Barnett is a graduate of the Juilliard School drama program, class of 2010.[8][9] He enjoys sailing, playing Ms. Pac-Man, and classic cars.[3] While pursuing his career, Barnett has lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Chicago.[10] During filming for Chicago Fire, Barnett lived with co-stars Joe Minoso and Yuri Sardarov.[5] He is a White Sox and Chicago Bears fan.[7]