Neil Patrick Harris biography, age, husband, relationships, kids, height 2024

Biography of Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, comedian, and television host. He gained fame as a teenager for his lead role in the series "Doogie Howser, M.D.", and his global popularity came from his role as Barney Stinson in the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" (2005-2014). Besides his acting career, he is known for hosting the Tony Awards and Emmy Awards ceremonies, as well as his work in Broadway theater.

Childhood

Neil was born and raised in Albuquerque, USA. He was born on June 15, 1973, to lawyers Ron and Sheila Harris. His parents owned a restaurant, and young Neil often helped them by entertaining guests with his early acting experiments.

His childhood was filled with creativity: he participated in school plays, sang in the choir, and even performed at a local theater. A pivotal moment came when a Hollywood talent scout noticed him at a summer theater camp.

Neil Patrick Harris's acting career began in the late '80s when, as a teenager, he landed a small role in the film "Purple People Eater."

Nevertheless, soon fate smiled on the young actor—in 1989, he got the lead role in the series "Doogie Howser, M.D." The role of the 16-year-old wunderkind doctor earned him not only a Golden Globe nomination but also widespread recognition.

Despite early success and fame, his parents managed to keep Neil grounded: between filming, he continued attending a regular school and remained the same open, friendly guy from Albuquerque.

Early Works

After the series ended in 1993, Harris decided to avoid the typical fate of child actors and deliberately chose diverse roles. He starred in the science fiction action film "Starship Troopers" as Colonel Carl Jenkins and began working actively in theater. His participation in the Broadway production of the musical "Cabaret" was particularly successful.

Neil Patrick Harris in Starship Troopers

In the early 2000s, he unexpectedly appeared as himself in the comedy "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" with a witty and self-ironic cameo. He voiced animated films and made guest appearances in sitcoms until he was offered the role of Barney Stinson in "How I Met Your Mother" in 2005.

"How I Met Your Mother"

Neil Patrick Harris landed the role of Barney Stinson after the show's creators, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, saw his comedic cameo in the movie "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle." Initially, the character was intended as a secondary comedic role, but the actor's charisma expanded it significantly to one of the key roles.

83 Legendary Moments from Barney Stinson

Barney Stinson is a successful corporate worker (his exact position remains a mystery throughout most of the series), obsessed with expensive suits, a glamorous lifestyle, and casual relationships. Behind the facade of a self-absorbed womanizer lies a person with a troubled childhood: his father abandoned him, shaping many character traits. Throughout the series, the character undergoes a significant evolution from a cynical playboy to someone capable of genuine love.

Neil Patrick Harris Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters

Key traits of Barney include a love for pranks and seduction schemes, loyalty to his friends (especially his best friend Ted), a unique code of conduct ("The Bro Code"), and a passion for laser tag and magic. His catchphrases "Legendary," "Suit up," and "Challenge accepted" became iconic. The romantic storyline with Robin (Cobie Smulders) was particularly crucial for his character development, showcasing Barney's capacity for deep emotions.

The role earned Neil Patrick Harris four Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.

Further Career

After the series ended, Harris starred in the thriller "Gone Girl" (2014) and played Count Olaf in the Netflix series "A Series of Unfortunate Events."

A charismatic host, Neil hosted the Tony Awards four times and led the Oscar ceremony in 2015. He continued performing on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for his role in the musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" (2014). In 2021, he starred in the musical "Company" in the West End.

It's Not Just for Gays Anymore - Neil Patrick Harris

In 2019, he joined the cast of the film "The Matrix Resurrections." The continuation of the iconic "Matrix" was released in 2021, and the actor appeared as the Analyst, the main antagonist of the fourth part.

In 2022, he played the lead role in the comedy series "Uncoupled."

Neil Patrick Harris's Personal Life

In 2006, the actor unexpectedly announced, "I am happy to dispel any rumors about my orientation and confirm that I am gay."

His husband is actor and chef David Burtka. They began secretly dating in 2004 and appeared together at the Emmy Awards in 2007. In 2010, they became parents to twins, born via a surrogate mother.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Take a Couples Quiz

In 2011, they got engaged after same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. At their wedding, Elton John sang and performed.

The couple often shares photos on social media, allowing fans to observe their personal life. They live in New York City, in a 200-year-old five-story townhouse in Harlem. The house underwent major renovations, but the craftsmen preserved its historic charm.

Neil Patrick Harris Now

In 2023, the actor starred in the series "Doctor Who" as the Celestial Toymaker. Additionally, he appeared in a couple of episodes of the sitcom "How I Met Your Father," a spin-off of "How I Met Your Mother."