Neil Patrick Harris launched his professional trajectory as a child actor in the 1988 drama Clara's Heart, earning a Golden Globe nomination the following year. His early emergence from Albuquerque to prominence in the television series Doogie Howser, M.D. established a versatility across mediums that later defined his work in comedy, musical theatre, and production.
Early Television and Film
Following his debut, Harris secured the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D., running from 1989 to 1993. This project marked his transition from a youth performer to an established television figure. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he appeared in diverse film roles, including Starship Troopers in 1997. He also maintained a consistent presence in made-for-television movies, further expanding his reach within the American industry.
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Harris developed a significant stage career, beginning with the national tour of Rent in 1997. His Broadway work included roles in Proof in 2002 and the revival of Assassins in 2004. In 2014, he achieved critical recognition for his performance in the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Comedy and Voice Work
Between 2005 and 2014, Harris played the character Barney Stinson in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, a role that garnered multiple Emmy nominations. Simultaneously, he contributed to animation and comedy, providing the voice of Steve the Monkey in the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs franchise. His participation in the Harold & Kumar film series showcased a willingness to engage in self-referential comedy.
Hosting and Directorial Contributions
Harris has served as a frequent host for major industry events, including the Tony Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards. His hosting duties at the Tony Awards resulted in four individual Emmy wins. Beyond performance, he has directed productions, including a 2010 staging of Rent at the Hollywood Bowl, while also serving as a producer across various television and film projects.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Albuquerque
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: La Cueva High School
- Tony Award: Best Actor in a Musical (2014)
- Emmy Award: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series (2010)
- Membership: Writers Guild of America, East
Questions readers ask
What is Neil Patrick Harris best known for on television?
He is widely recognized for his roles as the lead in Doogie Howser, M.D. and Barney Stinson in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
Has Neil Patrick Harris won a Tony Award?
Yes, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2014 for his performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Achievements
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical — 2014
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series — 2010
- Notable work: 8-Bit Christmas
- Notable work: Glee
- Notable work: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- Notable work: How I Met Your Mother
- Worked as television actor, film actor and film director
