The Search for the Original Barney Doll Part 1

In this video, we embark on a quest to find the original Barney doll prop used in the 1988 production of Barney and the Backyard Gang. Join us as we investigate and uncover the mystery behind this iconic childhood character.
We start by diving into the history of Barney and the Backyard Gang, exploring its origins and how it became a cultural phenomenon. We then take a closer look at the original Barney doll prop, discover who it was built by and how.
Next, we speak with original crew members from that original production including Jamie Ruth Conner, series art director hoping to find clues to it's discovery.
Finally, we embark on a search for the original Barney doll prop, tracking down leads and following clues to uncover its whereabouts. Will we find the elusive doll, or will it remain a mystery forever?
Don't miss out on this exciting journey as we delve into the world of Barney and the Backyard Gang, and the search for the original Barney doll prop.
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[@purity2706]

Andrew!! Your video made me cry, I so hope you find him and let me hold him just one last time. It really impacted me that once again I am reminded that I was an integral part of the team that affected so very many children worldwide. Technically, you have a few cleanups with the audio at the beginning, the sound fluctuates awkwardly. But you have really made me feel special, like someone people are grateful I existed and you can't imagine how this touched my heart. I am worthy! I did something good! God is pleased with me! Someday I hope you tell the story of Barney's foundational Christian roots, because, after all, John and Frank and I, plus all my crew, are/were devout Christians. I love what you have done, Andrew. And I will continue to pray for your success!! God bless you, dear friend!❤❤❤❤❤

[@barney_builder]

Thank you, Jamie! Your little Barney doll has touched the lives of millions! Honored to call you my friend, and gracious for all the time you've given me!

[@MisterKsClubhouse]

As another Barney fan, friend of Andrew’s, and in the children entertainment business myself now, I just want to say how important you are to our lives and I’m glad Andrew has shined a light on you that is so well deserved! We love you!

[@purity2706]

@@MisterKsClubhouse such wonderful words!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bajanking1]

Thank you Ms. Jaime for creating our special friend. As someone who watches Andrew's videos and cry with happiness that we as a community will find what you brought us. I'm sending you prayers of love and kindness. Bless you!

[@happyguy9783]

@@barney_builder We need a Part 2 of search of OG Barney Doll

[@heythatskyle14]

This doll wasn’t just a prop, it was a piece of history, the way we would first see the original Barney doll, and if you don’t count the cover for the home videos, the first way we would see him on screen, i really hope we can find him, and if we do, we will solved one of the biggest mysteries in children’s show history,

[@spenthewin1]

On this episode of unsolved mysteries 🤣😂🤣 god please let part 2 be the solved part

[@BarneyMillennium]

An admirable video for an equally as admirable effort on your part to try and solve this mystery. Thank you for the work you’ve done thus far; I think that even if he isn’t found, what we saw and learned along the way are equally as valuable and well-appreciated. I wish you continued luck and support!

[@barney_builder]

Thanks!

[@GracieBarlow]

Andrew!! I myself am a Barney lover and I hope you continue on with your search for the original Barney plush. He needs to be resurfaced. I also want to know on where the original Barney plush is located. While I was watching this video, I thought to myself, "Where is the original Barney plush? Who could've taken him, and why?" He needs to be found. Someone needs to bring him back to the surface, and I hope you find him Andrew. We're all counting on you!

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@GracieBarlow]

You're most welcome

[@user-uo6df1bv4t]

​@@barney_builder This was my favorite irritation of Barney

[@ecomptonmusic]

PLEASE DO PART 2

[@mangaboss1411]

This is the type of stuff I love seeing - genuine treasure hunts! Great to see you make contact with all of these people and even set up interviews/video calls. All it takes is one person to say "yeah I have it", and I hope that happens soon. Best of luck on the hunt!

[@justingandara9289]

THIS IS A BIG MYSTERY, WE'LL BE READY FOR PART 2 WHEN IT COMES OUT

[@HedgeOnStage]

Masterful editing! I love thisssss

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@user-uo6df1bv4t]

That Doll is a Icon! It has to be found!

[@barneythegodd]

This was an amazing video. Not many people are interested in this topic anymore, and i appreciate that this sort of thing still has a community who cares for it. Keep doing what your doing, you're amazing!

[@barney_builder]

thank you!

