Neil Patrick Harris turns 51 today
He is best known for his roles in television series such as “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother,” and for his dynamic presence on stage and screen
Neil Patrick Harris turns 51 today
The actor, singer, producer, and author Neil Patrick Harris, was born on June 15, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Harris was raised in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where he developed an interest in acting during his early school years. His talent was evident from a young age, and he was soon discovered by playwright Mark Medoff, who cast him in the drama film “Clara’s Heart” (1988), starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg. Harris’s performance in the film earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Harris’s major breakthrough came in 1989 when he was cast as the titular character in the television series “Doogie Howser, M.D.” The show, which ran for four seasons, featured Harris as a teenage prodigy who becomes a licensed physician. The role brought Harris widespread recognition and solidified his status as a child star.
After “Doogie Howser, M.D.” ended in 1993, Harris transitioned to various roles in film, television, and theater. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he appeared in projects like “Starship Troopers” (1997) and the stage musical “Rent.”
Harris’s next major television role came with the hit sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-2014), where he played the charismatic and humorous Barney Stinson. The role earned him multiple Emmy nominations and made him a household name. His portrayal of Barney, a womanizing yet lovable character, showcased his comedic talent and impeccable timing.
In addition to his television success, Harris has had a notable stage career. He starred in Broadway productions such as “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (2014), for which he won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. His versatility as a performer has also been highlighted in his work as a host, having hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and the Academy Awards in 2015.
More recently he starred in the Netflix series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-2019) as Count Olaf, a role that allowed him to display his range in a darkly comedic setting. Harris has also appeared in films such as “Gone Girl” (2014) and “The Matrix Resurrections” (2021).
In addition to acting, Harris is an accomplished author. He published a memoir, “Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography,” in 2014, and has written several books for children.
Neil Patrick Harris is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He married actor and chef David Burtka in 2014 after being together for a decade. The couple has twins, Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, born via surrogate in 2010. Harris often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showcasing their close-knit bond and various adventures.
Harris and his family split their time between New York City and East Hampton, where they enjoy a vibrant and active lifestyle. He is known for his love of magic and is a member of the Magic Castle, a private club for magicians in Los Angeles.
Watch Neil Patrick Harris talking about his most iconic characters throughout his career
Watch more TV related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
