Charlie Barnett, born on February 4, 1988, has made significant strides in the entertainment industry, carving a niche for himself with his compelling performances on both television and film. Known for his roles in popular series like “Chicago Fire,” “Russian Doll,” “Tales of the City,” and “You,” Barnett has built a diverse portfolio that showcases his versatile acting skills. In this article, we delve into Charlie Barnett’s net worth, his early life, education, career milestones, personal life, and more.
Early Life and Education
Charlie Barnett and his sister were adopted by Bob and Danee Barnett. His adoptive mother, originally from Utah, is of Swedish descent, while his adoptive father is a boat builder from Minnesota. Raised on a sailboat near Longboat Key in Florida until the age of seven, Barnett’s unique upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping his early interests. He discovered his passion for theater at the tender age of six and actively participated in operas and musicals with the Sarasota Youth Opera.
Barnett graduated from Booker High School and further honed his craft by attending the Carnegie Mellon Musical Theater Summer Program. His dedication to acting led him to the prestigious Juilliard School, where he graduated from the drama program in 2010.
Career Highlights
Chicago Fire (2012-2015)
Barnett’s breakout role came in 2012 when he was cast as Peter Mills, a firefighter/paramedic, in the NBC action-drama series “Chicago Fire.” Over three seasons, Barnett captivated audiences with his portrayal of Mills, a character who navigates the challenges of the demanding profession.
Valor and Beyond (2017)
In 2017, Barnett expanded his repertoire with the role of Ian Porter on The CW’s military drama “Valor.” This role showcased his ability to adapt to different genres and character dynamics.
Russian Doll (2019-Present)
One of Barnett’s most notable roles is Alan Zaveri in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Russian Doll.” Premiering in 2019, the show received widespread acclaim, and Barnett’s performance was a significant contributor to its success. His portrayal of Alan, a character grappling with existential challenges, demonstrated his depth as an actor.
Tales of the City (2019)
In the same year, Barnett starred as Ben Marshall in the Netflix miniseries “Tales of the City,” further cementing his status as a versatile actor capable of handling complex roles.
You (2019)
Barnett’s versatility shone through once again when he joined the cast of the Netflix thriller “You” in its second season, playing the role of Gabe Miranda. His character added a new layer of intrigue to the series, keeping audiences engaged.
Arrow (2019)
In July 2019, Barnett was cast as John Diggle, Jr. in the eighth and final season of The CW’s “Arrow.” Announced at a Comic-Con panel, this role allowed Barnett to delve into the superhero genre, broadening his acting horizons.
Personal Life
Barnett’s personal life is as interesting as his professional one. He realized he was gay at the age of 13 and has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction. His journey has been one of resilience and determination, paralleling the characters he often portrays.
While pursuing his career, Barnett has lived in several cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Chicago. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Barnett’s hobbies include sailing, playing Ms. Pac-Man, and classic cars, reflecting his diverse interests beyond acting.
During his time on “Chicago Fire,” Barnett shared a residence with co-stars Joe Minoso and Yuri Sardarov, highlighting the camaraderie among the cast members. He is also an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears.
Awards and Recognition
Barnett’s contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he was named one of Out Magazine’s Out100 Entertainers of the Year, an accolade that recognizes his impact and influence in the industry.
Filmography
Films
- Circus Island (2006) – Billy Robarts
- Private Romeo (2011) – Ken Lee / Prince Escalus
- Gayby (2012) – Daniel
- Men in Black 3 (2012) – Air Force MP #2
- The Happy Sad (2013) – Aaron
- The Stand In (2020) – Simon
- We Are Gathered Here Today (2022) – Max Stone
Television
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2010) – Chuck Mills (Episode: “Gray”)
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2011) – Dr. Sam Harris (Episode: “Cadaver”)
- Apex (2013) – Tim (Episode: “Pilot”)
- Chicago Fire (2012-2015) – Peter Mills (Main cast: 66 episodes/guest star: 4 episodes)
- Code Black (2016) – Brian Godard (Episode: “Life & Limb”)
- Secrets and Lies (2016) – Patrick Warner (Main cast)
- Orange Is the New Black (2017) – Wes Driscoll (Episode: “The Reverse Midas Touch”)
- Valor (2017-2018) – Ian Porter (Main cast)
- Russian Doll (2019-Present) – Alan Zaveri (Main cast)
- Tales of the City (2019) – Ben Marshall (Main cast)
- Arrow (2019) – John Diggle, Jr. (Recurring role, Season 8; 4 episodes)
- You (2019) – Gabe Miranda (Recurring role, Season 2)
- Special (2021) – Harrison (Recurring role)
- Ordinary Joe (2021) – Eric Payne (Main cast)
- The Acolyte (2024) – Yord Fandar (Main cast)
Conclusion
Charlie Barnett’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, versatility, and resilience. From his early days in theater to his impactful roles on television and film, Barnett continues to captivate audiences with his performances. As he navigates his career and personal life, his story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors.
