Barnes appeared in over 50 films between 1920 and 1935, primarily in comedies. Although born in England, he lived in the United States from early childhood. He was married to stage actress Bessie Crawford until his death. They had two children.

Barnes started his show career in vaudeville where he appeared with his wife in an act billed as “Package of Smiles”.[1] He later turned to stage and film acting. During the 1920s, he often played “brash young go-getters” in supporting and leading roles.[2] One of his best-known film roles to modern audiences is Buster Keaton’s business partner Billy Meekin in Seven Chances (1925). Barnes was also memorable in W. C. Fields’ comedy It’s a Gift (1934), portraying an inquisitive Insurance Salesman who searches a man by the name of “Carl La Fong”.[2] He retired from movies in 1935 and died two years later.