Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, singer, director, producer and magician. He is best known for the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D., the womanizing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother and a fictionalized version of himself in the Harold & Kumar series.
Harris is openly gay and the father of twins.
Background
Ethnicity:
Is of Irish descent. He has English, Scottish, and German ancestry.
Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico (a small town 120 miles south of Albuquerque). His parents, Sheila (Scott) and Ron Harris, ran a restaurant. He attended La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, where he acted in school plays and musicals. Harris graduated as an honors student in 1991.
Harris is openly gay, confirming this in November 2006 by saying "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 attended the Emmy awards in September 2007 with his partner David Burtka, later confirming the relationship, which he said began in 2004 in an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. On August 14, 2010, Harris announced that he and Burtka were expecting twins via a surrogate mother. The fraternal twins Gideon Scott, a boy, and Harper Grace, a girl, were born on October 12, 2010.
Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York on June 24, 2011, Harris and Burtka announced their engagement via Twitter, stating that they had proposed to each other five years ago but kept the engagement secret until same-sex marriage became legal.
Education
Harris graduated as an honors student for his heavy involvement in the theater department.
Went to the same high school as Freddie Prinze Jr..
Harris grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where he got his start in acting as Toto in a grade school production of The Wizard of Oz.
He appeared in several plays and musicals while attending La Cueva High School one of which was his senior play, Fiddler on the Roof (1971), in which he portrayed Lazar Wolf the butcher (1991).
Career
Actually Harris ' debut on television took place at the age of two, but it certainly wasn't a conscious choice. He has dash in one of the episodes of the show "Saturday night live" with his mother, who took part in it. Following a small role he got in the TV series "Murder, she wrote" in 1984, at the age of 11.
While tagging along with his older brother of 3 years, Harris won the part of Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Was discovered by screenwriter Mark Medoff while attending a youth drama camp, in Las Cruces, New Mexico and was subsequently cast for the film Clara's Heart (1988), a drama starring Whoopi Goldberg based on the novel of the same name by Joseph Olshan. Clara's Heart won Harris a Golden Globe nomination. The same year, he starred in Purple People Eater again with Whoopi Goldberg, a children's fantasy.
In 1988, at the age of 15, Neil Patrick Harris nominated a Golden Globe nomination for his performance opposite Whoopi Goldberg in the drama Clara's Heart. The following year, he landed the leading role as a teenage surgeon on ABC's Doogie Howser, M.D.(1989-1993). The show was a hit, and for several years Harris was synonymous with his small-screen persona. He was nominated again for a Golden Globe for his work on the show, which ran for four seasons.
In 1999, Harris returned to television in the short-lived sitcom Stark Raving Mad(1999), with Tony Shalhoub. He was also in the big-screen projects The Next Best Thing (2000) and Undercover Brother (2002), and he can be heard as the voice of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the newest animated Spider-Man (2003) series. The Next Best Thing and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004). In 2005, Harris returned to the small screen in a guest-starring role on Numb3rs (2005) and a starring role in the sitcom How I met Your Mother (2005). Neil played the title role in the web-exclusive musical comedy Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008), widely downloaded via iTunes to become the #1 TV series for five straight weeks, despite not actually being on television.
In 2010, directed Rent at the Hollywood Bowl, starring Aaron Tveit, Skylar Astin and Vanessa Hudgens.
In 2010, he provided voice acting for the role of the adult Dick Grayson (Nightwing) in the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, and the beagle Lou in the film Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. The same year, he played the lead in the indie comedy The Best and the Brightest.
Harris has enjoyed great success as the host of Broadway's biggest award show, the Tonys. He has served as the event's master of ceremonies four times—in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013, winning three Emmys as well for his hosting duties. Then in 2014, Harris won his first Tony Award in the category of Best Leading Actor in a Musical, portraying the title character in the edgy rock production Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The show won for Best Featured Actress (Lena Hall) and Best Revival as well.
The following year saw Harris hosting the 87th annual Academy Awards ceremony, doing everything from an opening musical homage to appearing in his skivvies in a skit inspired by the film Birdman.
