Loretta Stinson

Portrayed by: Frances Conroy

First appearance: Single Stamina

Also Known As: Patty

Residence: Staten Island, NY

Romances: Sam Gibbs, Jerome Whittaker, Mr. Flanigan

Gallery of Loretta Stinson images (14)

Loretta Stinson is Barney Stinson and James Stinson's mother.

Show OutlineEdit

As a young woman, she slept around a lot. As a result, Barney and James grew up not knowing who their fathers were. She also tended to tell outrageous lies to her sons to cover up bad news.

In Showdown, It's revealed that Loretta told young Barney that his biological father is The Price is Right host, Bob Barker.

Season 4Edit

In The Stinsons, the gang find that Barney has been hiding Loretta from them, but the bigger shock comes when they are joined by his wife Betty and son Tyler.

Barney explains that Betty and Tyler are actually actors he hired to play his family. Years ago, when Loretta looked like she was going to die, Barney hired an actress, Margaret, to play his pregnant fianceé, Betty, because Loretta always wanted to see him to settle down and have a family. When his mother miraculously got better, Barney was forced to keep up the ruse and cast Grant to play his son.

Barney eventually yields and confesses the whole story to his mother. Loretta is surprised but forgiving. She admits that she hates Betty and Tyler. Loretta reminds Barney that she once led a promiscuous lifestyle to rival his own. She explains that she merely wants Barney to be happy and urges him to pursue love when it crosses his path.

Season 6Edit

In Cleaning House, Loretta gives Barney a note to the identity of his real father. While they talk, Barney puts together all the work his mother did for him as a child, tears up the note and realizes that she's all the father he'll ever need.

Season 7Edit

In Noretta, James expresses concerns that Barney's new girlfriend, Nora, is just like Loretta. Kevin mentions that it's not uncommon to date people similar to your parents.

FamilyEdit

• Sons(s): Barney Stinson, James Stinson
• Grandchild(ren): Eli Stinson, Sadie Stinson
• Niece(s): Leslie
• In-law(s): Tom (son-in-law), Robin Scherbatsky (future daughter-in-law)

Episode Appearances Edit

1. Single Stamina (flashback, shown from the waist down)
2. Showdown (flashback, shown from the waist down)
3. The Stinsons
4. Cleaning House
5. Noretta
6. The Magician's Code - Part Two (voice only)
7. The Bro Mitzvah

Notes and TriviaEdit

• In The Yips, Loretta is called Patty by Rhonda French, however Barney introduces his mother to the gang as Loretta. However, Patty maybe a nickname for Loretta.

External LinksEdit

• Frances Conroy at the English Wikipedia
• Frances Conroy at the Internet Movie Database