, ensuring the franchise remains current and relevant.

Even more intriguing is the announcement of a live-action *Barney* film being developed by the acclaimed independent studio A24, known for its unique and often darker cinematic projects. The film is rumored to be a more surreal, adult-oriented take on the character, a concept that has generated significant buzz and curiosity. David Joyner, the original Barney performer, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for this new, unexpected direction, signaling a full-circle moment for the franchise.

The stars of *Barney & Friends* represent a fascinating cross-section of Hollywood—from the global fame of Selena Gomez to the powerful advocacy of Demi Lovato, the spiritual journey of David Joyner, and the redemption of Rickey Carter. The show’s legacy is complex, but the impact of the friendly purple dinosaur on pop culture, and the lives of those who worked on it, continues to be a compelling story in 2025.