Neil Patrick Harris: A Multitalented Star

Neil Patrick Harris is a name that resonates in the worlds of television, theater, and film. From his early days as a child actor to becoming a household name, Harris has captivated audiences with his charm, wit, and talent. He gained fame at the young age of 15 when he starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg in the film Clara's Heart. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him take on various roles, including the iconic character Barney Stinson in the hit series How I Met Your Mother.

Born on June 15, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harris is not just an actor but also a director, producer, and host. His journey began in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where he discovered his passion for acting as he took on the role of Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. With a mix of talent and determination, Harris navigated his way through the entertainment industry, evolving into a versatile performer who has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen.

As an openly gay man, Harris has been a powerful figure in advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights. His personal life, which includes a loving marriage to actor David Burtka and their journey to parenthood, also adds a relatable and inspiring dimension to his public persona. Join us in exploring the life, career, and achievements of Neil Patrick Harris, a true icon in the world of entertainment.

Table of Contents

• Who Is Neil Patrick Harris?
• Early Life
• Acting Career
• Personal Life
• Quick Facts
• Quotes

Who Is Neil Patrick Harris?

Neil Patrick Harris was 15 when he starred opposite Whoopi Goldberg in Clara's Heart. The next year, he began four seasons playing the title role in the TV sitcom Doogie Howser, M.D. Harris then appeared in films and TV movies, as well as on stage, in Rent and Cabaret. In 2005, he landed the role of Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. Harris is openly gay and the father of twins.

Early Life

Born on June 15, 1973 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harris is the son of attorneys. 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.

Acting Career

In 1988, at the age of 15, Harris won 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. 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.

For the next several years, Harris continued to stay busy, though his projects failed to reach the same success as Doogie Howser, M.D. He appeared in supporting roles on the big screen in such films as Starship Troopers, The Next Best Thing and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. He also starred as a neurotic editor opposite Tony Shalhoub in the NBC sitcom Stark Raving Mad. Harris also appeared on Broadway in Proof, Assassins and Rent, as well as a critically acclaimed performance as the host in Cabaret.

Personal Life

Harris publicly announced his sexual orientation in 2006, making a statement in People magazine: "I am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man, living my life to the fullest." He married his longtime love, actor David Burtka, on September 6, 2014 in Perugia, Italy. Elton John sang at the intimate wedding reception.

The couple announced in August 2010 that they were expecting twins via a surrogate mother. Harris and Burtka became parents on October 12, 2010, with the arrival of son Gideon Scott and daughter Harper Grace.

Quick Facts

Quotes

• "I am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man, living my life to the fullest."
• On being a parent with partner David Burtka: "We're super excited/nervous/thrilled."