Barry Jenner was born and raised in North Philadelphia near Connie Mack Stadium. His father was a factory worker and his mother was a part time waitress and homemaker. An only child, Barry graduated from Lincoln High School in Philadelphia and West Chester State College in Pennsylvania. His major was Political Science with a minor in American History.

After graduation, he headed north to New York on a bus with a bag of groceries and the name of a small rooming house on the upper west side of Manhattan. Soon, he was fortunate enough to get a job at NBC as a page. He worked on game shows, news specials and eventually became the head page on the "Johnny Carson Tonight Show".

His first professional job was a summer-stock theater in Dorset Vermont. 'We did one show at night, while we built sets and rehearsed for the next show during the day. I was paid twenty dollars a week plus room and board. Sure, it was a lot of money, but I worked seven days a week.' Returning to New York after the summer, Barry got a job as a taxi driver in Manhattan, which meant a flexible schedule to attend classes and go to auditions. During that time he studied with Uta Hagen and Wynne Handman and did showcases and some regional theater.

Soon, an audition paid off and Barry signed a contract to appear on the NBC soap-opera "Somerset." After two years in that role, Barry was approached by Paul Rausch, the producer of "Another World", then taping down the hall at the NBC studios at Ave M and 14th Street in Brooklyn. Rausch said, 'How'd you like to come and work for me?' Barry answered 'Yes' and spent the next two years on "Another World."

Success in the commercial world built gradually, and during the coming years Barry became a dependable spokesman for many products including The Washington Post, T. J. Maxx, Hertz, Epson Computers and, in the early 80's, six years as the TV and radio spokesman for Nissan Trucks.

Barry moved to California in 1980 and began appearing as guest star on many network series, and the feature films, "Looker" and "The Boost." A recurring role on Lorimar's "Knot's Landing" brought him to the attention of "Dallas" producers and he was signed to a two year contract to play Dr. Jerry Kenderson on that hit series. All went well until the producers wanted to bring Patrick Duffy back to the series and decided that much of what had been happening was only a dream. Unfortunately, Barry was one of the characters that had to disappear when the dream ended.

"Dallas" however, brought enough recognizability that Barry made the national talk show circuit, including "The Merv Griffin Show". Also, he quickly became a favorite game show celebrity on shows like "Password", "Celebrity Doubletalk", and, his favorite, "The $100,000 Pyramid", with Dick Clark.

His next steady job came in the form of the rigid, bumbling Lt. Murtagh on ABC's "Family Matters." where he spent the next three years. 'Murtagh was great fun', says Barry, 'The straighter I played him, the more ridiculous and funny he became.' After "Family Matters" Barry spent two years as Sheldon Kramer on the sitcom "Something So Right." 'We spent a year on NBC, and then a year on ABC. The show was terrific, the writing was exceptional, and the cast, including Jere Burns and Mel Harris, was solid.'

Recently,(1999-2000) Barry played Starfleet Admiral William Ross on "Star Trek-Deep Space Nine." Admiral Ross was a multi-dimensional character created by the producers and writers of Deep Space Nine, and Barry feels, 'it was a great pleasure to play him for the last two years of that series' life.'

Today, Barry is working on commercial voiceovers and various shows for The History Channel. Recently he did a "Walker Texas Ranger" and traveled to Washington D.C. to complete his second episode of "JAG".

'I'm a very lucky guy,' says Barry, 'I've had very successful career. I have terrific friends. I'm married to the most beautiful woman I've ever met and we have a wonderful home and enjoy traveling together. Life is good.'

Representation:
Agent:
Harry Gold
Gold/Marshak/Liedtke & Assocs.
3500 West Olive Suite 1400
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 972 4300

Barry Jenner's advice to the aspiring actor:

"There are many easier paths to choose than to be a professsional actor. But there is no other career that can be so richly fulfilling. Be prepared: study; observe; train your mind and your body; read; absorb all you can about the performing arts. And don't forget to be patient with yourself. Most careers do not come in a flash of light, but build and grow gradually. Sure, we all want to climb the high mountain... travel to the far horizon, but the joy lies in the journey, not the final destination. When you work, work hard. Be the best damn actor you can be. Be proud of what you are and what you do.
                     ~~ Enjoy the trip!"

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