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Walter Kerr Theater
The Walter Kerr Theater, built in 1931, produced Proof, one of the plays that Neil is known for. It was initially used as a radio/television studio, then became a children's theater in 1973, and ultimately restored to what we know of it today in 1990. It was named after Walter Kerr, a theater critic who won a Pulitzer prize. It has produced 7 musicals and 2 plays that have won Tony Awards. It continues to carry out its legacy and contribute to the theatrical world. -
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Mark Madoff
Mark Madoff is why Neil is who he is today. Without Mark discovering him at a theater camp and casting him in Clara's Heart, we wouldn't know who Neil is. Mark made sure Neil's talent was seen for the gift it was. He also did this with other actors like Marlee Matin. He was an extremely skilled playwright who left a legacy past his work, he left a group of actors that will always carry a piece of him. He taught at New Mexico State University and passed away battling cancer. -
Roundabout Theatre Company
Cabaret (1966) and Assassins (2004), two of the plays that Neil is known for are produced by the Roundabout Theater Company, which is also widely known as "Studio 54" as it is its permanent home. Studio 54 was historically known as a club that was transformed into what it is today. The company was founded in 1965 and has received multiple awards since then. Their mission is to share and educate people through their outstanding productions. Today they have Broadway and off-Broadway shows. -
Birth
Neil was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico. His parents were lawyers and owned a store. He has an older brother named Brian Harris. Interviews show that he had a loving childhood growing up and a supportive family. Furthermore, sources say his parents got divorced when Neil was 6. Neil moved from his home state to New York City, where he started his beautiful family. -
Theater Debut
Neil Patrick Harris first took up acting in the fourth grade. While tagging along with his older brother of 3 years, Brian Harris, Neil won the part of Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz (1939). The famous production stars Dorothy who encounters friendship, hardship, and courage throughout her mission of returning to Kansas. -
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La Cueva High School
Neil attributes graduating with high honors to his private tutors who assisted him on set, allowing him to continue his career throughout high school. During his senior year, he performed "Fidler on a Roof" where he played Lazar Wolf. This play was about a milkman who had to marry off his three daughters, who was also oblivious to the fact that his eldest had a secret relationship. He did not attend college after, but today it seems to be his greatest regret despite his successful career. -
Clara's Heart
Neil was 13 when he starred as David Hart in Clara’s Heart. This movie was a drama about a Jamaican woman known as Whoopi Goldberg who moves to Baltimore to become the housekeeper for a rich family where she meets David (Neil) who is suffering in a family that is torn apart with his parental divorce and their lovers. She becomes his best friend and source of his happiness as she fills the gaping void of a child that needs nurturing. Since then, he has established himself as a versatile actor. -
Doogie Howser MD
Neil played the role of a 16-year-old, prodigy doctor. His parents hectic work schedule made them deny the work proposition, but when they realized who wrote it, they changed their minds. The show was streamed for 4 seasons and rebooted on Disney Plus. Fun fact, ABC did not believe Neil was fit for the role until views skyrocketed and there is a remake of the show that was inspired by it (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.) Today he continues to be remembered as "Doogie." -
Golden Globe Nomination
Neil, at 15 years old, was nominated for a Golden Globe for performing in Clara's Heart. This was the first time Neil was recognized for his acting talent. Despite not winning the award, this was the stepping stone toward a bright future. Nevertheless, at his age, this was a major experience that most can only dream of having. In total throughout his career has been nominated for 4 awards. This made him one of the youngest people to be nominated for such an award. -
Romeo And Juliet
Neil plays Romeo in the famous star-crossed lover story filled with love and vengeance, written by the infamous William Shakespeare, at San Diego in the Old Globe Theater. We see how a feud between the Capulets and the Montagues leads to the young couple's downfall. Despite the numerous re-makes, Neil's acting made it memorable. Regardless of how arduous the Shakespearian language and the role of Romeo were, he made it seem effortless. In this, he worked with the Old Globe Theater Company. -
Queer as Folk
Neil was influenced by this show in various ways. After watching it, Neil realized that straight men can play the role of gay men, because "who is to determine how gay they are." The show helped realize that his role in "How I Met Your Mother" was not his authentic self, and opened self-exploration. Neil realized he wanted to share his truth, he did not want to hide behind a persona that was everything he wasn't. He describes this show as eye-opening and a turning point in his career. -
Proof - First Broadway Play
Neil began his Broadway debut with Proof (produced with the Walter Kerr Theatre). In it, he took on the role of Hal who is Catherine's love interest and is doubtful of her talent. The story captures Catherine mourning over her mathematician father's death who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She is gifted yet rather than using her talent, she finds herself enveloped with depression and a crippling fear of the hereditary illness. This play won a Pulitzer Prize in 2001 for "best play." -
9/11
911 marks the day where terrorists hijacked four planes, two of which crashed into the twin towers at the World Trade Center and caused them to collapse. When the first plane hit, people believed it was an accident. When the second one hit, there was no doubt they were under attack. Along with the 19 terrorist, about 3000 civilians and 400 first responders perished. The third plane crashed into a field and the fourth one was stopped. Today we honor the losses at the memorial in New York. -
Cabaret
Neil played "master of ceremonies" in this musical (produced with Studio 54) that revolves around a British nightclub singer. Despite the pressure of having to step into the role reserved for Alan Cumming (another famous actor) Neil made a remarkable performance. This is another Broadway play that he is known for and people continue to rave about it. This musical won a Tony for "Best Musical Revival." Its 40th anniversary sparked the creation of a documentary, narrated by Neil. -
Assassins
Neil performed in Assassins, a play (produced by Studio 54) about a group of outcasts who are told by a gun salesman the solution to their issues is killing a president. He took on the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, who was assigned to kill John F. Kennedy along with being one of the "Balladeers" who essentially narrated the assassination. This play explores the American Dream and the violence within it. Each mission has plot twists. Fun fact, this play was postponed because of the 9/11 attack. -