[@REGGIE31307]

Love your determination and the extent that you went was incredible. When you speak of what the doll and the franchise means to you and fans like myself it got me choked up. No one but us understands the impact that Barney has had on generations. It may seem like we’re obsessive, childish, or weird, but Barney was/is a friend that stays with you for life and I will always love and cherish him for that.

[@barney_builder]

Love that! Thank you!

[@AlexThedino198]

@@barney_builderis this the one from the backyard Babette doll

[@thomascooper-abbs8524]

Barney is my best friend ever

[@bartholomewesperanza3442]

Sorry buddy, but Barney is MY best friend

[@thomascooper-abbs8524]

@@bartholomewesperanza3442 he's everyone friend

[@austinmcneil8775]

@@thomascooper-abbs8524Hey Tom it been a while since we’ve talked how have you been doing lately pal?

[@thomascooper-abbs8524]

@austinmcneil8775 doing great thanks I've been watching barney great adventure the movie recently I imagine I'm in the film.

[@austinmcneil8775]

@@thomascooper-abbs8524 awesome pal I always love to act like when I’m watching Barney acting like I’m in the show with Barney and his friends .

[@Idiotic_Idiot666]

I’ve always wondered if Barney was a figment of the kid’s imagination, or of Barney comes to life and is alive until he goes back into his doll form

[@harleyfalcone8493]

Can’t wait for part 2 this video is awesome

[@marshallstudiosforever.4407]

I wish Barney and backyard gang bringing in to Barney and friends futures

[@moogiewoogie93]

Fantastic work Andrew. I can’t wait for part 2!! ❤

[@drevianedwardsproductions9244]

What a mystery behind the Barney doll 1988.

[@muppetsstoogesfan1]

There are so many iconic props that just get lost to time. I've always wondered what happened to the snack machine from Zoboomafoo. Where did the stop motion puppets from Jojo's Circus go? Does the Disney Archives own any of the costumes or props from the 90s Alice In Wonderland tv show? There should be a tv show all about this.

[@barney_builder]

Funny enough, I saw a Jojo puppet come up for auction a couple of years ago. I also saw someone post pics of all the original stop motion Zoboomafoo puppets on Twitter a couple of years ago. With Barney, things were happening so fast, and they really had no idea what some of the props and costumes would mean to people 30 years in the future. That's why a lot of things were trashed over the years. I have a couple of Barney props and set pieces, the majority of stuff was sold at a studio sale when they closed the studio down.

[@matthewthescienceguy7627]

@@barney_builderI would love to see a photo of the JoJo puppet.

[@matthewthescienceguy7627]

And by the way, I’m also doing a search for the Playhouse Disney Live on Stage puppets, featured in malls, and in the Disney parks. Although one source believes they got disposed of.

[@bajanking1]

The video was something I was anxious and hyped for thank you Andrew. As more parts will soon come out, we do whatever we can as a community to search for this missing piece of Barney history other than the suits, drafts etc. This is toy plush/prop dinosaur is the one who brought us who we love from yesterday, today and forever.

[@barney_builder]

Thanks!

[@megancarpenter1937]

David Joyner did tell me one time that they were given to the makeup ladies, whether that’s true or not ,I have no clue

[@johnylitalo4163]

I always wanted to make this 1988 Barney doll as a Danny Glover character for my version of Toy Story 5.

[@jeremycunninghamtheoldsoul8686]

Wow, interesting concept

[@johnylitalo4163]

@@jeremycunninghamtheoldsoul8686 thanks.

[@ryannovotny621]

Yes I want to see part 2 see you soon next Wednesday

[@paulridenour1086]

I know one of the guys who wrote the music for Barney, I have asked him if he knows anything and will get back to you.

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@williamburke8242]

7:10 I love the cast photo of Barney and the Backyard Gang.

[@williamburke8242]

22:53

[@williamburke8242]

28:27

[@TheHistorian2003]

First, The Nutcracker. Then, Calvin and Hobbes, Then Wee Sing, and then, Barney?!

[@TanaGirl1223]

Don't give up!!! We gotta find Barney!! ‼️💯

[@TruelySonicHOG]

Hey Andrew! Excellent work all around, both in detective work and the video itself. The interviews with Jamie and CJ were a wonderful inclusion and help provide great insight into the production of the original trilogy. In general, there's a wonderful Defunctland-esque quality to this video that makes the mystery even more engaging. From one Barney historian to another, I commend your efforts on this search. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of this mystery, wherever the original doll may be.

