Neil Patrick Harris to host Emmy Awards
Seriously, is this guy on speed dial? Neil Patrick Harris, a.k.a. host savant, has been tapped to emcee the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards.
It will mark the second time the jack-of-all-trades actor, about to ride out his stint as lothario Barney on CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother,” has hosted the ceremony. He last anchored the event in 2009, when it aired on CBS.
“Neil is the quintessential host -- engaging, entertaining and a true showman -- with a passion for celebrating the medium we all love. We’re thrilled for him to return for CBS’ broadcast of the Emmy Awards,” Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement.
We can only hope Harris can get a two-for-one deal on hosting tuxedos. He’s also heading up the upcoming Tony Awards ceremony, again, on June 9.
“I couldn’t be more honored and excited to be hosting this year’s Emmy Awards,” Harris said in a statement. “And what perfect timing -- I’ll just do the exact same script I’m about to use for the Tonys. ‘And the Emmy for best revival of a musical goes to ‘Breaking Bad!’ See, told you it works.”
Last year’s telecast, which aired on ABC, was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and delivered an average of 13.2 million total viewers, according to Nielsen. That was up 6% compared with the previous year’s show on Fox, which was emceed by Jane Lynch.
Harris is a three-time Emmy Award winner for his guest-starring role on “Glee” and as host of the 2009 and 2011 Tony Awards. Yeah, we think his portrayal of Doogie Howser merited an award, too!
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