Neil Patrick Harris
Acting • Born 1973-06-15
Biography
Neil Patrick Harris (born June 15, 1973) is an American actor, singer, writer, producer, and television host. Primarily known for his comedic television roles and dramatic and musical stage roles, he has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including a Tony Award, five Primetime Emmy Awards, and nominations for a Grammy Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. On television, he is known for playing the title character on the ABC series Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993), for which he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy, as well as Barney Stinson on the CBS series How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014, for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards), and Count Olaf on the Netflix series A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019). Harris is also known for his role as the title character in Joss Whedon's musical Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) and a fictional version of himself in the Harold & Kumar film series (2004–2011). His other films include Starship Troopers (1997), Beastly (2011), The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013), A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014), and Gone Girl (2014). In 2010, Harris won two awards at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards, winning for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his guest appearance on Glee, and Outstanding Special Class Program for hosting the Tony Awards in 2009; he has won the latter award three additional times for hosting the show in 2011, 2012, and 2013. He also hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2013, and hosted the 87th Academy Awards in 2015, thus making him the first openly gay man to host the Academy Awards. In 2014, he starred in the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway, for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Harris was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2010. He is married to David Burtka. In 2010, they had twins via surrogacy.
Filmography
196 credits
Starship Troopers
Movie • 1997
Colonel Carl Jenkins
Prop 8: The Musical
Movie • 2008
A Very Smart Fellow
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Movie • 2009
Steve (voice)
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Movie • 2004
Neil Patrick Harris
Animal Room
Movie • 1995
Arnold Mosk
Undercover Brother
Movie • 2002
Lance
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Movie • 2008
Neil Patrick Harris
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Movie • 2010
Nightwing (voice)
The Smurfs
Movie • 2011
Patrick Winslow
Justice League: The New Frontier
Movie • 2008
Barry Allen / The Flash (voice)
The Christmas Wish
Movie • 1998
Will Martin
Beastly
Movie • 2011
Will Fratalli
The Muppets
Movie • 2011
Neil Patrick Harris
Yes, Virginia
Movie • 2009
Dr. Philip O'Hanlon (voice)
Clara's Heart
Movie • 1988
David Hart
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
Movie • 2011
Neil Patrick Harris
The Christmas Blessing
Movie • 2005
Nathan Andrews
The Best and the Brightest
Movie • 2010
Jeff
The Smurfs 2
Movie • 2013
Patrick Winslow
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert
Movie • 2001
Tobias
The Wedding Dress
Movie • 2001
Travis Cleveland
Company
Movie • 2011
Robert
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Movie • 2013
Steve (voice)
Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days
Movie • 2010
The Shoe Fairy (uncredited) (archive footage)
Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story
Movie • 1994
Jim Stolpa
Robot Chicken: DC Comics Special
Movie • 2012
Two-Face / Black Manta (voice)
Too Good to Be True
Movie • 1988
Danny Harland
The Best of Disney: 50 Years of Magic
Movie • 1991
Self
A Million Ways to Die in the West
Movie • 2014
Foy
Gone Girl
Movie • 2014
Desi Collings
The Out List
Movie • 2013
Himself
The Man in the Attic
Movie • 1995
Edward Broder
The Making of Sweeney Todd at the San Francisco Symphony
Movie • 2002
Self
My Antonia
Movie • 1995
Jimmy Burden
The Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Blowhole
Movie • 2012
Dr. Blowhole (voice)
Sudden Fury
Movie • 1993
Brian Hannigan
Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids
Movie • 2023
Narrator (voice)
American Reunion
Movie • 2012
Celebrity Dance-Off Host
Cold Sassy Tree
Movie • 1989
Will Tweedy
Purple People Eater
Movie • 1988
Billy Johnson
Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS and You
Movie • 1992
Self
The Next Best Thing
Movie • 2000
David
The Proposition
Movie • 1998
Roger Martin
The Golden Blaze
Movie • 2005
The Comic Shop Owner (voice)
The Making of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Movie • 2007
Self
Dolly Parton's Pet Gala
Movie • 2024
The Mesmerist
Movie • 2002
Benjamin
In Their Own Words: Jim Henson
Movie • 2015
Self - Actor
Stranger in the Family
Movie • 1991
Steve Thompson
Group Therapy
Movie • 2024
Self
Eloise Goes to School
Movie • 2007
Summer of Camp Caprice
Movie • 2001
Jed (voice)
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Movie • 2008
Doctor Horrible
For Our Children
Movie • 1993
Self
Through a Dog's Eyes
Movie • 2010
Narrator
The Earth Day Special
Movie • 1990
Doogie Howser M.D.
