Neil Patrick Harris has sustained a rare four-decade career spanning television, Broadway, and film. Born on June 15, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he emerged as a child star in the late 1980s before evolving into an award-winning stage performer and one of Hollywood’s most visible LGBTQ+ parents. His work includes iconic television roles, a Tony Award-winning Broadway performance, and historic achievements as an awards show host.
Beyond entertainment, Harris has built a public family life with actor and chef David Burtka. The couple married in 2014 and are parents to twins born via surrogate in 2010. Harris publicly confirmed his sexuality in 2006, becoming a prominent figure in entertainment representation years before industry norms shifted.
His career trajectory defies typical child-star patterns, incorporating dramatic stage work, comedic television leads, and high-profile hosting duties that earned him five Primetime Emmy Awards and entry into the exclusive EGOT contender circle.
Who Is Neil Patrick Harris?
June 15, 1973, Albuquerque, NM
Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
Barney Stinson (2005–2014)
Married to David Burtka; twins
- Successfully transitioned from child actor to acclaimed adult performer without significant career interruption
- Won five Primetime Emmy Awards and one Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical
- Became the first openly gay man to host the Academy Awards in 2015
- Served as president of the Magic Castle board, reflecting a lifelong passion for illusion
- Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2010
- Hosted the Tony Awards four times (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013), earning special Emmys for each ceremony
- Received Grammy and Screen Actors Guild nominations alongside his competitive wins
| Full Name | Neil Patrick Harris |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1973 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Birthplace | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, writer, producer, television host |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Spouse | David Burtka (m. 2014) |
| Children | Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris, Harper Grace Burtka-Harris |
| Major Awards | 5 Primetime Emmys, 1 Tony Award |
| Known For | Doogie Howser, M.D., How I Met Your Mother, Hedwig and the Angry Inch |
How Old Is Neil Patrick Harris and What Is His Height?
Current Age
Harris was born on June 15, 1973, making him 52 years old as of 2025. He began his professional career at age 15, landing his first screen role before completing high school.
Height and Physical Statistics
No verified sources currently specify Harris’s exact height. Biographical databases and official profiles do not list this measurement, leaving this particular detail unconfirmed in publicly available records. Wikipedia and other cited references focus on his professional achievements and family structure rather than physical statistics.
Neil Patrick Harris Family: Wife, Husband, and Kids
Relationship with David Burtka
Harris and actor-chef David Burtka began their relationship in April 2004. They exchanged mutual proposals in 2006 but delayed public announcement until same-sex marriage became legal in New York. The couple married on September 6, 2014, in Perugia, Italy, with How I Met Your Mother director Pamela Fryman officiating and Elton John performing at the reception. Biography.com confirms the ceremony details, while Kiddle notes their consideration of marriage law timing.
Parenthood and the Twins
On October 12, 2010, Harris and Burtka welcomed fraternal twins via surrogate. Son Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris and daughter Harper Grace Burtka-Harris were born in New York. TV Guide confirms their full names and birth date. The family previously resided in a Harlem townhouse purchased in 2013, which they sold in 2022 for $6.99 million.
The couple selected Perugia, Italy for their September 2014 wedding. The reception featured a performance by Elton John, while the ceremony was officiated by Pamela Fryman, who directed many episodes of How I Met Your Mother.
Public Identity and Coming Out
Harris publicly came out as gay in November 2006 via a statement to People magazine, writing: “I am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man, living my life to the fullest.” The announcement predated widespread industry acceptance of LGBTQ+ actors by several years.
Neil Patrick Harris Career Highlights
Early Television Fame
At age 16, Harris landed the title role in ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D., portraying a teenage physician from 1989 to 1993. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established him as a prominent young actor. Simple Wikipedia documents this as his breakthrough performance.
Sitcom Dominance
From 2005 to 2014, Harris portrayed Barney Stinson in CBS’s How I Met Your Mother. The character, known for his elaborate romantic schemes and catchphrases, earned Harris four consecutive Emmy nominations from 2007 to 2010.
Broadway Triumphs
Harris transitioned to stage work, debuting on Broadway in 1999 as Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd. He later starred in productions of Rent and Cabaret, eventually winning the 2014 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Harris became the first openly gay man to host the Academy Awards when he presided over the 87th ceremony in 2015. Dubbing Fandom records this achievement alongside his four Tony Awards hosting stints (2009, 2011–2013), each earning him special Emmy Awards.
Recent Screen Work
Following How I Met Your Mother, Harris starred as Count Olaf in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019). He recently appeared as the Toymaker in the Doctor Who episode “The Giggle,” representing his entry into the long-running British science fiction franchise.
