Neil Patrick Harris
- Born:
- June 15, 1973, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Singer, Magician, Comedian, Producer, Television Host
Early Life and Education
- Graduated with honors from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1991.
- Began acting in high school plays and local theatre productions.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence as the titular character in the television series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993).
- Achieved critical acclaim and widespread recognition for his role as Barney Stinson in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), earning multiple Emmy Award nominations.
- Hosted the Tony Awards four times, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards for his hosting duties.
- Hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards twice.
- Hosted the 87th Academy Awards in 2015.
- Starred in numerous Broadway productions, including Rent, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical), and Assassins.
- Developed a successful career as a stage magician, often incorporating magic into his performances.
Notable Works
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1989–1993 | Doogie Howser, M.D. | Doogie Howser |
| 2005–2014 | How I Met Your Mother | Barney Stinson |
| 2009 | Glee | Bryan Ryan |
| 2023 | Uncoupled | Michael Lawson |
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Animal Room | Arnold Mosk |
| 2004 | Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle | Himself |
| 2011 | The Smurfs | Patrick Winslow |
| 2014 | Gone Girl | Desi Collings |
Broadway
- Rent (1997)
- Assassins (2004) - Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical
- Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2014) - Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
Legacy and Impact
Neil Patrick Harris has established himself as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry. His successful transitions between television, film, and stage, along with his hosting and magic skills, have cemented his position as a prominent entertainer. Although the exact point at which "o'neill age" begins is debatable in broader cultural contexts, Harris's career demonstrates a consistent ability to remain relevant and adapt to evolving trends within entertainment.