Neil Patrick Harris

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June 15, 1973

Partner: David Burtka (2004–present; 2 children)

Actor

Rio (2011) (voice)

Beastly (2010)

The Best and the Brightest (2010)

How I Met Your Mother (102 episodes, 2005-2010)

Yes, Virginia (2009) (TV) (voice)

Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special (2009) (TV) (voice)

Beyond All Boundaries (2009) (voice)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) (voice)

"Robot Chicken" (2 episodes, 2009)

"Batman: The Brave and the Bold" (1 episode, 2009)

"Anytime with Bob Kushell" (2008) TV series

Prop 8: The Musical (2008)

Sesame Street (1 episode, 2008)

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" (3 episodes, 2008)

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008)

Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) (voice)

Family Guy (1 episode, 2007)

"Me, Eloise" (1 episode, 2006)

The Christmas Blessing (2005) (TV)

The Golden Blaze (2005) (voice)

"Jack & Bobby" (1 episode, 2005)

Numb3rs (1 episode, 2005)

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (1 episode, 2004)

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

"Spider-Man" (13 episodes, 2003)

"Boomtown" (1 episode, 2003)

Undercover Brother (2002)

"Justice League" (2 episodes, 2002)

The Mesmerist (2002)

Touched by an Angel (1 episode, 2002)

"Ed" (1 episode, 2001)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert (2001) (TV)

The Wedding Dress (2001) (TV)

"The Legend of Tarzan" (1 episode, 2001)

"Son of the Beach" (1 episode, 2001)

"Static Shock" (1 episode, 2001)

"Stark Raving Mad" (22 episodes, 1999-2000)

Will & Grace (1 episode, 2000)

The Next Best Thing (2000)

Joan of Arc (1999) (TV)

The Christmas Wish (1998) (TV)

The Proposition (1998)

Starship Troopers (1997)

"Homicide: Life on the Street" (1 episode, 1997)

The Outer Limits (1 episode, 1996)

Legacy of Sin: The William Coit Story (1995) (TV)

My Antonia (1995) (TV)

Not Our Son (1995) (TV)

"Capitol Critters" (13 episodes, 1992-1995)

Animal Room (1995)

The Man in the Attic (1995) (TV)

Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story (1994) (TV)

A Family Torn Apart (1993) (TV)

Murder, She Wrote (1 episode, 1993)

"Doogie Howser, M.D." (97 episodes, 1989-1993)

"Quantum Leap" (1 episode, 1993)

For Our Children: The Concert (1993) (TV)

"Captain Planet and the Planeteers" (1 episode, 1992)

Roseanne (1 episode, 1992)

Blossom (1 episode, 1991)

Stranger in the Family (1991) (TV)

Cold Sassy Tree (1989) (TV)

"B.L. Stryker" (1 episode, 1989)

Home Fires Burning (1989) (TV)

Purple People Eater (1988)

Too Good to Be True (1988) (TV)

Clara's Heart (1988)

Director

How I Met Your Mother (1 episode, 2010)

Producer

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards (2009) (TV) (producer)

Appearances

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)

American Idol (2 episodes, 2009-2010)

Entertainment Tonight (41 episodes, 2007-2010)

The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2010 (TV)

The 3rd Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute (2009) (TV)

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (11 episodes, 2005-2009)

"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" (1 episode, 2009)

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards (2009) (TV)

Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (7 episodes, 2005-2009)

"Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon" (2 episodes, 1990-2009)

Late Show with David Letterman (5 episodes, 1994-2009)

"Top Chef Masters" (1 episode, 2009)

The 63rd Annual Tony Awards 2009 (TV)

"The Early Show" (1 episode, 2009)

The View (3 episodes, 2005-2009)

Family Guy (1 episode, 2009)

Rachael Ray (3 episodes, 2007-2009)

The 7th Annual TV Land Awards (2009) (TV)

Live with Regis and Kelly (10 episodes, 2004-2009)

"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (1 episode, 2009)

A-List Awards (2009) (TV)

2009 Writers Guild Awards (2009) (TV)

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards 2009 (TV)

Saturday Night Live (1 episode, 2009)

CBS Fall Preview (2009) (TV)

"CBS Cares" (4 episodes, 2006-2009)

Spike TV VGA Video Game Awards (2008) (TV)

The Making of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)

Commentary! The Musical (2008) (voice)

The 2008 World Magic Awards (2008) (TV)

The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards (2008) (TV)

2008 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (2008) (TV)

Stand Up to Cancer (2008) (TV)

Fednet Mode (2008)

Extra (1 episode, 2008)

Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1 episode, 2008)

"Up Close with Carrie Keagan" (1 episode, 2008)

MADtv (1 episode, 2008)

Late Night with Conan O'Brien (4 episodes, 2006-2008)

"Million Dollar Password" (1 episode, 2008)

Wheel of Fortune (1 episode, 2007)

"Dinner: Impossible" (1 episode, 2007)

2007 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (2007) (TV)

The Visible Vote '08- A Presidential Forum (2007) (TV)

The 61st Annual Tony Awards 2007 (TV)

"The States" (1 episode, 2007)

"The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet" (1 episode, 2007)

Film Independent's 2007 Spirit Awards (2007) (TV)

"The Megan Mullally Show" (2 episodes, 2006)

"Jeopardy!" (1 episode, 2006)

"Square Off" (1 episode, 2006)

"Big Brother" (1 episode, 2006)

2006 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (2006) (TV)

The 60th Annual Tony Awards 2006 (TV)

The Daily Show (2 episodes, 2000-2006)

"The Tony Danza Show" (1 episode, 2005)

"Breakfast with the Arts" (1 episode, 2005)

An Interview with Neil Patrick Harris (2005)

"Celebrity Poker Showdown" (2 episodes, 2004)

The 58th Annual Tony Awards 2004 (TV) (uncredited)

"Last Call with Carson Daly" (1 episode, 2004)

"Pyramid" (2 episodes, 2003)

Playboy: Inside the Playboy Mansion (2002) (TV)

Death from Above: The Making of 'Starship Troopers' (2002)

"Access Granted" (1 episode, 2001)

The Rosie O'Donnell Show (2 episodes, 1997-2000)

"The Martin Short Show" (1 episode, 1999)

"The RuPaul Show" (1 episode, 1997)

For Our Children (1993)

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1 episode, 1992)

Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You (1992)

This Is MST3K (1992) (TV)

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (3 episodes, 1990-1991)

The Simpsons (1 episode, 1991)

The Best of Disney: 50 Years of Magic (1991) (TV)

The 5th Annual American Comedy Awards (1991) (TV)

The 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards 1990 (TV)

The Earth Day Special (1990) (TV)

"The More You Know" (1989) TV series

Emmy Awards

2009 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

2008 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

2007 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

Golden Globes

2010 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

2009 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

1992 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical for: "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989)

1989 Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for: Clara's Heart (1988)

People's Choice Awards

2008 Nominated People's Choice Award Favorite Scene Stealing Star for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

1990 Won People's Choice Award Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Series

Satellite Awards

2009 Nominated Satellite Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

Teen Choice Awards

2008 Nominated Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actor: Comedy for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

2007 Nominated Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actor: Comedy for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)

Television Critics Association Awards

2009 Nominated TCA Award Individual Achievement in Comedy for: "How I Met Your Mother" (2005)


Young Artist Awards

1992 Won Young Artist Award Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series for: "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989)

1991 Won Young Artist Award Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series for: "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989)

1990 Won Young Artist Award Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series for: "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989)

1989 Nominated Young Artist Award Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for: Clara's Heart (1988)

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Neil Patrick Harris (born June 15, 1973) is an American actor. Prominent roles of his career include the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D., the womanizing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, a fictionalized version of himself in the Harold & Kumar series, and the title role in Joss Whedon's Emmy Award-winning musical web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. He also hosted the 63rd Tony Awards on June 7, 2009, and the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20, 2009.

Early life

Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico. His parents, Sheila and Ron, ran a restaurant. He has an older brother named Brian, and it was by following his brother to an audition in fourth grade that he first began acting—as Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. He attended La Cueva High School in Albuquerque and was active in school plays and musicals there. Harris was an honors student and graduated with honors in 1991. He was three years ahead of fellow La Cueva student, Freddie Prinze, Jr.

