Kyle Nelson was the costume performer for BJ from 1997 to 2009. He first portrayed the role in Barney's Big Surprise and made his last appearance as the role in A-Counting We Will Go. He is married to Jill Nelson, who performed as the costume of Baby Bop in Barney's Musical Castle.
Early Life
Nelson never had a theater background, but he did take theater in high school senior year. He graduated in 1997 from Fargo South up in North Dakota.
Career
Barney & Friends
Nelson would attend 'Little People' Conventions ever summer around July. Jennifer Romano, costume of Baby Bop, told Nelson to try out for the character of BJ for the tour of Barney's Big Surprise, as one of the previous actors, Mike Hagan, was leaving the tour.[1] Nelson agreed and gave her information but did not think much of it.
Three days later after the convention and flying back up to North Dakota, Nelson receives a call from Lynn Corzine, who was the tour coordinator for Barney's Big Surprise and tells Nelson that they would like to fly him down to Texas to audition for the role of BJ.
Nelson auditioned along with two others in the room who were a little taller. He auditioned in front of David Cobb, Penny Wilson and Sloan Coleman, following the music and choreography.[2]
Getting the role to perform as BJ in Barney's Big Surprise at the age of ninteen, he would later perform as BJ in Barney's Musical Castle and later move onto the series first starting first doing Barney's Dino Dancin' Tunes and making his season debut in season seven and last performing in the video A-Counting We Will Go in 2010.
Personal Life
Nelson proposed to Jill Nelson during the tour of Barney's Musical Castle in Wheeling, West Virigina. After Barney & Friends, Nelson went on to finish his degree in education. He worked at his son's preschool and is currently a preschool teacher.
Trivia
- Kyle Nelson and Carey Stinson both have an affinity for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Kyle Nelson first met Patty Wirtz, the voice of BJ, on the set of Barney's Dino Dancin' Tunes.
- Kyle Nelson portrayed Oscar, one of Santa's Elves in the episode "A Visit to Santa".
Videos
