Tim Dever is an American voice actor and entrepreneur best known as the speaking voice of Barney the Dinosaur in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While many recognize his daughter Kaitlyn Dever from film and television, Tim has his own unique place in entertainment history. His journey from ice skating coach to iconic children’s voice actor is both inspiring and deeply connected to his family life.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Christopher Dever |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1969 |
| Age (2026) | 56 years old |
| Birthplace | Silver Spring, Maryland, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Voice Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Voice of Barney the Dinosaur |
| Spouse | Kathy Dever |
| Children | Kaitlyn, Mady, Jane |
| Business | Pretzel Boy |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
Who Is Tim Dever
Tim Dever is a voice actor who became widely known for bringing warmth and personality to one of the most recognizable children’s characters in television history, Barney the Dinosaur. Beyond his work in entertainment, he is also an entrepreneur and a devoted family man. Many people discover him through his connection to his daughter, Kaitlyn Dever, but his own career tells a story of creativity, adaptability, and strong family values.
Early Life and Education
Tim Dever was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he spent his early years developing a strong interest in performance and athletics. While detailed records of his formal education are limited, it is known that he pursued activities that combined discipline and creativity. His early life was shaped by a balance between physical training and artistic expression, which later helped him transition into voice acting.
Family Background
Tim comes from an American family background that emphasized hard work and personal growth. Although not much public information is available about his parents or extended relatives, his own family life would later become central to his identity. Together with his wife Kathy, he built a close knit household focused on support, encouragement, and shared experiences.
Career Beginnings
Before entering the entertainment industry, Tim Dever worked as a professional ice skating coach in Phoenix, Arizona. This phase of his life played a major role in shaping his discipline and communication skills. Coaching required patience, clear instruction, and the ability to connect with students, qualities that would later become essential in his voice acting career.
His work as a coach also brought him closer to his wife, Kathy Dever, who shared the same profession. Together, they created a life centered around training, performance, and family.
The Voice of Barney the Dinosaur
Tim Dever’s most famous role came when he was selected as the speaking voice of Barney the Dinosaur. He won a nationwide audition process, often described as a large scale casting search, which opened the door to a unique opportunity in children’s entertainment.
Between 1999 and 2001, Tim served as the primary speaking voice for Barney in several home videos and specials. His work included well known titles such as “Barney’s Christmas Star” and “Come on Over to Barney’s House.” In these productions, he typically handled the dialogue, while another performer provided the singing voice.
His voice helped define Barney’s friendly and comforting personality during this period. The role required warmth, clarity, and a strong sense of emotional connection with young audiences. Tim delivered all of these qualities, making his contribution memorable for many viewers who grew up watching the character.
Work in Bob the Builder
In addition to his work as Barney, Tim Dever is also credited with voice acting in the children’s series Bob the Builder. This project further demonstrated his ability to adapt his voice to different characters and storytelling styles.
Working on another popular children’s program helped expand his presence in the industry and showed his versatility as a performer. His involvement in such well known shows placed him among a group of voice actors who shaped early childhood entertainment during that era.
Exit from Barney & Friends
Tim Dever was expected to continue his role in Barney & Friends for future seasons. However, he had to step away from the position due to a personal family tragedy. This decision marked the end of his time as the voice of Barney.
After his departure, the role was taken over by Dean Wendt. Although Tim’s tenure was relatively short, his contribution remains a significant part of Barney’s history.
Life as a Skating Coach
Before and during parts of his entertainment career, Tim continued to maintain a connection to ice skating. As a coach, he worked closely with students, helping them develop skills and confidence on the ice.
This environment also influenced his children, especially Kaitlyn, who often shared that she grew up around skating. The discipline and creativity of the sport became part of the family’s daily life.
Marriage to Kathy Dever
Tim Dever is married to Kathy Dever, who has been both his life partner and professional collaborator. Their shared background in ice skating created a strong foundation for their relationship.
Kathy has played an important role in supporting the family and helping raise their three daughters. Together, Tim and Kathy built a stable and encouraging home environment.
Children and Family Life
Tim and Kathy Dever have three daughters, including Kaitlyn Dever, along with Mady and Jane. Family life has always been central to Tim’s identity.
The Dever household was filled with creativity and activity. From skating rinks to acting studios, the children were exposed to different forms of expression from an early age.
Relationship with Kaitlyn Dever
Tim Dever has had a strong influence on Kaitlyn Dever’s life and career. His work in entertainment introduced her to the world of acting at a young age.
Kaitlyn has often spoken about her father’s role as Barney with pride. It remains a fun and meaningful part of her family story. While she later gained recognition for her own roles in film and television, her early exposure to performance was closely connected to her father’s career.
Move to Dallas
The family eventually moved from Phoenix to Dallas so that Tim could pursue his work as the voice of Barney. This relocation became a turning point for the entire family.
In Dallas, Kaitlyn began training at a local acting studio, which helped launch her acting career. The move showed how one opportunity can influence the direction of an entire family’s future.
Business Career
Outside of entertainment, Tim Dever has also built a career in business. His ability to transition from voice acting to entrepreneurship highlights his adaptability and practical mindset.
He has been involved in managing and growing business ventures, applying the same discipline he developed in sports and entertainment.
Pretzel Boy Venture
One of Tim Dever’s most notable business ventures is his involvement with Pretzel Boy, a company known for its fresh soft pretzels. As a co owner, he has contributed to the growth and development of the brand.
The business reflects a different side of his personality, focusing on food production, customer service, and entrepreneurship. It also shows his ability to succeed in multiple fields.
Net Worth
Tim Dever’s net worth is estimated to be between one and two million dollars. His income has come from various sources, including voice acting, coaching, and business ventures.
While he is not as publicly visible as many celebrities, his steady career and entrepreneurial work have contributed to a stable financial position.
Personal Life
Tim Dever is known for maintaining a private and grounded lifestyle. He focuses on his family and business rather than public attention.
He values personal connections and prefers to stay out of the spotlight, allowing his work and family achievements to speak for themselves.
Life Today
Today, Tim Dever continues to be involved in business and family life. He supports his daughters and remains a respected figure within his personal and professional circles.
Although he is no longer active in major voice acting roles, his past work continues to be remembered by audiences.
Legacy and Influence
Tim Dever’s legacy is tied to both his role as the voice of Barney and his influence as a father. His work in children’s entertainment helped shape the experiences of many young viewers.
At the same time, his support played a role in the success of Kaitlyn Dever. His story shows how creativity, hard work, and family values can come together to create a lasting impact.
FAQs
Who is Tim Dever?
Tim Dever is an American voice actor and entrepreneur best known as the speaking voice of Barney the Dinosaur and as the father of actress Kaitlyn Dever.
Is Tim Dever the real voice of Barney?
Yes, he was the primary speaking voice of Barney in several home videos between 1999 and 2001.
What does Tim Dever do now?
He is mainly involved in business, including his role as a co owner of Pretzel Boy, and focuses on family life.
Who is Tim Dever’s wife?
Tim Dever is married to Kathy Dever, a professional ice skating coach.
How did Tim Dever influence Kaitlyn Dever?
His career in entertainment and the family’s move to Dallas helped Kaitlyn start acting at a young age and develop her career.
Also Read: Mady Dever Biography: All About Kaitlyn Dever’s Sister, Music Career, and Family
Also Read: Cynthia Womack Biography: The Life, Career, and Legacy of Connie Britton’s Twin Sister
