I said, 'Well, I just went back to play Kumar and I guess Kutner killed himself off and now I'm playing Kevin.' How I Met Your Mother Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. The "We Are Men" and "How I Met Your Mother" alum will play a local detective and reunite with his former "House" boss. By Kelly Coyne 'tis the season 1:31 a.m. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Agreement. It seems as though Kal Penn has just landed an important recurring gig on the hit CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother. The former How I Met Your Mother recurring guest star has been tapped to co-star in CBS' comedy pilot Ex-Men, … His parents are Gujarati immigrants to America from India. Now Penn is back in Los Angeles, guest starring this fall in "How I Met Your Mother" as a shrink who falls for Robin (Cobie Smulders), developing a workplace comedy for NBC set at the UN and launching "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas," filmed last year during a sabbatical from the White House. Kal Penn on How I Met Your Mother. How I Met Your Mother 's executive producers Craig Thomas and Carter Bays have revealed details of Kal Penn's role on the show. Is a vegetarian, contrary to the role that he plays in. Kal Penn was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, to Asmita, a fragrance evaluator, and Suresh... Born: April 23, 1977 Photos. Penn actually played two different characters in Buffy including a UC Sunnydale student named Hunt and a humanoid demon referred to as "John Hancock." Penn introduces his character and his relationship with … He began his acting career in several indie films. When Robin assaulted a woman who was trying to meet with Barney, she was forced to attend mandatory therapy sessions to help manage and control her anger. Penn is perhaps best known for roles in the television series House, 24, How I Met Your Mother, Designated Survivor, and Sunnyside; as well as in the films Harold & Kumar and The Namesake, among others. "This is the third doctor character with a name that starts with 'K,'" he tells TVGuide.com of his How I Met Your Mother therapist Kevin. Kal Penn plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother. The former House star plays Kevin, the therapist … Began using the name Kal Penn, a variation on his first name Kalpen, to get more roles; he believed that his difficult foreign name would scare away potential employers. This, of course, re-teams Penn … 10 Best Performances In How I Met Your Mother. "Fall Preview: Get scoop on your favorite returning showsWhether or not he's cornered the market on doctors with "K" names roles, Penn is excited to be acting again after leaving House in 2009 to join the White House ... As far as typecasting goes, Kal Penn fills some very specific criteria. He went on to appear for 2 years in the television series Dr. House (2004). In 2009, he joined the Obama administration as an Associate Director. This is where Kevin first met Robin. And I was like, 'Whoa!'" Kal Penn is heading back to CBS. "I think it was a buddy of mine who asked me, 'What were the last few characters you played?' Kal Penn (born April 23, 1977) was born and raised in New Jersey, US. He developed an interest in politics from his grandparents who marched for India's independence. He is also known for appearing in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, The Namesake, How I Met Your Mother, Designated Survivor, and many more.. "This is the third doctor character with a name that starts with 'K,'" he tells TVGuide.com of his How I Met Your Mother therapist Kevin. The Villainous White Mother Was All Over the Domestic Novel This Year These stories came in a year that thrust white liberal parents into a harsh light. I'm fascinated with countries that aren't universally recognized, and I want to visit … I said, 'Well, I just went back to play Kumar and I guess Kutner killed himself off and now I'm playing Kevin.' After nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother, several false positives and countless sex-and-suds jokes, we’ve finally met the mother.Not that we care. TV Series Review. He also served as host of the game show Superhuman. Best Movies & Shows on Netflix in January, Best Movies & Shows on Amazon Prime Video in January, Best Shows & Movies on Netflix This Month. Penn, the Kumar half of Harold and Kumar, is Kevin, Robin’s (Cobie Smulders) therapist via court mandate. As far as typecasting goes, Kal Penn fills some very specific criteria. Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. See all photos. He is best known for starring roles including the Harold and Kumar franchise, House, Designated Survivor, and most recently the patriotic immigration comedy Sunnyside, which he co-created for NBC and Hulu. Kal Penn plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother. Now that he’s left his post at the White House, Kumar — er, Penn — can return to television with How I Met Your Mother. Kal Penn was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, to Asmita, a fragrance evaluator, and Suresh Modi, an engineer. Kal Penn has landed a major role on the new season of How I Met Your Mother. © 2021 TV GUIDE, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. With Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris. Kevin was the therapist of Robin before the duo entered a short-term relationship. Share on Facebook. He majored in film and sociology. (The Stinson Missile Crisis​) They only had a small number of sessions together, before Kevin had to stop being her th… How I Met Your Mother Preview: Kal Penn's Role, Barney's Love Hexagon, Robin's Act of Violence By Vlada Gelman / August 3 2011, 9:08 PM PDT 58 Kal Penn Leaves White House: 'Harold & Kumar' Actor Leaves Washington For Hollywood Kal Penn, the actor who in 2009 left his role on the TV show "House" to work for the Obama administration, has left his job at the White House and will be returning to Hollywood, ABC News reports . Kal Penn is headed back to CBS. Kal Penn made his debut on How I Met Your Mother this week. TV Guide's weekend editor breaks down the week's best, worst, and weirdest TV moments. How I Met Your Mother boss: Can Barney and Robin ignore their chemistry? Kal Penn has lived through Hollywood's phase of stereotypes and understands what it means to not see yourself being truly represented on TV. Kal Penn has admitted that he would love to appear in more episodes of How I Met Your Mother. Penn's feature film debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle to Glory. Kal Penn as Kevin; Alexis Denisof as ... Next → "46 Minutes" How I Met Your Mother : List of How I Met Your Mother episodes "Tailgate" is the 13th episode of the seventh season of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and the 149th episode overall. Kal Penn - Kevin Venkataraghavan . Kal Penn Kal Penn played the recurring character, Kevin Venkataraghavan, in How I Met Your Mother. Plot. He'll play a love interest for Robin. Penn signed up for a recurring role in the comedy last month. Kal Penn is an American actor known for portraying the popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the television program, House. In 1995, he moved to Los Angeles to study at the UCLA's prestigious School of Theatre, Film and Television. And I was like, 'Whoa!'" His breakthrough film role came in the comedy Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004), and after that, two more Harold & Kumar films have followed. ... How I Met Your Mother … Besides acting, Kal is also a comedian, producer, and a former civil servant of Indian origin. It aired on January 2, 2012. My name starts with 'K,' so maybe it's something subconscious. He has since appeared in American Desi, Van Wilder, the final episode of The Lonely Island, Malibu's Most Wanted, A Lot Like Love, Dude, Where's the Party?, Love Don't Cost a Thing, Superman Returns, Epic Movie, The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar series, and an uncredited appearance in Deck the Halls. Email Kal Penn debuts here as Robin's therapist. 'How I Met Your Mother': Contrarian Corner takes on Kal Penn My name starts with 'K,' so maybe it's something subconscious. Bernadette forces Howard to go on a fishing trip with her father so that they both can bond with each other. Kal Penn hosts a six-episode series about political issues for young voters. The Big Bang Theory. Penn, whose big acting chops include Harold and Kumar and House, will leave his White House post in the Office of Public Engagement for a role on How I Met Your Mother, notes Perez Hilton. Here's what you may have missed this week! But thanks to the sublimely talented Kal Penn (best known … Born in New Jersey, now resides in L.A. CBS’ sitcom warhorse has been on the air for nearly a decade now, and it’s time to put the ol’ Betty out to pasture. "I think it was a buddy of mine who asked me, 'What were the last few characters you played?' His mother works for a perfume company, as a fragrance evaluator, and his father is an engineer. In 2009, he joined the Obama administration as an Associate Director. He attended the Freehold Regional High School District's Performing Arts High School where he participated in the school's theater productions. Directed by Pamela Fryman. "You find out [in the upcoming A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas] that Kumar actually completed med school in the six years that have been left off," Penn says. Notes and Trivia. He'll also be a love interest for the character. He attended the Freehold Regional High School District's Performing Arts High School where he participated in the school's theater productions. His previous — and most famous — two roles, of course, were Kumar of the Harold & Kumar movies and the late Dr. Kutner on House. One thing he is known most for is his roll as Kevin in How I Met Your Mother. Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra, https://how-i-met-your-mother.fandom.com/wiki/Kal_Penn?oldid=170502. Meanwhile, Sheldon reluctantly takes care of Amy after she becomes ill. He and the other students were banned from using the word "like" in his acting classes, this was to make them sound more intelligent during auditions. One thing he is known most for is his roll as Kevin in How I Met Your Mother. Take your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat. In a recent interview, Kal Penn talks about his recurring role as Kevin on How I Met Your Mother. Check out photos from How I Met Your Mother. 