Barry's early life unfolded in Traverse City, Michigan, where he was born as the third of four siblings, with older siblings Scott and Christie, and younger brother Kip. His father, an attorney, and mother, a paralegal, formed the foundation of his upbringing. At the tender age of eight, Barry's family relocated to Dallas, Texas, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of modeling.
As he grew older, Barry's family life underwent significant changes. His parents' divorce occurred when he was just 14 years old, leaving him to navigate the complexities of adolescence. However, this setback did not deter him from pursuing his dreams. At the age of 15, Barry made the bold decision to move to Burbank, California, where he landed a role on the popular NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives, in 1965.
Although his stint on the soap opera lasted for only six months, Barry's determination to succeed never wavered. He returned to Dallas, completed his high school education at Richardson High in 1992, and eventually returned to Los Angeles at the age of 19, driven by his unwavering passion for the entertainment industry.
Upon his return to L.A., Barry faced a series of challenges as he struggled to find his footing. He spent six months parking cars at the House of Blues, but his perseverance paid off when he was selected to appear in the Aaron Spelling series, Malibu Shores, in 1996. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Laura Payne-Gabriel, through his friend and co-star, Tori Spelling.