 | |
| PERFORMER | Richard Hunt |
| DEBUT | 1973 |
| PATTERN | Large Lavender Live Hand |
Bad Barney is a juvenile delinquent who causes trouble for Big Bird and Telly Monster on Sesame Street.
He first appears in Episode 0546, where he writes graffiti on various windows on the block with his initials—B.B. Since they also happen to be Big Bird's, the bird is concerned the residents will blame him for this. Bad Barney threatens Big Bird to keep his beak shut or else. When the truth comes out, the adults encourage Big Bird to stand up to Bad Barney. Big Bird courageously tells Barney off and orders him not to return unless he becomes Good Barney.
Bad Barney returns in Episode 0723, having not changed for the better. He prods and mocks Big Bird into doing something bad himself - stealing a zucchini from Mr. Macintosh's cart. Barney makes his situation worse by blackmailing him into making him dinner, doing his homework, and other deeds. Big Bird confesses on his own and Barney flees when he hears he's been ratted out.
The character reappears many years later in Episode 2094 (performed by Kevin Clash), which partially remakes his previous appearance, only now goading Telly into stealing from Mr. Mac's cart. He is mentioned by Big Bird in Episode 0955 when listing things that he is afraid of. Bad Barney also appears in the Skills for Growing filmstrip "Ernie Learns to Skate" (voiced by Jerry Nelson).
