“Man, I was really put through the ringer,” Barnet sighs. The 29-year-old Never Have I Ever star is currently in New York City working on the production side of an unnamed project. Now that he’s deeper in the Hollywood machine, Barnet is much more open to discussing the nuts and bolts of the business. “I don’t think I ever want to do [production] again,” he admits, reviewing his current workload. “Seeing all the numbers and money floating around stresses me out.”
While most stars on the rise get to experience their come-up in person, Barnet’s introduction to fame was a quiet one; COVID-19 meant the launch and press tour for his Netflix Original series played out entirely in his Los Angeles flat. “It was definitely a smoother transition into fame, with it being all from home,” he starts. “I loved it, though. I’m absolutely honoured to be part of this show. [Creators Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher] really let us play and find ourselves in the characters, and everyone was all about giving everyone else something to work with. I think that’s what you see on screen.”
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
we can be heroes
As Season Two of The Boys hits our screens, actor Erin Moriarty reflects on what it takes to be a superhero in 2020.
we rise
From princess of Wakanda to real-life Black Panther, actor Letitia Wright explains why film is more than moving images — it’s about manifesting a new reality.
talkin' ‘bout my generation
With an Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star already under her belt, singer-songwriter Griff is breathing fresh air into the world of pop.
the invisible muscle
Bright new star Victoria Pedretti is poised to thrill tens of millions again — this time with The Haunting of Bly Manor.
say it right
Kelvin Harrison, Jr. is making a change. With a Netflix film and Euphoria Season Two on the horizon, the 26-year-old actor is taking his career in a new direction — and garnering considerable acclaim.
prince of the south
There’s a fine line between dreamers who achieve their goals and dreamers who keep destiny on the back burner.
never has he ever
Not long ago, Darren Barnet was working at a West Hollywood SoulCycle, parking a mile away just to avoid a $4 fee. Today, he’s the lead of a top Netflix Original series.
living doll
Whether on RuPaul’s Drag Race or off-screen, one thing is certain: Gigi Goode has more than one trick up her sleeve.
alt renaissance
Beabadoobee is reviving Grunge for the Gen-Z masses. Her first song became a viral TikTok sensation, and now she hopes her poetic debut album Fake It Flowers will inspire a new generation of women in Rock.
On The Phone With Rupert Friend
Schön! talks to Rupert Friend about working with Wes Anderson and why variety is the spice of life.
Pulling at Your Heartstrings: Empathy vs. Sympathy
Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.
CALLS TO REOPEN CLASSROOMS GROW AS TEACHERS GET VACCINATED
State leaders around the U.S. are increasingly pushing for schools to reopen this winter — pressuring them, even — as teachers begin to gain access to the vaccine against the raging pandemic.
Liz “Snorkel” Thomas HIKING ICON
Thomas has thru-hiked more than 20 long trails, including the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and Appalachian Trails (the Triple Crown). On top of that, she set a fastest known time on the AT for an unsupported woman and has completed dozens of urban thru-hikes as well. This issue, she joins Backpacker as a contributing editor. Here’s some of Thomas’s best advice and insight fed by more than 20,000 trail miles.
love conquers all
AMBER CLAIRE HUDDLESTON & GRIFFIN LOUIS BROWN MAY 9, 2020 • WEST POINT
BULLETS, BEANS, AND BINKIES
A Recon Marine’s Assessment of One Family’s COVID Bugout
A NOSE FOR COVID-19
Central Florida Company Trains Canines to Detect Virus
A DIAGNOSIS OF CHARLOTTE'S COVID ECONOMY
Business Alliance digests data that illustrates how virus has swamped commerce
DISCONNECTION
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have increasingly segregated along racial and class lines since a federal judge’s 1999 ruling ended a successful, 28-year desegregation program. The COVID lockdown of schools has hurt everybody in the system—and widened the gap between its haves and have-nots
Goodbye 2020 Hello 2021!
A writing “round robin” by Cat Talk staffers Teresa Keiger, Jean Aldrich, Lucy Drury, and Iris Zinck
REMOTE WORKING: VIRUS ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO THINK DIFFERENTLY
With the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak forcing governments to close schools, sporting events, communal spaces and more, businesses are taking the situation into their own hands, encouraging their staff to work from home.