Neil Patrick Harris Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED

Neil Patrick Harris takes the WIRED Autocomplete Interview and answers the internet's most searched questions about himself. What was Neil Patrick Harris's first movie? Is Neil Patrick Harris the new Doctor Who? Is he really a magician? Does he watch Cobra Kai? How old was he when he made Doogie Howser? Neil answers all these questions and much more!
Season one of Uncoupled is now streaming on Netflix, www.netflix.co...
Director: Katherine Wzorek
Director of Photography: Brad Wickham
Editor: Ron Douglas
Talent: Neil Patrick Harris
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Samantha Vélez
Production Manager: Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Talent Booker: Paige Garbarini
Camera Operator: Lauren Pruitt
Audio: Gabe Quiroga
Production Assistants: Carlo Betia and Ryan Coppola
Gaffers: Cody Blevins and Gautam Kadian
Groomer: Yev Write-Mason
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: JC Scruggs
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on KZbin? ►► wrd.cm/15fP7B7
Listen to the Get WIRED podcast ►► link.chtbl.com...
Want more WIRED? Get the magazine ►► subscribe.wire...
Follow WIRED:
Instagram ►► / wired
Twitter ►► / wired
Facebook ►► / wired
Get more incredible stories on science and tech with our daily newsletter: wrd.cm/DailyYT
Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
ABOUT WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture.

[@denisetorres8326]

THATS NOT NEIL PATRICK HARRIS MR POE, THATS COUNT OLAF IN DISGUISE!

[@SosoGomez-Devia]

Super underrated comment

[@ヘイデンという名前の編集者]

The Baudelaire’s every fricken second

[@Sorrythishandlehasbeenremoved]

Guys Mr Poe won’t listen because he’s Very Fricking Dumb

[@MayaNoelle2009]

Lmao😂

[@carstenfolsch5100]

Count Olaf? Hmm... I don't think so. If this person really isn't Neil Patrick Harris but a person in disguise, it could never be Olaf. Because whoever he is, he convinced me that he IS Mr. Harris. Olaf never was that good as an actor.

[@Nikkiflausch]

WIRED's guests are always great, but you know Neil Patrick Harris takes the cake because the crew couldn't stop giggling in the background.

[@darthogrethethird9773]

Takes the cake 💀

[@allshookup1640]

@anonymous it actually wasn’t a cake. It was a meat platter which is kinda of even creepier. It had ribs, pulled pork, stuff like that.

[@nathanh8593]

When Jacksepticeye was the guest, the crew was trying so hard not to laugh because he was cracking really good jokes left right and center.

[@tamiatrash1170]

I read this comment at the beginning of the video and know i keep trying to hear giggles but i cant

[@lunarialoonatic]

Omg yes I can hear it now 😭 he just has a contagious energy

[@WitteArtistry]

Such a wholesome and funny guy! It's so wonderful when a good person with talent becomes rich/ famous!

[@shuukenji6585]

This Interview Is LEGEND-... wait for it...

[@shuukenji6585]

-DARY! LEGENDARY!

[@euclyptuseuphoria3759]

Definitely one of my top 5 favourite voices for Spider Man. Shattered Dimensions was so nostalgic

[@DaRusselHobbs]

0:50 you can hear his inner count Olaf

[@plestrange511]

For those wondering, the himym episode he directed was S5 Ep13 "Jenkins". One of my favourites!

[@chrissycopeland8064]

I'd love to hang out with Neil Patrick Harris and family for a day. I bet he and his husband are the best dads!!

[@Tikuros]

I loved Box One it is such a cool experience!

[@neylanloffredo9120]

I’m so convinced Neil is truly Barney and not just acting it. Love him.

[@svinxpichu3469]

I don't think he slept with 300 women IRL but other than women I mean kinda yeah

[@FionaShaji]

so trueee i love barneyyyy

[@richardcope5066]

I'd hope not!

[@CaptainGuluGulu]

@@svinxpichu3469 ı don't think he ever slept with a woman

[@GabrielRebelloQuintanilha]

barney is married with scooter.

[@jules.s-treehouse]

He's done so much it's crazy. Writer, director, actor (tv and broadway), singer, producer... and he has a family on top of all that. It's honestly inspiring

[@goodcorwin627]

well, TV, Broadway AND Hollywood.

[@ems6644]

you forgot Magician

[@oliviahafnermunichteaching957]

Isn’t he also a hardcore magician?

[@user-ne9sd4ow1o]

I ran into him and his family in the small town I live! They were so cute and nice!

[@tobias7533]

He's amazing and I love him

[@1gneZ]

Rare footage of Barney Stinson not wearing a suit

[@danielaguerrerocardenas1277]

“how is Neil Patrick Harris” “Awesome!” his inner barney came out to life

[@AlexMendez-kj4rc]

Underrated comment 😂

[@averys_wxrld]

He should have said legen.. wait for it.. DARY

[@wanderlustqueen13]

I love that he actually has the VFD tattoo!!! What a wonderful actor. I love his roles and the energy he brings to them!

[@senamation]

he also shaved his head for that role, he's always doing his best haha

[@typo1345]

@@senamation tbf I'd do the same, if I were playing Olaf I'd want to get that hairstyle down right

[@RipplyAnemone67]

@@typo1345 it probably also made it easier for him to film it as well hat would regrow quickly in a way and just saves time on filming

[@MooDog_Draws]

Same

[@OscarStinson]

He has NOT watched Cobra Kai??? He is literally the reason the show exists!