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@javieravalentin]

YES! This Is What I’ve Been Waiting For!!!

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@cliffordbaker1026]

This video made me cry. I always wanted that doll growing up. I really hope you find it ❤

[@bryce988]

Ok barney squad roll out were on a wild dino chase and we aint stoping till we find him

[@jimondresmith9053]

Amazing video, per usual. I noticed something. The shot of the doll with Sandy Duncan in the chair (17:01-17:03), since I was little I always thought it looked just a hair different. In that shot, his head structure/eye placement vs. other side shots of him always looked different to me. Could be just camera optics though! Anywho, I'm looking forward to the other parts! Hopefully you'll find out more.

[@barney_builder]

My guess is the camera angle? I too thought it looked different. Jamie did say that that was the first day the doll was shot though.

[@Eddiemack1332]

Barney was my favourite show, I hope you find him, cause I miss that Pur[ple Dinosaur

[@eaglestrike99]

Such an interesting doc 🤌👌

[@barney_builder]

Thanks!

[@greentree68]

Great video! This reminds me of the video Kevin Perjurer of Defunctland did on the mystery of who wrote the Disney Channel theme. I was actually quite scared of the original Barney doll when I was little and I couldn’t even look at it without being intimidated, I’m genuinely curious to see where it is now and whose hands it ended up in, assuming it’s still around and wasn’t destroyed and/or thrown away. I wish you all the luck in the world in your search for answers!

[@sarahsims6164]

Funny, I had the same reaction to the main doll they used in Season 1.

[@devbrew935]

Andrew as a Barney lover myself you have me interested in helping you find the doll also. Do you think the original kids might know anything or Bob West?

[@andydino9312]

What a GREAT video!, i loved it

[@SmallTownJoshua]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ I hope to see part two of this video very soon love watching your channel looking forward to seeing the next video

[@jrthehedgehogpizzaking7625]

Oh man! This is gonna be fun!! Great editing!

[@barney_builder]

Thanks!

[@MisterKsClubhouse]

Amazing!!! Such a well made video and great information! Let’s hope someone knows something that helps you on your search!

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@foxy1908]

I love this video I used to have the VHS tape of Barney & the Backyard Gang VHS I'm pretty sure my mom gave it away but I wish you luck the finding that plush I hope you find it it's very crazy it's been 30 years I seen that show you find this this is a piece of history that people need to see and belongs in a museum for Generations like I said I'm too old for Barney but I love the history of the TV show and it kind of changed our lives when we were kids back in the 90s and that's why I think that TV show was special to us love your video

[@hollythomson5313]

this was so entertaining! I hope you find him!

[@FreddyFitsgerald]

Perhaps the actor's might have it.

[@AndrewsMagicandMore]

Another Andrew here! I just wanted to say that your KZbin videos are great, and I do admire your pleas in hopes to find the original Barney doll (it's a coincidence, as I was just watching the "Three Wishes" episode when this upload came up on my notifications)

[@barney_builder]

Thank you!

[@Hunter5021YT]

That plush started everything.

[@zacksteffy1658]

I grew up watching barney 24/7))]]]]]

[@tjglover2847]

Barney is my best friend

[@realandrewcinque22]

He is everyones friend across the world

[@SekouToons]

Love this yo!

[@markponekovic3415]

Your videos make me super happy I just love the history about barney and the backyard gang and I hope you will some how find the first barney 1988 doll in the near future

[@jjproduction297]

Great video, Andrew! :D I hope you search the original Barney doll from 1988 ^_^ I'm looking forward to see part 2 ^__^

[@mixedking]

Oh my God, I remember my entire day camp out voting The Lion King for Wee Sing 's Grandpa's Magical Toys

[@marissawolff8491]

I think you had made the right decision.

[@hannahdoucette4129]

Now remember, since all the whole lot of old comments (including my 2022 Christmas special) are now officially permanently removed from “KZbin” for real, no more watching the only two classic “Barney & The Backyard Gang” videos, “Waiting for Santa” and “Campfire Sing-Along” for you, until ever, although a few scenes from them are shown in the 1990-1991 “Barney & The Backyard Gang” Theme Song, and no more listening to them for you, until ever, although a few scenes from them are shown in the 1990-1991 “Barney & The Backyard Gang” Theme Song!

[@claudiaortiz6036]

Oh I love Barney the dinosaur.

