For more than two decades, Dean Wendt was the voice behind one of television’s most beloved children’s characters.
Now, he’s revealing what it really took to bring Barney the purple dinosaur to life.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The voice behind Barney the Dinosaur
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Speaking to the Morning Show on Tuesday, Wendt shared behind-the-scenes stories from his years voicing Barney, revealing the unique performance technique that helped create the iconic character and reflecting on the show’s lasting impact on generations of children.
Wendt recorded hundreds of television episodes, albums and live shows as Barney, performing more episodes than anyone else in the franchise’s history.
He described stepping into the role as filling “big purple shoes.”
“Taking it was scary, but at the same time, it was amazing,” Wendt said about becoming just the second actor to voice Barney.
“I had to make Barney my own because Barney is about love and unconditional love. I had to put my personality into it.”
Wendt voiced the character from season seven through season 14, working alongside performers David Joyner and Carey Stinson, who wore the famous purple dinosaur suit.
Despite appearing seamless on screen, Wendt said the performance required precise coordination between the voice actor and the performer inside the costume.
Working from a recording booth equipped with four monitors showing every camera angle, Wendt had to synchronise every word with the suit performer’s movements in real time.
“We called it dino sync,” he explained.
“Every time I talked, he would move. And every time he moved, I would have to talk. You just have to get to know each other.”
Years after leaving the role, Wendt said he is regularly approached by adults who grew up watching Barney, many of whom tell him the show became a comforting presence during difficult times.
“They tell me Barney was their safe space,” he said.
“It’s an honour, and it’s unbelievable. I’m just so blessed,” he said.
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