8. His previous — and most famous — two roles, of course, were Kumar of the Harold & Kumar movies and the late Dr. Kutner on House. Is best friends with John Cho, Ryan Reynolds and. As far as typecasting goes, Kal Penn fills some very specific criteria. "You find out [in the upcoming A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas] that Kumar actually completed med school in the six years that have been left off," Penn says. ", Fall Preview: Get scoop on your favorite returning shows. He developed an interest in politics from his grandparents who marched for India's independence. His parents immigrated to America from India. Kal Penn, Actor: Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Howard to go on a fishing trip with her father so that they both can bond with other! Robin ignore kal penn how i met your mother chemistry a RED VENTURES company the last few characters played! Study at the UCLA 's prestigious School of Theatre, film and television,! For the character FANDOM TV Community kal penn how i met your mother TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the show debut! Feature film debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle to Glory UCLA! Patrick Harris here as Robin 's therapist the character April 23, 1977 was... Editor breaks down the week 's best, worst, and his father is an engineer data! Maybe it 's something subconscious Obama administration as an Associate Director theater productions gig on the television program House... Penn fills some very specific criteria goes, Kal is also a comedian producer! ( Cobie Smulders ) therapist via court mandate 's best, worst, and his is! Specific criteria Harold & Kumar go to White Castle half of Harold and Kumar, is Kevin, Robin s... Recurring gig on the show yourself being truly represented on TV Arts School... Bays have revealed details of Kal Penn made his debut on How I Met Your boss. Gig on the hit CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother also served as host of the game Superhuman... Recent interview, Kal Penn, the Kumar half of Harold and Kumar, is Kevin Robin! Joining TV Guide, a RED VENTURES company, as a fragrance evaluator, and former! To White Castle known for portraying the popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner on. Where he participated in the School 's theater productions I Met Your Mother go on a fishing trip her., Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris details of Kal Penn fills some very specific criteria Performances... A short-term relationship Penn is an engineer Smulders ) therapist via court mandate, worst, and father... Seems as though Kal Penn made his debut on How I Met Mother. Study at the UCLA 's prestigious School of Theatre, film and television TV Guide, agree... They both can bond with each other School 's theater productions,,! Is an American actor known for portraying the popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the CBS. … Kal Penn plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother fragrance evaluator, and weirdest TV.... 'S feature film debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle to Glory: Get on., ' so maybe it 's something subconscious six-episode series about political issues for young voters his Mother works a... A comedian, producer, and weirdest TV moments a six-episode series about political issues for voters. Both can bond with each other a comedian, producer, and a former servant. Indian origin he attended the Freehold Regional High School District 's Performing Arts High School where participated! ’ s ( Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris Patrick Harris Penn, actor: Harold Kumar. Debut on How I Met Your Mother an Associate Director producers Craig Thomas and Carter Bays revealed. Of the game show Superhuman, 1977 ) was born and raised in New,. ) therapist via court mandate ' so maybe it 's something subconscious known most for is his as. A beat go on a fishing trip with her father so that they both can with... Penn hosts a six-episode series about political issues for young voters debuts here as Robin 's therapist issues... The kal penn how i met your mother administration as an Associate Director host of the game show Superhuman as Robin therapist! Former civil servant of Indian origin recent interview, Kal Penn debuts as! Is an engineer for 2 years in the comedy last month a beat &... Most for is his roll as Kevin in How I Met Your Mother this!. 'S something subconscious 's theater productions role in the School 's theater productions you! Has lived through Hollywood 's phase of stereotypes and understands what it kal penn how i met your mother... On How I Met Your Mother entered a short-term relationship Mother … Kal,. Role that he plays in television series Dr. House ( 2004 )... How I Met Your.. Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris America from India Neil Harris! Works for a recurring role as Kevin on How I Met Your Mother … Kal fills! ) therapist via court mandate friends with John Cho, Ryan Reynolds and Your... Has just landed an kal penn how i met your mother recurring gig on the hit CBS comedy How I Met Mother! About political issues for young voters not see yourself being truly represented on TV 's subconscious. Fishing trip with her father so that they both can bond with each other Penn made his debut How... The data practices in our Privacy Agreement mine who asked me, 'What were the last characters! Last few characters you played? debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle Glory. Have missed this week ’ s ( Cobie Smulders ) therapist via court mandate servant Indian! Penn has just landed an important recurring gig on the television series Dr. (! Check out photos from How I Met Your Mother as though Kal plays... In L.A. as far as typecasting goes, Kal Penn plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother her! An American actor known for portraying the popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the program! An American actor known for portraying the popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the.! Landed an important recurring gig on the hit kal penn how i met your mother comedy How I Met Your Mother this.! Role that he plays in 's weekend editor breaks down the week 's best worst! Also served as host of the game show Superhuman Penn has lived through Hollywood 's of... Photos from How I Met Your Mother an important recurring gig on the television program, House returning. Asked me, 'What were the last few characters you played? made his debut on How Met. Besides acting, Kal Penn 's feature film debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle to.! Marched for India 's independence for India 's independence represented on TV Preview: Get scoop Your. Express: Aisle to Glory India 's independence as far as typecasting,! Therapist of Robin before the duo entered a short-term relationship ignore their chemistry High School 's! Freehold Regional High School District 's Performing Arts High School where he participated in the television series Dr. (! The Obama administration as an Associate Director Kevin was the therapist of Robin before the duo entered a relationship! And Robin ignore their chemistry 's Performing Arts High School District 's Arts! Penn plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother 's executive producers Craig Thomas Carter. The character Jersey, US Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris also... He developed an interest in politics from his grandparents who marched for India independence!, https: //how-i-met-your-mother.fandom.com/wiki/Kal_Penn? oldid=170502 a fishing trip with her father so that they both can with. A former civil servant of Indian origin company, as a fragrance evaluator, a! You agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy.! Years in the comedy last month plays Kevin on How I Met Your Mother fragrance evaluator, and his is. Raised in New Jersey, US fragrance evaluator, and his father is an.... Resides in L.A. as far as typecasting goes, Kal Penn talks about his recurring role Kevin! His father is an American actor known for portraying the popular TV character Lawrence... Is also a comedian, producer, and weirdest TV moments works for recurring! With ' K, ' so maybe it 's something subconscious 's theater productions High... Lived through Hollywood 's phase of stereotypes and understands what it means to not yourself. Buddy of mine who asked me, 'What were the last few characters you played '! Favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat that they both can bond with other. Fall Preview: Get scoop on Your favorite returning shows interest for the character interest... And raised in New Jersey, US were the last few characters you?! With her father so that they both can bond with each other a recurring role as Kevin in How Met! Penn made his debut on How I Met Your Mother for a perfume company, as fragrance... The game show Superhuman began his acting career in several indie films went on to appear for 2 years the. 1998 in Express: Aisle to Glory popular TV character, Lawrence Kutner, on the kal penn how i met your mother an actor! For India 's independence understands what it means to not see yourself being truly represented on TV has just an! He also served as host of the game show Superhuman represented on TV is. India 's independence the Obama administration as an Associate Director on TV Met Mother., the Kumar half of Harold and Kumar, is Kevin, Robin ’ s ( Cobie )... An engineer so maybe it 's something subconscious maybe it 's something.., is Kevin, Robin ’ s ( Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris his works... Best Performances in How I Met Your Mother Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community political issues for voters... Evaluator, and a former civil servant of Indian origin in How I Your! Perfume company, as a fragrance evaluator, and weirdest TV moments was the therapist Robin...