Career

Harris began his career as a child actor, and was discovered by playwright Mark Medoff at a Drama Camp in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Medoff cast him in his 1988 film Clara's Heart, a drama with Whoopi Goldberg based on the novel (of the same name) by Joseph Olshan, that won him a Golden Globe nomination. In 1988, he also starred in Purple People Eater, a children's fantasy. The following year, he won the lead in Doogie Howser, M.D., for which he was again nominated for a Golden Globe. After Doogie Howser's four-season run ended in 1993, Harris played a number of guest roles on television series such as Murder She Wrote, before taking his first film role as an adult in 1995 in the little-seen shocker Animal Room. Since then, his film work has included supporting roles in The Next Best Thing, Undercover Brother and Starship Troopers. In the Harold and Kumar stoner comedy films, (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay) he plays a drug-crazed, lecherous version of himself.
From 1999 to 2000, Harris starred with Tony Shalhoub in the sitcom Stark Raving Mad, which lasted 22 episodes. He has taken lead roles in a number of made-for-television features, including Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story in 1994, My Ántonia in 1995, A Christmas Wish in 1998, Joan of Arc in 1999, The Wedding Dress in 2001, and The Christmas Blessing in 2005, as well as series guest roles.
Harris has worked on Broadway in both musical and dramatic roles. He played Tobias Ragg in 2001 concert performances of Sweeney Todd. In 2002, he performed on Broadway beside Anne Heche in Proof. In 2003, he took the role of the Emcee in Cabaret, alongside Deborah Gibson and Tom Bosley. As a result of his critically acclaimed performance in Cabaret, Harris was named the top-drawing headliner in the role of the Emcee by GuestStarCasting.com, topping fellow celeb stars John Stamos and Alan Cumming.
In 2004, he performed a dual role of the Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald on Broadway in the controversial musical revival of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. He also sang the role of Charles (first played by Anthony Perkins) on the Nonesuch recording of Sondheim's Evening Primrose. He has also portrayed Mark Cohen in the touring company of the musical RENT, a character who he mockingly reprised on the January 10, 2009, episode of Saturday Night Live, which he hosted. Since fall of 2005 Harris has played Barney Stinson, a serial womanizer reminiscent of his Harold and Kumar role, in the CBS ensemble sitcom How I Met Your Mother. The Stinson role earned him 2007, 2008 and 2009 Emmy nominations (for best supporting male actor in a comedy series).
In 2007, Harris worked with Mike Nelson on an audio commentary for RiffTrax. The two riffed on the film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Harris is a big fan of the cult TV series Nelson worked on, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and was interviewed for a 1992 Comedy Central special hosted by Penn Jillette, who did voiceovers for Comedy Central's programming at that time, about the series and its fans, This Is MST3K. In 2008 Harris took the title role in Joss Whedon's musical web series, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, alongside Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. The first episode of the series debuted July 15, 2008. In 2008 Harris also guest-starred on Sesame Street as the Sesame Street Fairy Shoe Person.

On April 26, 2009, Harris hosted the 7th Annual TV Land Awards.
After a highly successful preview at the San Diego Comic-Con, a musical episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, featuring Harris as the villainous Music Meister, premiered on October 23, 2009, on Cartoon Network. As a character who could make anyone do his bidding by singing, he spent most of the episode singing several original songs.
Harris stars in the upcoming movie Beastly, alongside Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens. He plays a blind tutor named Will at the school. The movie is set for release on July 30, 2010.
He also plays the lead in the upcoming indie comedy The Best and the Brightest as a carefree father who uproots his family from Delaware to move to New York City's Upper East Side.
Harris appeared as a guest judge on Season 9 of American Idol in August 2009 auditions taped in Dallas, Texas.

Personal life

In November 2006, after a report about Harris' romantic relationship with actor David Burtka surfaced online, Harris came out publicly in People magazine. He had been openly gay in his personal life and in the theater community, but stated, "The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."
Harris and Burtka attended the Emmy awards in September 2007 as an openly acknowledged gay couple for the first time, an appearance which Harris discussed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and which was reported in various media outlets. Neil and David have been together since April 2004. Harris has referred to Burtka as "My better half," and an "amazing chef".
Harris is a fan of magic, and is a magician himself like his character on How I Met Your Mother. He serves on the Board of Directors of Hollywood's Magic Castle. Harris won the Tannen's Magic Louis Award in 2006 and hosted the 2008 World Magic Awards on October 11, 2008. Additionally, Harris was the celebrity guest of honor for Top Chef Masters, which took place at the Magic Castle, and included Burtka as a fellow guest.

Bio courtesy of Wikipedia

Comedy is way more difficult than drama. What I might find funny, the editor might not find funny. They might choose the reaction shot from Take 4 with my line from Take 1 with my next line from Take 7, and then the timing that I was trying to do does not come across.

She's like the coolest, nicest chick ever. She's an absolute catch, and I thought if I'm not going to feel the super sparks with her, then it probably means that I'm gay. [Speaking to Howard Stern about having dated actress Christine Taylor in his early 20s].

His favorite movie is Rear Window (1954) by Alfred Hitchcock.

Enjoys Red Bull so much on and off the set of "How I Met Your Mother" (2005) that he was given a lifetime supply of it and a mini-refrigerator by the company that makes the drink because of the amount of free advertising he has given it.

He was named as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010.

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