What Is Neil Patrick Harris’s Net Worth and Current Projects?
Financial Standing
Available research does not provide verified figures for Harris’s net worth. While industry estimates suggest ranges between $40 million and $50 million, no authoritative biography, financial disclosure, or verified database confirms these numbers. Public records focus on his disclosed real estate transactions, including the 2022 sale of his Harlem property for $6.99 million, rather than total asset valuation.
No confirmed sources specify Harris’s exact net worth, salary details, or 2024–2025 earnings. Available biographies and databases lack current financial specifics beyond historical real estate sales.
Current and Upcoming Work
As of early 2025, verified sources do not confirm specific new television, film, or stage projects. While image references suggest 2025 public appearances, no biography, wiki, or industry database has updated his filmography with ongoing roles beyond his recent Doctor Who guest spot and previous Netflix series.
How Did Neil Patrick Harris Build His Career?
- Born June 15 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Cast as Doogie Howser in ABC medical drama (age 16)
- Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd revival
- Begins relationship with David Burtka
- How I Met Your Mother premieres on CBS
- Publicly comes out in People magazine
- Twins Gideon and Harper born October 12 via surrogate
- Marries Burtka in Italy; wins Tony Award for Hedwig and the Angry Inch
- Hosts 87th Academy Awards, becoming first openly gay man to do so
- Stars as Count Olaf in Netflix adaptation
- Sells Harlem townhouse for $6.99 million
What Is Confirmed About Neil Patrick Harris’s Status?
| Established Facts | Uncertain or Unconfirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Born June 15, 1973 in Albuquerque, NM | Exact height (not specified in sources) |
| Married David Burtka September 6, 2014 | Precise current net worth (estimates vary) |
| Father to twins Gideon and Harper (born Oct 12, 2010) | Specific 2024–2025 project schedule |
| Won 5 Primetime Emmys and 1 Tony Award | Detailed financial holdings |
| Publicly came out November 2006 | Upcoming hosting commitments |
| First openly gay man to host Oscars (2015) | Residence location post-2022 sale |
Why Does Neil Patrick Harris’s Career Trajectory Matter?
Harris represents a rare successful transition from child stardom to adult acclaim without the typical career interruption. His Broadway Tony Award for Hedwig and the Angry Inch demonstrated versatility beyond television comedy, validating his move from screen to stage.
His 2006 coming out statement preceded widespread industry acceptance of LGBTQ+ actors by several years, positioning him as an early prominent figure in entertainment representation. His subsequent hosting of the Academy Awards in 2015 marked a cultural milestone, occurring the year before nationwide marriage equality in the United States. For readers interested in international locations, his Italian wedding brought significant attention to Perugia, much as celebrity interest draws attention to destinations like those found in a Map of Victoria – Detailed Maps Cities Roads Tourist Guide.
What Has Neil Patrick Harris Said About His Journey?
“I am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man, living my life to the fullest.”
— Neil Patrick Harris, statement to People magazine, November 2006 (Biography.com)
Neil Patrick Harris in 2025
Neil Patrick Harris remains an accomplished entertainer at age 52, with a career spanning child acting, sitcom success, and Broadway acclaim. His marriage to David Burtka and their twin children represent a public family structure that has influenced Hollywood representation. While specific recent projects and precise financial details remain unconfirmed, his record of five Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, and historic hosting achievements secure his legacy in entertainment. Those interested in lifestyle and nutrition might explore Types of Lettuce – Varieties, Nutrition, Best Uses while reading about celebrity health-conscious lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Neil Patrick Harris come out as gay?
Harris publicly came out in 2006 through People magazine to live truthfully and openly, stating he was “a very content gay man.” His announcement predated widespread industry acceptance of LGBTQ+ actors by several years.
What magic tricks does Neil Patrick Harris perform?
Harris is an avid magician who served as president of the Magic Castle board. While specific tricks are not cataloged, he frequently incorporates close-up magic and illusion into his hosting appearances and public events.
How did Neil Patrick Harris meet David Burtka?
Available biographical sources confirm Harris and Burtka began their relationship in April 2004. Specific details regarding their initial meeting are not documented in the cited references.
What awards has Neil Patrick Harris won?
He has won five Primetime Emmy Awards and one Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. He has also received Grammy and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
Is Neil Patrick Harris still acting?
While no specific 2024–2025 projects are confirmed in available sources, his recent appearance in Doctor Who and ongoing public appearances suggest continued professional activity in the entertainment industry.
Who are Neil Patrick Harris’s twins?
Harris and Burtka welcomed fraternal twins via surrogate on October 12, 2010: son Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris and daughter Harper Grace Burtka-Harris.
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Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Southern Monitor.