Neil Patrick Harris: The legendary suit wearer turns 50

Neil Patrick Harris
The legendary suit wearer turns 50

Actor Neil Patrick Harris celebrates his 50th birthday on June 15 and fans raise their cocktail glasses in his honour. After all, the mime has had cult status since “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-2014) at the latest. The character of Barney Stinson has long been inextricably linked to him. As a person, he clearly stands out from his alter ego. On his special day, it’s time to introduce the real Neil Patrick Harris.

The birth of a magician

Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up in Ruidoso, where he acted in the school theater. In addition to acting, he was also very interested in magic, which has remained with him to this day: he was temporarily President of the Academy of Magical Arts Den.

He made his first big step to television stardom in 1988 with “Clara’s Secret”, where he was seen alongside “Sister Act” star Whoopi Goldberg (67). The role earned him Golden Globe and Young Artist Award nominations. From 1989 to 1993, he landed his first lead role in Doogie Howser, MD, and was again nominated for a Golden Globe.

With “How I Met Your Mother” to the legendary macho

The mime embodied the role of Barney Stinson from 2005. With his portrayal of the imaginative womanizer in a suit, he conquered the hearts of the audience. Until the 2014 finale, he starred in the sitcom alongside Josh Radnor (48), Alyson Hannigan (49) and Co. In 2023, Harris also had a comeback role as Barney in the spin-off How I Met Your Father.

The fictional character shaped pop culture significantly, the “Bro Code” themed in the series made the step into reality in 2008 – the non-fiction book was written by Matt Kuhn, who was also the sitcom’s screenwriter. In 2010, Kuhn also brought the “Playbook” from the show to bookstores – with Harris’ likeness.

Powerful Oscar performance

In the course of the success of the series, Neil Patrick Harris was allowed to appear twice at the Oscars: in 2010 he performed a song to open the ceremony and demonstrated his singing talent. In 2015 he even moderated the event completely.

It may not have been enough to earn his own Academy Awards consideration, but his sitcom success has certainly been in demand. He acted in films like “Gone Girl” (2014), “Downsizing” (2017) or “Matrix Resurrections” (2021). However, the series “Uncoupled” (2022), in which he played the leading role, went haywire and was canceled by Netflix after just one season. After all: The Showtime streaming service should soon be producing a second season of the series.

Private happiness with partner David Burtka

Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka (48) have known each other since 2004. Burtka is also an actor and was even seen in “How I Met Your Mother”. The 48-year-old played Lily Aldrin’s ex-boyfriend Bill. As the head chef of his own restaurant, Burtka now takes on more culinary challenges. The couple has had a son and a daughter since October 2010. The fraternal twins were carried by a surrogate mother. In September 2014, Harris and Burtka married in Italy.

For a special anniversary on April 1st, Harris posted a photo of his husband on Instagram and congratulated emotionally: “19 years ago today I went on my first date with this man. It was the best decision of my life. Happy anniversary, David Burtka! You are the ultimate, most amazing roller coaster ride that I can’t get enough of . Thank you for believing in me, for believing in you, for believing in us. You are the best husband, the best father, and my best friend. Here’s to countless more great adventures,” the comedy star wrote.

SpotOnNews