Neil Patrick Harris to host TV Land Awards

By April MacIntyre Mar 4, 2009, 3:42 GMT

02/07/2009 - Neil Patrick Harris - Neil Patrick Harris has been named the host of the 7th Annual “TV Land Awards,” it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. © Tony Lowe / PR Photos

Neil Patrick Harris has been named the host of the 7th Annual “TV Land Awards,” it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. 

“The TV Land Awards” will be taped on Sunday, April 19th at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City and air in TV Land PRIME on Sunday, April 26th at 9pm ET/PT.

Harris gained notoriety on the small screen as the much-adored title character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” a role which also garnered him a Golden Globe nomination.  Created by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley, the television comedy-drama, which ran for four seasons, told the story of a brilliant young doctor who faced the problems of being a normal teenager.  Harris’ additional television credits include the NBC comedy series, “Stark Raving Mad,” opposite Tony Shalhoub, the CBS mini-series Joan of Arc with Leelee Sobieski & Peter O’Toole, Showtime’s The Man in the Attic, the classic TNT telefilm Cold Sassy Tree opposite Faye Dunaway, My Antonia with Jason Robards, The Wedding Dress with Tyne Daly, and CBS’s top-rated telefilm of 2005, The Christmas Blessing.  He’s also made guest appearances on such shows as “Will & Grace,” “Ed,” and “Boomtown.”

New Mexico native Harris recently mixed his love of magic and theatre in directing The Expert at the Card Table at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“Neil is a dynamic and versatile actor who has won the hearts of fans and critics alike,” states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land.  “Over the past 20 years, Neil has continued to reinvent himself with memorable roles on television, on Broadway and in film.  He brings a great sense of humor and quick wit to the table and we are thrilled to have him as our host.”

This year, the ninety-minute show will honor artists from the entertainment industry, feature musical performances, reunite some of the most iconic celebrity TV casts and the perennial TV Land Awards parody that always highlights the year's  most-talked-about events. 

Previous honorees include Mike Myers, Garry Marshall, the cast of “Desperate Housewives” and the hilarious sitcoms "Cheers" and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”  Past presenters include Academy Award© winner Halle Berry, Justin Timberlake, Samuel L. Jackson, Steve Carell, Robin Williams and Academy Award© nominee Robert Downey, Jr. to name a few.