5 Key Facts About Neil Patrick Harris’s Life, Husband, And $50 Million Empire

The question of Neil Patrick Harris’s sexual orientation has been definitively answered for nearly two decades, yet public curiosity about the beloved actor's personal life remains high. As of December 2025, Harris continues to be one of Hollywood's most prominent openly gay actors, celebrated for his roles from the titular *Doogie Howser, M.D.* to the iconic womanizer Barney Stinson in *How I Met Your Mother* (HIMYM). His life today is centered around his successful career, his long-term marriage to husband David Burtka, and their two children, making him a powerful figure in both the entertainment world and the LGBTQ+ community.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the actor's life, confirming his sexual identity, detailing his family, and highlighting his latest, most current professional endeavors, including a new book release in late 2025.

Neil Patrick Harris: Complete Biographical Profile and Career Milestones

Neil Patrick Harris’s journey from a childhood star to a multi-hyphenate entertainer is one of Hollywood’s most compelling narratives. His decision to publicly address his sexuality was a major cultural moment, but it has only been one part of a career defined by versatility in film, television, and Broadway.

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• Full Name: Neil Patrick Harris
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1973
• Place of Birth: Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
• Professions: Actor, Singer, Writer, Producer, Television Host
• Spouse: David Burtka (Married 2014)
• Children: Harper Grace and Gideon Scott (Twins, born 2010 via surrogacy)
• Estimated Net Worth (Approx.): $50 Million
• Publicly Came Out as Gay: November 2006
• Major Career Roles: Doogie Howser, M.D., Barney Stinson (*How I Met Your Mother*), Count Olaf (*A Series of Unfortunate Events*), The Doctor (*Doctor Who*).

The Definitive Answer: Neil Patrick Harris’s Sexual Orientation and Coming Out

The query "is Neil Patrick Harris gay" is a relic of a pre-2006 era in his career. The actor openly confirmed his sexual orientation in November 2006 through an interview with People magazine, stating simply, "I am a happily gay man."

The Journey to Public Acceptance

Harris’s public declaration was a significant step, especially given his breakout role as the teenage doctor Doogie Howser and his subsequent career. His portrayal of the hyper-heterosexual, womanizing Barney Stinson on *How I Met Your Mother*—a character obsessed with "The Bro Code"—made his real-life identity a constant point of discussion and contrast for fans and media alike.

Interestingly, Harris has spoken about how his realization of his sexuality was a gradual process. He has mentioned that it took a failed romance with actress Christine Taylor and a surprising kiss with acting legend Burt Reynolds on a movie set to fully accept his identity.

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A Power Couple: Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

Harris’s personal life is a testament to his openness and commitment. He has been in a relationship with actor and chef David Burtka since 2004, a partnership that predates his public coming out.

The couple got engaged in 2011 after the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York and officially tied the knot in 2014 in a private ceremony in Italy. Their wedding was officiated by their close friend, *How I Met Your Mother* director Pam Fryman, with Elton John performing at the reception.

Together, Harris and Burtka are one of Hollywood's most stable and recognized couples, often sharing glimpses of their family life on social media, including their elaborate, highly anticipated family Halloween costumes each year.

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Family Life and Topical Authority: Children, Books, and Recent Projects (2024-2025)

To establish topical authority, it is essential to look beyond the basic facts and explore Harris’s current, multifaceted career as an author, host, and family man. His recent projects showcase his continued relevance and creative drive in the mid-2020s.

The Burtka-Harris Family: Harper and Gideon

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka are proud fathers to fraternal twins, a daughter named Harper Grace and a son named Gideon Scott, born in October 2010 via a surrogate.

Harris has often emphasized that a major reason for formally marrying Burtka was to provide their children with a stable, committed family structure with married parents. The twins are now teenagers and frequently appear in the couple’s family photos, enjoying their life in New York.

New Ventures: The 2025 Cocktail Book Release

One of the most recent and relevant projects for Harris is his co-authored book with David Burtka, demonstrating their collaboration beyond their personal life. The book, titled *Both Sides of the Glass: Paired Cocktails and Mocktails to Toast Any Taste*, is scheduled for release on September 30, 2025.

This innovative cookbook caters to a growing trend by providing both a traditional cocktail and a corresponding, equally delicious mocktail (non-alcoholic drink) for every recipe. The project blends Burtka’s culinary expertise with Harris’s flair for presentation, offering a sophisticated guide for entertaining all guests, drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

The Magic Misfits Book Series

Beyond acting and hosting, Harris has established himself as a successful children’s author. His highly popular series, *The Magic Misfits*, is a four-book collection that combines his lifelong love of magic with engaging storytelling.

The series follows a group of young magicians who use their skills to solve mysteries and fight injustice. The books in the series are:

• *The Magic Misfits* (Book 1)
• *The Second Story* (Book 2)
• *The Minor Third* (Book 3)
• *The Fourth Suit* (Book 4)

Recent Television and Film Roles

In addition to his literary pursuits, Harris has maintained a strong presence on screen:

• *Uncoupled* (2022): He starred as Michael Lawson in the Netflix comedy-drama series, a role that earned him critical praise.
• *Doctor Who* (2023): Harris took on the memorable role of The Toymaker in the 60th-anniversary specials, a performance that showcased his range as a villain.
• Endorsements: His commercial work remains current, including a recent endorsement for Golden Nugget Online Casino in June 2024.

In conclusion, Neil Patrick Harris is not only openly gay but also a dedicated husband and father, and a highly active professional in multiple fields. The latest information from late 2025 confirms his continued success as he ventures into new areas like co-authoring a cocktail/mocktail book, all while maintaining his status as one of the most recognizable and influential figures in modern entertainment.