This Is MST3K
Movie • 1992
Self
Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary Specials
Movie • 2023
The Toymaker (archive footage)
Downsizing
Movie • 2017
Jeff Lonowski
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Movie • 2010
Lou (voice)
Home Fires Burning
Movie • 1989
Lonnie Tibbettes
Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium
Movie • 2022
Self
Dracula's Daughter vs. the Space Brains
Movie • 2010
Dan
Neil Patrick Harris: Circus Awesomeus
Movie • 2016
Host / Himself
The Words That Built America
Movie • 2017
Self - Reader: Declaration of Independence
A Snow White Christmas: Opening Night
Movie • 2012
The Magic Mirror
Not Our Son
Movie • 1995
Paul Keller
Death from Above: The Making of 'Starship Troopers'
Movie • 2002
Himself
Legacy of Sin: The William Coit Story
Movie • 1995
William Coit
Attack of the 50-foot Gummi Bear
Movie • 2014
Steve the Monkey (voice)
A First Look at Batman: Under the Red Hood
Movie • 2010
Self
Steve's First Bath
Movie • 2014
Steve (voice)
Beyond All Boundaries
Movie • 2009
1st Lt. David Hettema / Sgt. William Manchester
Elton John: I'm Still Standing - A Grammy Salute
Movie • 2018
Self
Mickey’s 90th Spectacular
Movie • 2018
Self
Wig
Movie • 2019
Self
Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate
Movie • 2019
Self
Disney Heroes Volume 1
Movie • 2005
Moyo (voice)
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Adventure Awaits
Movie • 2019
Self - Host
The Matrix Resurrections
Movie • 2021
The Analyst
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
Movie • 2013
Host
Dads
Movie • 2019
Self
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional
Movie • 2019
Narrator
Commentary! The Musical
Movie • 2008
Serenity
Movie • 2005
Screaming Reaver (uncredited)
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Movie • 2022
Richard Fink
8-Bit Christmas
Movie • 2021
Adult Jake Doyle / Narrator
Coded: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker
Movie • 2021
J.C. Leyendecker (voice)
Doctor Who at the Proms
Movie • 2024
The Toymaker (archive footage)
Cabaret: The Musical That Changed Musicals
Movie • 2013
Narrator
Sunny Dancer
Movie • 2026
Sesame Street: Elmo and Friends: The Letter Quest and Other Magical Tales
Movie • 2009
Self
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Movie • 2020
Self
The Last Temptation of Becky
Movie
General Wilhelm Reuss
Captain Planet and the Planeteers
TV • 1990
Todd Andrews
Murder, She Wrote
TV • 1984
Tommy Remsen
Sesame Street
TV • 1969
The Simpsons
TV • 1989
Neil Patrick Harris (voice)
Son of the Beach
TV • 2000
Larry King Live
TV • 1985
Self
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
TV • 2003
Self
The Tony Danza Show
TV • 2004
Self - Guest
Glee
TV • 2009
Bryan Ryan
Stark Raving Mad
TV • 1999
Henry McNeeley
Boomtown
TV • 2002
Peter Corman
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
TV • 2003
Self
Static Shock
TV • 2000
Replay / Johnny Morrow (voice)
How I Met Your Mother
TV • 2005
Barney Stinson
Justice League
TV • 2001
Ray Thompson (voice)
Jack & Bobby
TV • 2004
Touched by an Angel
TV • 1994
Jonas
Doogie Howser, M.D.
TV • 1989
Doogie Howser
LIVE with Kelly and Mark
TV • 1988
Self - Guest
Ed
TV • 2000
Joe Baxter
The Legend of Tarzan
TV • 2001
Moyo (voice)
Capitol Critters
TV • 1992
Max (voice)
The Graham Norton Show
TV • 2007
Self
Jeopardy!