How I Met Your Mother
Neil plays Barney Stinson in this comedy where a father tells his kids how he met their mother through flashbacks that include his longtime friends. The role of Barney was changed from their original vision after they casted Neil because he left such an impression. Along with this, Neil had chemistry with Cobie Smulders. Interviews show that he had a crush on her therefore making the directors once again shift their vision and make their characters romantic partners. -
Sexual Orientation
During an interview, Neil addressed the rumors of his sexual orientation and announced himself as gay. His first date with David Burtka (who is also involved in the liberal arts) happened two years prior to Neil coming out. They claim to have met in passing, and the first time they were officially spotted together was in the 2007 Emmy Award ceremony. He learned he was gay during "Doogie Howser MD" when dating another teen actor. -
Birth of children
Paternal twins, Gideon Scott and Harper Grace were born through surrogacy (Fun fact - Neil and David entered 2 sperms, meaning that one twin is biologically David's and the other is Neil's. They refuse to know who's is who's as they will love them unconditionally). Their names were chosen with easy pronunciation in mind and not wanting a name that would define who they were to become later in life. Circulating images show a strong bond between the Harris family. Today they are 13 years old. -
Amy Winehouse's Death
Amy Winehouse (born in England) was a singer and songwriter, who passed away from alcohol poisoning. The hardships that she encountered throughout her life such as media scrutiny and family issues are shared in her documentary titled "Amy." Neil would later realize hosting a Halloween party with a meat platter that depicted a gruesome image of Amy, was a poor choice and caused many to dislike him. Although there have always been critics in his career, this event heightened the intensity of it. -
Hasty Pudding Theatrical Man
Neil was honored as the pudding man for his lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment. This is awarded by Harvard, one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools. This award was initially created in 1975 by 21 juniors that created a society of their own. Which, one of the requirements was to bring a pudding cup to every meeting. Neil was given a pudding pot, a tour of the new headquarters, and an opportunity to see its 166th production of "Victorian Secrets." -
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Neil is known on the stage for a rock musical about an imaginary rock and roll band. The play uses music to share how their lover, who was also their bandmate, stole their music. Despite this being his first large-scale production, he did not allow it to intimidate him. We see this as the high of his career, where he executes the character flawlessly. In it, he was recognized for his performance as a transgender individual. It was the first production in Belasco Theater, New York. -
Tony Award - Hedwig and the Angry Inch
This musical received a total of 8 nominations. Of these 8, Neil was awarded "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical." This theatrical performance was an unforgettable one that people continue to rave about, from the costumes to its overall theme. This play influenced the creation of a group that reminisces about the impact that it made. They deserved this award due to their outstanding storytelling and performance. -
Marriage
Neil and David finally make it official after nearly a decade of dating. They had an intimate ceremony in Italy with their kids and close family. The officiator was the director of "How I Met Your Mother"(Pamela Fryman) who witnessed the beginning of their journey. They now share their love story and emphasize that "love is love." -
Obergefell V Hodge
After decades of LGBTQ+ advocates, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. This vetoed the outrageous law in Michigan that prohibited same-sex marriage. They ensured that the LGBTQ+ community was accepted and had the rights they should have had initially. While some states legalized it prior, this benefited individuals who were unable to share their love because of restrictions. -
Hosting the Oscars
Neil's host tactics during the Oscar's was controversial. People say he dragged introductions with ad's, brought up lack of diversity, made an unnecessary elaborate production out of a task that was intended to be lighthearted and engaging. The most memorable moment includes appearing on stage with nothing but underwear. Critics admire the courage to be bold on stage, however his performance lacked in major areas. -
Peabody Award - A Series of Unfortunate Events
A family investigates their parent's death and attempts to avoid death by their uncle who is their caretaker. This show is incredibly famous with both adults and children. This show sparked emotions of comedy and goth. Along with this, it was based on the book series created a couple of years prior. This award honors "the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in all of television, radio, and online media." -
Magic Misfits
Neil wrote this children's book after winning four Tony awards. In this story, there is a group of kids that have skills that allow them to be magical. Neil's goal with the book was to honor magic, teach kids magic, and inspire them to think that the things that make them unique are awesome. Neil cherishes magic, as he has found the beauty within it himself. He has been recognized in the past for his talent. -
The start of Covid -19
World Health Organization announced Covid-19, an illness that would last 3 years, as a global pandemic. It essentially causes respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, influenza (flu), or pneumonia and can also affect other parts of your body. It caused a halt in theater productions due to the risk of performing with hundreds of people gathered in 1 room. It has caused millions of deaths and continues to affect people. There were vaccines created and some states made them mandatory for employees. -
Theater Fans Choice Awards
Neil won "Best Featured Performer in a Play" for his most recent theatrical performance, Peter Pan Goes Wrong (produced by Barrymore Theatre). In this play, he was "Francis" who was essentially a narrator. It was comedy filled with technical hitches, flying mishaps, and cast disputes. This play is often mentioned along with "The Play That Goes Wrong" as they share characteristics. This play was influenced by a high school play that had unintentional fiascos, including the sets falling twice. -
Ella's Death
Christmas 2020, the Harris family acquired a new family member, Ella. She was a Golden Retriever, that the family instantly fell in love with. Four years later, Ella passed away while the family was vacationing in New Hampshire. Ella was found outside lying on the grass with her collar tangled around her neck under the care of a close friend. The entire family felt the loss and continued mourning her.