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Larry Rifkin next to a Barney plush during a library program

Larry Rifkin next to a Barney plush during a library program.

Lawrence Brian Rifkin (born June 8, 1952) is a former television executive. Rifkin is best known for his nearly thirty years as programming chief for Connecticut Public Television. During his time at Connecticut Public Television, Rifkin secured a television production deal for a series to be based on Barney & The Backyard Gang to debut on PBS, which eventually became Barney & Friends.

Career[]

Barney[]

After discovering Barney & The Backyard Gang, Rifkin spoke with Sheryl Leach and the other creators about putting Barney on television. Rifkin was the executive in charge of Barney & Friends for Connecticut Public Television from season one to season eleven of Barney & Friends.

Personal Life[]

Barney[]

On Super Bowl Sunday in 1991, executive vice president of programming for Connecticut Public Television,[1] Rifkin, rented the Barney video A Day at the Beach for his four-year-old daughter Leora Rifkin,[2] which they got from Prospect Video Store, in Prospect, Connecticut.[3] Once they got home, his daughter couldn't stop watching the video. Rifkin tested the video on other children in the neighborhood to make sure the reaction wasn't unusual.

Trivia[]

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Larry Rifkin being interviewed for I Love You, You Hate Me

  • Rifkin, alongside his daughter Leora, appeared in the documentary I Love You, You Hate Me.
  • On June 8, 2013, Rifkin and Barney the Dinosaur were at CPTV's 50th anniversary special, to which the latter waved to Rifkin and briefly recognized his contribution towards Barney & Friends while on stage.
  • Rifkin wrote about his career in regard to Barney & Friends in his memoir titled No Dead Air: Career Reflections From the TV Executive Who Saved Barney the Dinosaur From Extinction.

Video[]

Interview[]

References[]

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