TV • 1984
Self
Quantum Leap
TV • 1989
Mike Hammond
The Early Show
TV • 1999
Self
Finding Your Roots
TV • 2012
Self
Blossom
TV • 1990
The Colbert Report
TV • 2005
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
TV • 2008
Dr. Horrible
Will & Grace
TV • 1998
Bill
Homicide: Life on the Street
TV • 1993
Alan Schack
Hallmark Hall of Fame
TV • 1951
Lonnie
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
TV • 1993
Self - Guest
Million Dollar Password
TV • 2008
Adventure Time
TV • 2010
Prince Gumball (voice)
The Outer Limits
TV • 1995
Howie Morrison
Spike TV VGA Video Game Awards
TV • 2003
Family Guy
TV • 1999
Barney Stinson (voice)
Brain Games
TV • 2011
Himself - Host
Numb3rs
TV • 2005
Ethan Burdick
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
TV • 2005
Self
American Horror Story
TV • 2011
Chester Creb
The Daily Show
TV • 1996
Self
Billy on the Street
TV • 2011
Self
Hamish and Andy's Gap Year
TV • 2011
Self
Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris
TV • 2015
Himself
Late Night with Seth Meyers
TV • 2014
Self
Punk'd
TV • 2003
Self
Saturday Night Live
TV • 1975
Self - Host
A Series of Unfortunate Events
TV • 2017
Count Olaf
Top Chef Masters
TV • 2009
Himself - Guest Judge
Genius Junior
TV • 2018
Host
RuPaul's Drag Race
TV • 2009
Self - Guest Judge
Mystery Science Theater 3000
TV • 2017
Neville LaRoy
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
TV • 2014
Self
Stephen Fry: Out There
TV • 2013
Self
Home Movie: The Princess Bride
TV • 2020
Westley
The Penguins of Madagascar
TV • 2008
Dr. Blowhole (voice)
Me, Eloise
TV • 2006
(voice)
Carpool Karaoke: The Series
TV • 2017
Self
Uncoupled
TV • 2022
Michael Lawson
Hot Country Nights
TV • 1991
The Kelly Clarkson Show
TV • 2019
Self
Joan of Arc
TV • 1999
The Dauphin
The Reichen Show
TV • 2005
Self - Guest
The View
TV • 1997
Self - Guest
Rachael Ray
TV • 2006
Hot Ones
TV • 2015
Self
Spider-Man: The New Animated Series
TV • 2003
Peter Parker / Spider-Man (voice)
The View
TV • 1997
Self
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
TV • 2009
Self - Guest
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
TV • 2001
John Tagman
Drag Me to Dinner
TV • 2023
Self - Judge
Entertainment Tonight
TV • 1981
Self
The Oscars
TV • 1953
Host
Neil's Puppet Dreams
TV • 2012
Neil Patrick Harris
Me, Eloise
TV • 2006
Philip (voice)
How I Met Your Father
TV • 2022
Barney Stinson
Visible: Out on Television
TV • 2020
Self - Narrator (voice)
Off Camera with Sam Jones
TV • 2014
Self
B.L. Stryker
TV • 1989
Buder
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
TV • 2009
Self
Get Organized with The Home Edit
TV • 2020
Big Brother
TV • 2000
Self - Celebrity Guest
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
TV • 2008
Music Meister (voice)
Conan
TV • 2010
Self
It's a Sin
TV • 2021
Henry Coltrane
Beat Bobby Flay
TV • 2013
Self
The Megan Mullally Show
TV • 2006
Self - Guest
Celebrity Family Feud
TV • 2015
Self
Today with Jenna & Sheinelle
TV • 2019
Self - Guest
In Their Own Words
TV • 2015
Self
Take Two with Phineas and Ferb
TV • 2010
Dexter: Resurrection
TV • 2025
Lowell / The Tattoo Collector
Entertainment Tonight
TV • 1981
Fraggle Rock: Rock On!
TV • 2020
Self
Robot Chicken
TV • 2005
Executive / Harvey Dent / Two-Face / Three-Face / Four-Face (voice)
What's in the Box?
TV • 2025
Self - Host
At Home with Amy Sedaris
TV • 2017
Neil Patrick Harris
Child Star Confidential
TV • 2006
Self (archive footage)
Late Show with David Letterman
TV • 1993
Self - Guest