Carson Bonner, Campus Carrier editor-in-chief

Actor Darren Barnet (13C), best known for his role as Paxton Hall-Yoshida on Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever,” returned to Berry College this past weekend, rekindling ties with his alma mater and reflecting on the creative spark that ignited during his time on campus. 

Barnet attended several events, such as a theatre department question and answer session. He also visited Viking Fusion, where he once anchored for a student show called “Beyond the Bubble” and worked for Fusion Sports.

“[Laughlin]  taught me to have fun with the work,” Barnet said. “It never really felt like work, even though we were learning valuable life and technical skills.”

Barnet visited with students, faculty and alumni during a weekend filled with events, Q&As and campus strolls. He spent time at the theater, met with current students involved in the arts, and shared personal stories of persistence, failure and the slow climb to success in a notoriously tough industry. 

“He and I are really different types of actors, but we’re still actors,” junior theatre major Cate Mendes said. “It was nice to see that you can always change your mind and do a different thing. One thing he talked about was working in a lighting factory, where he would make lights for Hollywood.”

Originally considering a career in broadcast journalism, Barnet credited Berry’s theater program and a nudge from a fellow student as the moment he pivoted toward acting.

“My friend Josh Hayes was trying out for ‘The Last Night of Ballyhoo,’ and he just randomly said, ‘You should audition,’” Barnet said. “I did, and that changed everything.”

From learning to run lights and cameras at Viking Fusion to performing monologues in black box productions, Barnet said Berry gave him the space to explore and refine his talents. That creative freedom – paired with guidance from mentors like Steven Hames and Randy Richardson – left a lasting impression.

“He was great in his roles as an actor,” Viking Fusion Advisor Steven Hames said. “You could see the talent of becoming an actor in that. I’m always excited to see someone from Fusion go on and have great success and he was always a very talented actor. So seeing him make it in the industry was great, and it was really good to see that.”

Barnet offered practical advice for those pursuing a career in the arts, stressing the importance of authenticity over ambition.

“Really understand why you’re doing it,” he said. “If you’re chasing fame, you’ll be chasing forever. But if you’re doing it because it fills you up, then even a weekend play or a side project can be enough.”

Barnet has since taken on more complex and diverse roles, including his current character on “Chicago Med.” He also produced and stars in an upcoming indie film, “Aquipemia,” a psychological drama exploring masculinity, jealousy and mental health.

“It’s ‘Raging Bull’ meets ‘The Shining,’” Barnet said. “I played a guy on the brink of schizophrenia. It’s the most fun I’ve had on a project – and it made me hungrier for more.”

In his time visiting Berry, he offered students reflections on the meaning of success for him.

 “I used to think just making money as an actor meant I’d made it,” Barnet said. “But I’ve met people who make ten times what I do and are miserable. So now, success is just staying grounded, enjoying the journey.”

Looking back on his time at Berry, Barnet said he most cherishes the friendships and sense of community, describing his former castmates and Viking Fusion collaborators as creative kindred spirits.

“We were just having a blast,” he said. “It was like playing dress-up with your best friends, and somehow learning life skills in the process.”

Barnet’s return was capped by a visit to the House of Dreams and College Chapel, where he used to sit on a bench and write in a journal. He shared that those quiet moments were just as formative as the performances and productions.

 “Coming back here reminds me why I started,” he said. “It’s humbling – and I’m proud to be part of this place’s story.”