Which actor portrayed Barney Stinson?

Neil Patrick Harris portrayed Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. Barney is one of the sitcom's five main characters and is known for his suits, elaborate schemes, magic tricks, and the catchphrase “Suit up!”

The character was created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas as a bold, larger-than-life friend for Ted Mosby. Although Barney initially appears to be a wealthy, commitment-averse womanizer, later seasons reveal more about his family, insecurities, romantic relationships, and desire for a meaningful life.

Harris's performance helped make Barney the show's breakout character. Before joining the series, Harris was already known for playing the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D.; How I Met Your Mother gave him a very different comedic persona. His audition reportedly centered on a laser-tag scene and impressed CBS executives.

A common mix-up is confusing Harris with Josh Radnor, who played Ted, or Jason Segel, who played Marshall. Harris remained Barney's primary portrayer throughout all nine seasons and appeared in all 208 episodes.