An amateur magician, he has performed tricks on late-night shows hosted by David Letterman, Jay Leno and Carson Daly.
Harris was raised an Episcopalian, but now considers himself agnostic.
Politics
Harris is gay and as such, naturally defaults to the liberal/Democrat side of things--even if he did perform at the Republican National Convention.
Views
Quotations:
People Magazine, November 3, 2006: "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."
"I heard through the grapevine that they'd written this movie and that I was in it, and that I had to call my attorneys and make it stop -- that it was a bad thing, and I read it and thought it was hilarious. A friend was auditioning for a different part in the movie and said, 'do you know about this movie that you're in?' - on playing "Neil Patrick Harris" in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004). "
"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]."
"I'm not the biggest fan of the word 'partner'. It either means that we run a business together or we're cowboys. 'Boyfriend' seems fleeting, like maybe we met two weeks ago. I've been saying 'better half' for as long as I've been able to. I think it's a little self-deprecating and clearly defines that we're in a relationship, but it would be nice to say 'my husband'."
"[on the Tony Awards] We like to call it 50 Shades of Gay."
"I have always been a fan of that immersive theatre idea that there is some kind of puzzle unfolding, and that things are happening around you without you knowing it."
"[on David Fincher] He's been one of my favorite directors since 'The Game', starring Michael Douglas. He directs as if he is an artist painting pictures, so he tends to create a quiet, unsettling dynamic through the use of symmetry and asymmetry. And when you look at the paintings he's created, you feel something is a bit amiss, and there's a yearning for something - something that isn't there... I think he picks his projects really carefully, based on the knowledge that he will make them better. He knows what's in his wheelhouse."
Personality
Blonde hair and blue eyes.
Height - 6' (1,83 m)
Often plays mischievous characters.
Often works his singing abilities into his roles.
Often works his abilities as an illusionist into his roles.
Has sung since he was a child. His father played the folk guitar and together they entertained.
His favorite movie is Rear Window (1954) by Alfred Hitchcock.
He is an amateur magician, which he once demonstrated on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
He is credited using all three names because there was already a different actor named Neil Harris in the Screen Actors Guild by the time he first got his SAG card. Harris joked on NPR's "Fresh Air with Terry Gross" that he uses all three names because it's "far more theatrical," and that he and his parents considered using names like "Neil Danger Harris" or "Neil Patrick Rocket".
Has been in a committed relationship with stage and screen actor David Burtka, his partner since 2004.
Harris’ go-to music at home with his partner and twins is Reedy Park Radio, which plays Disney themed music. The ex-How I Met Your Mother star has a meditation corner in his house filled with such calming items as a Buddha statue, four wisdom teeth (his own), fortunes from fortune cookies, and even rocks he has collected over the years.
Harris has been given a lifetime supply of Red Bull by the energy drink company, because he gives them free advertisement. Before a show he does some deep breathing exercises then, drinks Red Bull as it helps calm his pre-jitters. His co-stars on How I Met Your Mother can vouch for this as well. According to inside sources, he guzzled two Red Bulls before coming on set every day.
Another fun fact about Harris is his love for puppets. Yes, puppets. NPH even went as far as to do research on Sesame Street, because he wanted to include Waldorf and Statler when he hosted the Emmy’s. Unfortunately, it was too expensive to pull off. At one time he even had a puppet-making shop in his garage.
He is a big supporter of cancer organizations. The reason is that his partner David Burtka’s mother died of Leukemia.
He had to lose quite a bit of weight for his role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. NPH even went as far as to say if he was forced to follow the conventions in the 1950s he would have married someone like Doris Day or Cyd Charisse. Similar to the feminine-masculine era that they portrayed during that time.
Told Howard Stern that he had plastic surgery to pin his ears back so that they would not stick out as much as they did when he was an adolescent.
Is a huge fan of the series, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988), and noted that he never missed an episode while making Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989).
