Neil Patrick Harris to host CBS' Emmycast

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-14 08:47

In this June 7, 2009 file photo, actor and host, Neil Patrick Harris arrives at the 63rd annual Tony Awards in New York. [Agencies]

NEW YORK – Neil Patrick Harris, who won critical acclaim hosting last month's Tonys, will fill the same role for the prime-time Emmys.

He had been rumored for more than a week to have the job. CBS made it official Monday.

"After having had such a hoot hosting the Tonys, I was thrilled to get the call about the prime-time Emmys," said Harris, adding that he looks forward to "adding my own voice" to the ceremony: "But which voice to choose? I'm torn between gangsta, foppish Brit, and robot. Really proud of my robot. We'll see what happens on the night."

Harris, 36, will also serve as a producer for the CBS broadcast, which will air live Sept. 20 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Harris, who begins his fifth season on the CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother" in the fall, has landed a Golden Globe nomination and two Emmy nominations in his role as womanizing Barney Stinson.

He has appeared on Broadway in "Cabaret" and "Proof," and won a Web following in Joss Whedon's zany "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog." He first gained stardom in the title role of the ABC comedy "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989-1993), playing a genius teenage doctor.