5 Shocking New Roles That Prove Neil Patrick Harris Is More Than Just Barney Stinson

Neil Patrick Harris, one of Hollywood's most versatile and enduring talents, is currently proving that his career is in a state of continuous, thrilling evolution. As of December 18, 2025, the actor, singer, host, and author is dominating both the stage and the digital world, taking on roles that defy expectation and solidify his status as a true multi-hyphenate. His latest ventures demonstrate a strategic shift from network sitcom star to a Broadway sensation and a voice in the Marvel universe. This deep dive explores the freshest updates on Harris’s life and career, from his latest theatrical run to his surprising new role as a fan-favorite, fourth-wall-breaking superhero. We will also trace the steps of his incredible journey, highlighting the key moments that have defined his topical authority in comedy, drama, and the performing arts.

Neil Patrick Harris: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Neil Patrick Harris was born on June 15, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His parents, Sheila Gail and Ronald Gene Harris, were lawyers, but Neil found his calling in the performing arts early on. His breakout role came at just 16 years old as the titular prodigy doctor in the hit television series, *Doogie Howser, M.D.*, which ran from 1989 to 1993. After a successful transition from child star, he cemented his adult career with a series of diverse roles. However, his performance as the impeccably tailored, womanizing, and endlessly quotable Barney Stinson in the CBS sitcom *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014) catapulted him to global superstardom. His personal life has been an open book of happiness and stability. Harris publicly came out as gay in 2006. He married his long-time partner, actor and chef David Burtka, in Italy in 2014, with their close friend Pamela Fryman officiating the ceremony. The couple are proud parents to fraternal twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, born via surrogacy in 2010.

• Full Name: Neil Patrick Harris
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1973
• Place of Birth: Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
• Spouse: David Burtka (m. 2014)
• Children: Harper Grace Burtka-Harris and Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris (Twins)
• Major TV Roles: *Doogie Howser, M.D.* (1989–1993), *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014), *A Series of Unfortunate Events* (2017–2019), *Uncoupled* (2022)
• Major Film Roles: *Starship Troopers* (1997), *Harold & Kumar* series (2004–2011), *The Smurfs* (2011), *Gone Girl* (2014), *The Matrix Resurrections* (2021)
• Tony Award Win: Best Leading Actor in a Musical for *Hedwig and the Angry Inch* (2014)
• Emmy Awards: Five-time winner, including three for hosting the Tony Awards.

The 5 Most Shocking and Current NPH Projects of 2025

Neil Patrick Harris is not resting on his *How I Met Your Mother* residuals. The year 2025 has been marked by a series of high-profile, diverse, and often surprising career choices that continue to redefine his public persona.

1. Broadway Return in *Art* (The Stage Sensation)

Harris has made a triumphant return to the New York stage, starring in the acclaimed Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza's play, *Art*. He is playing the role of Serge, one of three friends whose fifteen-year relationship is tested when one of them purchases an expensive, all-white painting. This limited engagement run at the Music Box Theatre is a significant commitment, scheduled to run from August 28 to December 21, 2025. This serious, dramatic role is a stark contrast to his comedic television work and further highlights his dedication to the theatre, where he is already a Tony Award-winning powerhouse.

2. Voicing Deadpool in *Marvel's Deadpool VR* (The Superhero Pivot)

Perhaps the most unexpected and buzz-worthy project of the year is Harris taking on the voice of the Merc with a Mouth in the new virtual reality game, *Marvel's Deadpool VR*. This role sees him inhabit the ultra-quippy, fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero, Deadpool, a character most famously associated with Ryan Reynolds. The game, an exclusive for the Meta Quest 3 headset, is developed by Twisted Pixel and Oculus Studios. Harris’s signature comedic timing is a perfect fit for Wade Wilson's irreverent humor, and early reviews have praised his performance, noting that he "absolutely nails Deadpool's humor." The game launched in 2025, solidifying his presence in the rapidly expanding world of video game voice acting.

3. The Success of *Uncoupled* and Future Seasons

Harris received critical acclaim for his leading role as Michael Lawson in the Netflix (and later Showtime) comedy-drama series *Uncoupled*. The show, created by Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman, follows a New York real estate agent navigating life after his husband suddenly leaves him. While the future of the series has seen some uncertainty and platform shifts, Harris’s performance in the first season was widely praised for its emotional depth and relatable portrayal of mid-life heartbreak. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on the production of a second season, which would see Harris delve further into the dramatic territory he explored so effectively in films like *Gone Girl*.

4. The Return to Hosting and Showbiz Sparkle

Beyond acting, Harris remains one of the most beloved awards show emcees and hosts in the industry. He is a five-time Emmy Award winner, including three wins for his work hosting the Tony Awards. His ability to command a live stage, deliver complex musical numbers, and maintain high energy has made him a go-to choice for major televised events. In 2025, he has continued to make guest appearances and host various smaller-scale projects, including the viral "What's in the Box?" campaign, which injected his signature charm and chaos back into the public eye. His consistent presence as an entertainer highlights his foundational skills as a master showman, a trait he shares with his idol, Johnny Carson.

5. Family Focus and Literary Endeavors

While not a 'role' in the traditional sense, Harris and his husband, David Burtka, continue to be a model of stability and warmth in Hollywood. They frequently share glimpses of their family life with twins Harper and Gideon, often centered around elaborate holiday celebrations and culinary adventures (a nod to Burtka's career as a professional chef). Furthermore, Harris remains a published author. His interactive memoir, *Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography*, which allows the reader to literally choose the narrative path of his life, remains a popular and unique entry in the celebrity literary space, showcasing his creative and playful mind.

From Doogie Howser to Hedwig: The Evolution of a Multi-Hyphenate

Neil Patrick Harris's career is a masterclass in professional reinvention. His early success as *Doogie Howser, M.D.* could have easily typecast him, but he made a conscious effort to diversify his portfolio. The first major pivot was to film, with roles in cult classics like *Starship Troopers* and his hilarious, self-parodying turn in the *Harold & Kumar* franchise. This established his willingness to poke fun at his own image, a quality that made him perfect for Barney Stinson. The *Barney Stinson* era solidified his comedic genius, leading to four Emmy nominations. However, his most critically acclaimed work came on the stage. In 2014, he took on the title role in the Broadway revival of *Hedwig and the Angry Inch*. This demanding performance, which required him to sing, dance, and deliver raw, dramatic monologues in full drag, earned him the 2014 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. This achievement was a definitive statement: Neil Patrick Harris is an artist who can conquer any medium, from the small screen to the largest theatrical stages. Today, whether he is voicing a foul-mouthed superhero, tackling a complex dramatic play, or starring in a new streaming series, Harris continues to choose projects that challenge him and delight his audience. His current slate of work in 2025—from *Art* to *Marvel's Deadpool VR*—is a testament to his enduring talent and his commitment to remaining one of the most relevant and exciting entertainers in the industry.