Barrett, a charismatic individual with a captivating voice, developed a passion for performing at a young age. He would frequently visit his aunt's local moviehouse, where he was first exposed to the magic of live entertainment. Born in Quinter, Kansas in 1957, Barrett's early interest in performing was cemented when he landed the lead role in his high school's production of "Calamity Jane." This experience left a lasting impression on him, and he went on to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Barrett's journey took him to Carnegie-Mellon University, where he honed his craft before making the move to the vibrant New York City scene. His big break came in 1980 when he was handpicked by Jerome Robbins to play the iconic role of Tony in the revival of "West Side Story" on Broadway. This marked the beginning of a successful career that would see him take on a range of roles in both hits and misses.
In 1983, Barrett landed the role of Tony Barclay in the popular soap opera "All My Children." His character's tumultuous love triangle with Jenny and Greg captivated audiences, but also earned him criticism from fans after his character accidentally killed the beloved character of Jenny's boyfriend. Despite this, Barrett continued to take on various soap roles and made a notable appearance in the critically acclaimed film "Longtime Companion" in 1989.
Throughout his career, Barrett's focus has remained on singing and captivating live audiences. A powerful performer with a rich tenor and classic vibrato, he has maintained his status as a leading man through his exceptional vocal abilities. He has a knack for bringing colorfully artificial characters to life, often drawing comparisons to the great matinee idols of the past.
Barrett's impressive resume includes starring roles in 1990s musicals such as "Grand Hotel," "Chicago," and "Kiss Me Kate." He has also made sporadic appearances in film and television, including a guest role in the TV series "Hustlin" and a small part in the filming of Mel Brooks' hit musical "The Producers" in 2005. Additionally, he continues to perform in concert and has released several CD efforts.
