Biography
Barry knew he wanted to be an actor when his mother and father took him to see the Musical "Oliver," directed by Carol Reed, in October, (1968). From there, he began writing, at the age of 10, his own material to perform. Barry also emulated other actors such as Alister Simms from the (1951) version of "A Christmas Carol," and was always able to perform the role of Ebeneezer Scrooge, as he had memorized the part, when called upon in school.
Additionally, Barry learned the Abbott and Costello routine of "Who's on First" at the age of 10 from his brother David, and the two of them performed the routine whenever they could get an audience. He also learned their "Loafer," "Money for one in a Diner," "Niagara Falls," and many other of their routines. Barry also learned to perform slapstick by watching the old Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Three Stooges movies and shorts.
At the age of 15, Barry took a serious look at Magic when the television series "The Magician" starring Bill Bixby hit the airways in (1973). Although it was on for only one season, a magic boom seemed to hit the teenagers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Barry resided, to the point where a local magic store, Fools Paradise, sponsored a club called Sorcerers Apprentices. The advisor to the club, Miller "Dusty" Cravens, taught all the performers tricks, showmanship, the advantages to writing one's own patter, and when to get off the stage leaving the audience wanting more (1973-1975). While Barry's high school friends worked in local stores, Barry performed magic shows for cub scout troops, Brownies, birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs anniversary parties, Halloween parties, and so much more. He also dedicated, and donated proceeds from performances to Charity, Muscular Dystrophy, because he wanted to give something and his admiration for Jerry Lewis.
But the acting bug was deep within him. In Junior High, Barry was an extra in the TV series, Nakia (1974). The theatre was a very special love of his. He performed the role of Mortimer Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace (1974) Marc Antony in "Julius Caesar (1975)," and a few bit parts in Jules Pheiffer's "Pheiffer's People" (1975).
In Los Angeles, CA, Barry's HS counselor, Seaman Glass, was a bit part actor. When Barry earned the part of Joe Ferone in "Up the Down Staircase" (1975). Mr. Glass invited his agent to the show. Barry was given the name and phone number to the agent, Mary Grady of MGA. Mary took Barry on as a client immediately after meeting him, sent him out for auditions, and Barry soon got the role of Joby in the film "Good-bye Franklin High (1976), and earned roles as a recurring regular on "In the Beginning" (1978) developed by Norman Lear & "Delta House" (1979) developed by Ivan Reitman. He was later cast for a guest role in "Thunder" (1977) where the network offered to renew the show providing the producers, Charles Marion & Irving Cummings, cast Barry and Jimmy Pete as regulars in the show, but it never materialized as the show was canceled. Barry also performed in guest roles in "Quincy, M.E." (1978) "Murder She Wrote" (1987) and "Ohara" 1987.
The acting jobs were far between, and Barry went back to University and earned a degree in Theatre & English, and became a Theater Arts teacher in the public school systems.
Years later, Barry teamed up with long time friend and former HS drama teacher, Alan Roy Josefsberg, son of legendary comedy writer and producer, Milt Josefsberg, and the two of them enjoyed writing scripts for television shows (2003-2005), none of which were ever submitted for production as they were doing it as a hobby. The writing career ended when Alan became too ill to continue writing.
Currently, Barry is semi-retired (2005-present), and is currently writing his autobiography. He is also considering acting again, but that remains to be seen.
