Neil Patrick Harris was born June 18, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In Harris’ early years his parents, Shelia and Ron Harris, ran a local restaurant. He began acting in foruth grade as Toto, in a school production of the Wizard of Oz. He graduated from La Cueva high School, with honors, in 1991.
Harris was discovered in a small drama camp by playwright Mark Medoff, who cast him in Clara’s Heart. This 1988 film was his first hit. Staring beside Whoopi Goldberg, Harris received his first Golden Globe nomination.
One year later, he won our hearts as Doogie Howser, M.D. The teenage genius-turned-doctor was a role Harris would play for four seasons. Harris was nominated for his second Golden Globe for his portrayal of Doogie. Although the show only had four seasons, he is still referred to as Doogie.
After Doogie, he did various guest spots and appeared in a few films, such as The Next Best Thing, Undercover Brother and Harold and Kumar. In Harold and Kumar, Harris plays as a drug addicted lush.
He also appeared on Broadway in Sweeney Todd, Cabaret and Proof.
In 2005, Harris got his second chance when he was cast as Barney Stinson, in the CBS hit, How I Met Your Mother. This role earned him Emmy nominations in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as best supporting male actor in a comedy series.
Harris’ friendly and vibrant demeanor has gotten him many rolls hosting awards shows. Some of these shows include; The Tony Awards, The Primetime Emmys, World Magic Awards and The TV Land Awards. Harris is also a big fan of magic. He incorporates this into his character on How I Met Your Mother and has a position at Magic Castle in Hollywood on the Board of Directors.
Harris came out of the closet, in 2006. His personal life was thrust in the lime light when his relationship with actor David Burtka went public. He is quoted as 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.”
While Neil Patrick Harris has had more fame than most people in their whole life, he still has many good years left. I love him as Barney Stinson, but he will always be Doogie Howser, in my heart.
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