Bravo Media’s Emmy-winning “Inside the Actors Studio” rolls out the red carpet for Neil Patrick Harris on Thursday, February 12th at 8pm ET/PT. Host James Lipton sits down with the award-winning performer just days before his Academy Awards hosting debut, where he discusses his multidimensional career as an actor, comedian, writer, producer and director. On Sunday, February 22nd, Harris will host the 87th Annual Academy Awards armed with a seasoned background having served as host of both the Primetime Emmy Awards and Annual Tony Awards.
“We have a history of celebrating the Academy Awards on ‘Inside the Actors Studio,’” said Lipton. “This year we have the Oscar host himself, Neil Patrick Harris, making magic, literally and figuratively, on our stage.”
In the episode, Harris divulges his secret to reinventing himself after “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” what led to his unforgettable role in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” and how he prepared for his remarkable performance as the lead in Broadway’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The audience sees an intimate side of Harris as he discusses what ultimately led him to his public statement regarding his relationship with now husband David Burtka, who is also present at the taping and relives their recent nuptials in Italy. Additionally, do not miss the opportunity to see Harris showcase his magical talents.
Harris recently concluded his role as Barney Stinson in CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother” which earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. He is a five-time Emmy Award winner, as well as a Tony Award winner, with a Grammy Award nomination this year for Best Musical Theater Album in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
QUOTABLES FROM THE EPISODE:
“…there was something ironic and silly about the fact that the sweet innocent guy that you think you know is actually like super horny and tripping on some drug and is at the side of the road and steals their car.”
– Harris on his role in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”
“I think Barney by design represented the single life that Ted should choose. Helpless, hopeless, single guy who just wanted to bang strangers as much as he could.”
– Harris on his character as ‘Barney Stinson’ in “How I Met Your Mother”
“Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who are the executive producers of the show, are friends of mine and I’ve known them for some time and had been kind of, um, bummed that I hadn’t been asked earlier. (Laughs) But that’s how it works out…you don’t petition for that job.”
– Harris on how the opportunity came to host this year’s Academy Awards
“…so I worked hard with cardio, and drinking juices…and whining…then I lost some weight. And then panic. Panic helps lose weight too.”
– Harris on losing 21 pounds for his portrayal of the titular role in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
