[1] He is best known for his voice role as the titular character in the 1990s animated series Spider-Man (1994–1998), as well as Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989).

He appeared in Beverly Hills, 90210; Clueless; Wings; Blossom; JAG; American Dreamer; The Golden Girls; Touched by an Angel; Herman's Head; Time Trax; 7th Heaven; Empty Nest; Girlfriends; CBS Schoolbreak Special and ABC Weekend Specials.

At age 16 in 1989, Barnes voiced Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid and reprised the role in 2006 for Kingdom Hearts II.

[10] He again portrayed Electro in the 2019 video game Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order He has done voices for other animated series including several characters in Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Tagert McStone in Jackie Chan Adventures, Stripes the Tiger in Sonic Underground,[6] and Speckles in Speckles: The Tarbosaurus.

[11] Barnes earned his BA in 2004 and his MA in 2009 and enjoys reading, writing short stories, playing the guitar,[1] and practicing yoga.