On Barney Rubble

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Background
Barney Rubble is a classic second fiddle to the main character
Fred Flintstone’s best friend and neighbor
Real first name is Bernard
Husband to Betty; father to Bamm-Bamm
While working at a resort as a bellhop, he met Betty who was working as a cigarette girl
Interests include bowling, pool, poker, and being a member of the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo Lodge No. 26 (which was originally called the Loyal Order of Dinosaurs)
One episode suggests he is Mr. State’s nephew (Fred’s boss)
Occupation disputable, he has been seen as a dino-crane operator at Bedrock Quarry and Gravel and a repossessor; he’s done top-secret work; and he’s been a geological engineer” policeman

In Cockney, “Barney Rubble” means trouble (but this Barney is not a troublemaker)

Episode Notes
He served as president of the lodge in season one
His decisive vote against Fred in the Water Buffalo of the Year campaign results in a property line feud (season 4)
In the original’s first episode, he invented a human-powered helicopter
After finding the abandoned infant on their doorstep, a court battle led the way for adopting Bamm-Bamm (season 4)
Hoppy (a hopparroo) became the family pet in season 5
Later series identified Barney’s parents, brother, and grandchildren
Did you know Fred and Barney made a cigarette commercial?

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Sayings
… “er huh huh… OK, Fred!” or “huh huh huh… whatever you say, Fred!”
Hey Fred, Yeah Fred?, Right Fred, Yeah Fred, Why?
Make it good Fred, I gotta tell Betty the same story.

History
Created by Hanna Barbera
First appeared on September 30, 1960
Originally voiced by Hal Smith, then also by Daws Butler, Mel Blanc, Frank Welker, and Jeff Bergman, Stephen Stanton, Kevin Michael Richardson, Brad Abrell, Seth MacFarlane, and Scott Innes
Barney’s personality is based on Ed Norton from The Honeymooners

Enjoy the Ballad of Barney Rubble