[@Roblox59]

I never notice the plush doll was on that group photo 23:11 so cool 💜💚💛

[@roadrunnercoyote2263]

If it helps, the duck umbrellas were also used at some Chuck E. Cheese locations at the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZyvoqqwiNiIqZo Ironically, Chuck E. Cheese would also provide funding for Barney from 1995 until the late 2000s...

[@marissawolff8491]

The Chuck E. Cheese toddler area had a Barney ride too.

[@sawyerolive100]

Have you thought about contacting some of the actors from the videos?

[@lukeroberts3464]

Good luck finding that doll Andrew.

[@TheHistorian2003]

You forgot about The Nutcracker and Calvin and Hobbes.

[@williamburke8242]

Which shows us behind the scenes of Barney and the Backyard Gang.

[@DudditsXCII]

I send you hope in your search for our lost friend.

[@jaredyacoub6773]

Can you make part 2 of Barney doll for 1988 ?

[@theonewithdoggoduanesil2du330]

So I got no Idea if this would help or not but I kinda just thought about it, if the doll was last seen in the prop box, maybe try finding the prop box itself, perhaps if you find the prop box you could find the doll (that is if most of the stuff is still in there), or a guess is find where some of the props that were in the prop box were and ask how they ended up getting them. Its just an theory, a theory from a 17 year old on the internet, good luck!

[@heythatskyle14]

Andrew, your search inspired me so much that I’m planning on doing the same thing but instead it’s on the season 4-6 Barney plush prop.

[@OrdBanjo]

I hope it gets found!

[@austinmcneil8775]

Hey Andrew I’m a Huge giant Barney fan since I was a baby and i always wanted to own a the same exact Barney doll from the show both the Backyard Gang version and the season one to season six versions and I love your videos of the Barney dolls and other stuff too and can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us Barney fans. Brother

[@austinmcneil8775]

And Barney is my very best friend in the universe and I absolutely cannot wait for the reboot that’s happening next year buddy.

[@barney_builder]

Thanks!

[@austinmcneil8775]

@@barney_builder no problem buddy it’s great to have a another member of the Barney fans family man

[@austinmcneil8775]

@@barney_builder hey there Andrew hope everything is going well with you buddy

[@victoriaramos1972]

Andrew, you know there's going to be a CGI Barney reboot that will debut in 2024? It will also have new movies, merchandise, KZbin content, and much more!

[@SimonVid]

Great

[@victoriaramos1972]

Andrew, I wish I had that doll!

[@Baconscripts_5]

Hello my name is Aedyn Barney & Friends was created by Sheryl Leach of Dallas, Texas. She came up with the idea of a children's program after noticing that her son outgrew Wee Sing Together, and then recognizing that there were no videos to appeal to her son.

[@Bendy_Wit_Da_Car]

looking online to see if there is possibly even the slightest possibility that its there may not find anything but, its best for me to try

[@SimonVid]

cool

[@foxy1908]

The other day I was cleaning my closet and I found my old DS games cases and a Barney bag the one when he did art activities should I hang onto that because it might be worth something down the road I was very shocked but I had this maybe I'll post a video but it's a Barney bag when they got hit for art projects I have my DS game cases in it love your videos

[@jaredyacoub6773]

I have been watch this video lot and i don't have videos and photos of Barney doll i love this moment you did on this video. But you did amazing job this video is on KZbin I wish you can do all things love this video right now wood you please make it part 2 video of Barney doll ❤❤

[@amygrubbs3709]

My name is Amy and the more your biggest fans I think you're awesome. Me and my sister used to sit on the couch watching Barney all the time when waiting for Santa first came out I wondered why was the color differ I just watched your video of the very strong being stolen so I just don't understand why someone would do that for somebody was praising their head or they weren't thinking straight I hope you find a Barney doll the original praying for all the best for you

[@michaelcaro1920]

Incredible! This is the one Barney Doll I wish I could own a replica of. Why? It's the original, classic, + it was my personal favorite era of the dinosaur sensation! Anyone know any prop makers that can make one of these?

