Barry Van Dyke is the second son of legendary entertainer, Dick Van Dyke. He has one older brother, Christian, and two younger sisters, Stacy and Carrie Beth. Barry's TV debut was as Florian, a violin-toting nine-year-old in "The Talented Neighborhood" episode of the classic Dick Van Dyke show. He worked behind the scenes on subsequent ventures of his father's, and has co-starred with him in two series, The Van Dyke Show, and Diagnosis Murder. Barry's other television work includes Galactica 1980, Airwolf (4th season), Gun Shy, Mr. Mom, and The Redd Foxx Show, as well as numerous guest appearances. His films include Foxfire Light, It Happened at Lakewood Manor (aka ANTS!) and Casino (1980). Barry met his wife, Mary, when they were both sixteen and he was working as a ticket-taker at a neighborhood movie theatre. Seven years later they were married. They have four children, Carey, Shane, Wes and Taryn. Carey and Shane have guest-starred with their Dad and Grandpa, in scripts written by Barry, on Diagnosis Murder. Barry is an avid motorcyclist with special enthusiasm for dirt bikes. He has participated in protest rides to preserve the rights of motorcyclists to fair use of public lands. He also loves to surf and once rescued a drowning person from the ocean off Baja.

Barry has brought a strong presence to most of the films and tv series he has been in. He has always been a noticeable character with a bold part.