In 2011, Harris and Burtka told People Magazine that they were each the biological father of one of their twins. Harris said: "We found an egg donor anonymously through a hilarious process of looking at people's profiles and then an amazing surrogate who had helped a same-sex couple before. And then we inserted two eggs, one with my sperm, one with David's sperm and they both took." Burtka added: "We don't know whose is whose."
Interests
Magic, Music
Writers
Is a lifelong comic book fan and has provided voices for famous characters such as The Flash, Nightwing and Spider-Man (in both a series and video game).
In 2011 Won Critics' Choice TV Award category Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series How I Met Your Mother (2005).
In 2011 Won Critics' Choice TV Award category Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series How I Met Your Mother (2005).
Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA), 2015,
USA
In 2015 Won Dorian Award TV category Musical Performance of the Year The 68th Annual Tony Awards (2014) "Sugar Daddy".
In 2015 Won Dorian Award TV category Musical Performance of the Year The 68th Annual Tony Awards (2014) "Sugar Daddy".
Hasty Pudding Theatricals, 2014,
USA
In 2014 Won Man of the Year.
In 2014 Won Man of the Year.
Online Film & Television Association, 2009,
USA
In 2009 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series How I Met Your Mother (2005).
In 2009 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series How I Met Your Mother (2005).
Online Film & Television Association, 2012,
USA
In 2012 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Host or Panelist in a Non-Fiction Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011).
In 2012 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Host or Panelist in a Non-Fiction Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011).
Online Film & Television Association, 2013,
USA
In 2013 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Host or Panelist in a Non-Fiction Program The 66th Annual Tony Awards (2012).
In 2013 Won OFTA Television Award category Best Host or Panelist in a Non-Fiction Program The 66th Annual Tony Awards (2012).
People's Choice Awards, 1990,
USA
In 1990 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Series.
In 1990 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Series.
People's Choice Awards, 2011,
USA
In 2011 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite TV Comedy Actor.
In 2011 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite TV Comedy Actor.
People's Choice Awards, 2012,
USA
In 2012 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite TV Comedy Actor.
In 2012 Won People's Choice Award category Favorite TV Comedy Actor.
Primetime Emmy Awards, 2010,
USA
In 2010 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Glee (2009) (For episode "Dream On". For playing "Bryan Ryan".)
In 2010 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Glee (2009) (For episode "Dream On". For playing "Bryan Ryan".)
Primetime Emmy Awards, 2012,
Los Angeles California
In 2012 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
In 2012 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 65th Annual Tony Awards (2011) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
Primetime Emmy Awards, 2013,
Los Angeles California
In 2013 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 66th Annual Tony Awards (2012) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
In 2013 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 66th Annual Tony Awards (2012) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
Primetime Emmy Awards, 2014,
Los Angeles California
In 2014 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 67th Annual Tony Awards (2013) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
In 2014 Won Primetime Emmy category Outstanding Special Class Program The 67th Annual Tony Awards (2013) Shared with: Ricky Kirshner (executive producer), Glenn Weiss (executive producer).
Tannen's Magic Louis Award,2006,
USA
Harris won the Tannen's Magic Louis Award in 2006.
Harris won the Tannen's Magic Louis Award in 2006.
The Streamy Awards, 2011,
USA
In 2011 Won Streamy Award category Best Male Actor in a Comedy Web Series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008).
In 2011 Won Streamy Award category Best Male Actor in a Comedy Web Series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008).
Walk of Fame, 2011,
USA
In 2011 Won Star on the Walk of Fame Television (Awarded on September 15, 2011 at 6243 Hollywood Boulevard).
In 2011 Won Star on the Walk of Fame Television (Awarded on September 15, 2011 at 6243 Hollywood Boulevard).
Young Artist Awards, 1990,
USA
In 1990 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
In 1990 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
Young Artist Awards, 1991,
USA
In 1991 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
In 1991 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
Young Artist Awards, 1992,
USA
In 1992 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
In 1992 Won Young Artist Award category Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
World Magic Awards, 2008
He hosted the 2008 World Magic Awards on October 11, 2008.
He hosted the 2008 World Magic Awards on October 11, 2008.