[@marleyelizabethgronfors6937]

I hope there will be a part 2

[@barneyhomevideo6035]

I love Barney when I was 4 years old

[@sargentmoon4706]

Hi where’s part 2 and work on the first Barney suit

[@christophercruz5891]

Hey Andrews, I like the first one that you built for me and sent to me that was white? I beg my grandmother not to get rid of those cause she’s doing a bit of spring cleaning while I am away for training. I think it’s so cool that you actually met with people Who worked one on one with my favorite purple dinosaur

[@jacoblogsdon2023]

Have you tried seeking insight from everybody involved with the BYG production of the first 3 videos at the time and not just those interviewed or messaged as shown here? By this, I mean you could seek out cast members, directors, and much more.

[@Susie_dreemur24]

Barney will forever be a friend too memes also apart of my ocs universe

[@tonyknuth4761]

Honestly I believe he is still out there somewhere. Also you should host a show like unsolved mysteries

[@tinmanlover1994]

I discovered Barney and the backyard gang when i was like 10 or 11 years when i found a copy of waiting for Santa video tape and got it and me and my special needs sister watched it. Again and again That's when we discovered Barney was originally blue and we both laughed about it. Then sometime a year or Two ago i watched all the Barney and the backyard gang videos on KZbin.i also discovered your channel and another fellow Barney KZbinr hedgehog on stage

[@sophiehanssel2017]

Was the original Barney doll made of foam like the costume?

[@purity2706]

It was made of a fabric that had a very thin rubber foam backing. As far as I know, that fabric is no longer in production.

[@sophiehanssel2017]

​@@purity2706 Interesting information.

[@giga_chad1654]

My theory I think They threw The crate to A random Dumpster probably .

[@xander5521]

Hello Andrew, although I don't speak this language much, I want to say that you made a great video looking for all this information, it really is something incredible, but let's get to the question in the video, where is the Barney plush since 1990, it is probably stored in another studio where the costumes are kept or that the creator has it or that it has been sold at auction, it is not also possible that it has been voted trash, but something tells me that you are going to find it because he who does not risk does not gain, ​I was also going to tell you, you could talk to the people who are in that studio and ask them if they have seen it or check the cameras or something, although I think it is too much. I wish you luck in your search and don't be discouraged, keep creating great videos..

[@lindseyfigueroamandyfan]

Prayers

[@jrcarpenter4937]

When part 2

[@johnsinchuke3390]

Carl John

[@jaredyacoub6773]

❤

[@banjothegameingbear7076]

I'm a huge barney fan I saw the doll in the I love you You hate me video. If I'm Correct

[@marissawolff8491]

The original 1988 doll? I don't remembered seeing it on there.

[@jrcarpenter2981]

When is part 2

[@jacoblogsdon2023]

I wonder... perhaps the person who may have been responsible for potentially eradicating props from the first three videos might have at least an inkling of an idea as to what happened to it. Do you know if the majority of the props from the first three videos were destroyed, auctioned off, or kept as gifts by certain cast and crew members or maybe even the employees of the studio building at the time? I'm not as sophisticated in the world of entertainment like yourself, but that's what I'm guessing.

[@thomastheconjunctionfriend7908]

Were You in the I Love You You Hate Me Documentary?

[@barney_builder]

Yes

[@thomastheconjunctionfriend7908]

@@barney_builder Oh My Corn I Can't Believe it!! Another KZbinr in Another Documentary!! First Various Thomas the Tank Engine KZbinrs in An Unlikely Fandom, Then You in I Love You You Hate Me, What's Next??!!😯😯😲😲

[@recollected1507]

By chance, haven't you asked any of the child actors (now adults) who participated in the videos? Maybe one of them knows something or has it stored somewhere.

[@BYGBarneyCollector]

He already asked them. The child actors and actresses knows nothing of the doll.

[@lilshitproductions2994]

Where is part 2????? I need to know where it is now

[@BYGBarneyCollector]

The doll has been thrown away on accident. I discovered that not that long ago.

[@theonewithdoggoduanesil2du330]

Wait what

[@theonewithdoggoduanesil2du330]

​@@BYGBarneyCollector wait huh

[@michaelartstudio.michaelda8941]

I hope someone find it text you if not never give up hope turn up maybe some crew mite no something about it

[@sabrinacoleman9636]

To bad for me I love dinosaurs my life😢

[@barneyhomevideo6035]

I think somebody keeps it

[@edgarallanpoestheblackcat6613]

Who? If that’s the case, then that’s pretty selfish on their part. That plush belongs in a museum.

[@armanpakniyat9579]

Maybe it’s one of the two Amy’s actor has the doll cause she left the cast after the backyard gang