Neil Patrick surprisingly gets to host the Emmys

Harris winner in Emmy pool

By Jeffrey Jolson & Gayl Murphy

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/13/09 — The Emmys 2009 have named Neil Patrick Harris, longtime TV and film veteran (“Doogie Howser,” “How I Met Your Mother”) as host of the awards this year.
Harris was a surprise choice even though he is a TV fave, the Emmys could have hired anyone from Jay Leno to Robin Williams and probably have gotten a yes. Yet Harris has been a steady performer since childhood – someone who people grew up with in their living rooms. Also he has street creds as a real actor – not just another comic – even though his main films have been the stoner comedies “Harold and Kumar” and the sci-fi “Starship Troopers.” However the Academy could have gotten anyone, and they chose him.
Harris is set for two more feature films, a comedy called “The Best and the Brightest” and a smaller role in the picture “Beastly.”
Still, is he ready for prime time as an Emmy host? The Academy of Television Arts and Science thinks so, and the handed him the baton, commenting
CBS, who is airing the Primetime Emmys said in a press release from the academy touting today’s announcement, Harris said, “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the show – adding my own voice to it, while honoring the nominees and the entire year in television. But which voice to choose? I’m torn between gangsta, foppish Brit, and robot. Really proud of my robot. We’ll see what happens on the night.”
“We already knew Neil as a fantastic actor and performer, but after blowing everyone away as host of this year’s Tony Awards, we couldn’t think of anyone better to emcee the television industry’s biggest award show,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “He is not only engaging as a host, but has great instincts when it comes to live television. We feel like we’re in great hands with Neil hosting and Don Mischer executive producing.”

“Neil is charming, funny, quick on his feet and very likeable,” said Don Mischer, executive producer for the “61st Primetime Emmy Awards.” “He has all the qualities you look for in a host. We are really looking forward to working with him.”

Equally successful on stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris’s role as Barney Stinson in the hit CBS comedy series, “How I Met Your Mother,”recently garnered him a 2009 Golden Globe nomination and two consecutive Emmy Award nominations. From his film debut opposite Whoopi Goldberg in “Clara’s Heart” and his seminal role as the beloved titular character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” to his recent turn in Joss Whedon’s online sensation, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” Harris has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 20 years in the industry. Among his many theatrical credits include the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of “Assassins,” as well as acclaimed performances in the Broadway productions of “Cabaret” and “Proof.” Harris teamed with Kristin Chenoweth to announce last year’s 60th Primetime Emmy nominations, and subsequently, he and Sarah Chalke co-hosted the “60th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards” telecast in 2008. He recently wowed viewers as host of the “The 63rd Annual Tony Awards.”.

The 61st Primetime Emmy® Awards will air on Sept. 13 (8-11 p.m. EST) on CBS and will originate from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Ballots will be available to voters beginning June 5 and are to be returned to Ernst & Young by June 26.