[@TheBeastBoss04]

I knew you'd be here

[@FISH-tg8pn]

How is he the reason the show exists

[@TheSithLord]

Idk. I love Cobra Kai.

[@misterthedarkknight]

@@FISH-tg8pn the creators of the show based their idea of Barney believing Johnny being the good guy in the Karated Kid

[@shalevhaham]

True! I'm pretty sure there was a reference to HIMYM in Cobra Kai, specifically about Barney. Can't believe he didn't watch it.

[@ferni0]

The thing I appreciate the most about NPH's acting is how no matter how the character's personality is, NPH's essence is always shining through, making them that much better

[@vinnieg6161]

I find it amazing he completely convinced me of his character in HIMYM, I literally thought that was how he was for a long time.

[@blub4235]

@@vinnieg6161 8

[@kokayinewsome9308]

I forget NPH did magic. You demonic wizard...

[@Accio_Eloise]

@@vinnieg6161 fun fact! Barney was based on NPH's character in "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" where he plays a super extreme, douchy, misogynistic straight guy and goes by his own name. They took that character, toned him down so he would be suitable for HIMYM and valais! You have Barney Stinson.

[@dowal199]

Yeah... Usually it's a bad thing when you can't act the character without being yourself...

[@oscargill423]

Neil Patrick Harris is literally just Barney but slightly more soft spoken and not absurdly misogynistic Edit: Objectifying of women, there, are you happy?

[@NateSearson]

Also maybe a touch less heterosexual

[@maxpayne4129]

@@NateSearson Wow. Really??? Lol 😄👍

[@makwore3141]

@@NateSearson just a touch lol

[@skywateriam]

@@maxpayne4129 yep. really. i think he's less of a chick maniac then barney xd

[@maxpayne4129]

@@skywateriam 😉

[@jenniferharlow4603]

I’m pretty sure I had a goofy smile on my face this whole interview. He’s just so funny and wholesome and effortlessly funny. I’m also mad impressed with his success; I didn’t know about a few of his pursuits like games and books.

[@vinnieg6161]

I knew about ''The bro code'' and the ''the playbook'' xD

[@Tylerfrompdx]

www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniesoteriou/neil-patrick-harris-backlash-amy-winehouse-corpse

[@alisahurt2498]

Same!!! Lol

[@greenapple1470]

I do like him, I just can't get over what he did to Amy Winehouse

[@vinnieg6161]

@@greenapple1470 which is

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

Neil Patrick Harris has the kind of smile where if he smiles at you you are legally compelled to smile back. It feels literally impossible to not smile back.

[@ozdengurler]

♡

[@Random_Tech-Priest]

Are we sure this not just count Olaf in disguise?

[@josiedownes4726]

Nope

[@danielaguerrerocardenas1277]

this is barney stinson but evolved

[@chloeplacke9957]

No count Olaf isn’t that good of an actor to play this nice of a character

[@tigercilea860]

Lol

[@bigj7933]

You mean count omar?

[@giovannicar2763]

Nice try Swarley, nice try

[@AlexMendez-kj4rc]

Swarley 😂

[@huntielle]

He seems to be that type of person that everyone would absolutely love being friends with!

[@tommyvasquez2708]

the anti-barney stinson

[@mashamitchell9574]

Yeah probably not

[@AmritenduRana31082000]

Not religious illiterates like muslim and Christian comic book believing folks.

[@The.4nimaL]

@@tommyvasquez2708 Anti? I would love to be friend with BS! Who else are you gonna lick liberty bell with?

[@hebertlopez1105]

Not me

[@surprisevegeta8838]

Neil Patrick Harris just seems like the sweetest/nicest actor ever.

[@mrmixsixaplix]

amy winehouse

[@miqbio2628]

Q: How is Neil Patrick Harris? NPH: *wonders how he can accurately summarize how great his life has been so far* NPH: Awesome. Thanks for asking!

[@sailorumbriel6260]

He channeled his inner Barney Stinson for that one

[@Abby_slay563]

@@aurorajosehpine3791 what is already here.

[@tzking7640]

I only watched "Series of unfortunate events" because of him and absolutely loved it! He is a phenomenal actor and proves it again and again!

[@fSebastianRe]

Correct

[@typo1345]

him playing Olaf is literally a good actor acting as a bad actor badly acting

[@GrimsElvira]

true@@typo1345

[@avishekchatterjee9973]

Even though he has been in many successful shows, I don't think any of them have used his natural personality effectively, i.e., he is cooler in person than any of his characters (except perhaps Doogie Howser).

[@sunwillriseagain6202]

the great doogie howser

[@sangeetamarothi]

Barnabus 'Barney' Stinson

[@hassanmasood186]

He also did voices of Spider-Man and Nightwing

[@pdfbanana]

he has a magnetism to him that allows him to play extremely exaggerated characters that most others can't. that's a rare ability, so in studios' minds it's not worth it for him to play a "straight" character that's closer to his real personality. there are tons of actors who can do that, but only a few who can be absurd without coming off as cheesy like NPH can

[@RikFTK]

Have you seen Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog (three part Josh Wedon KZbin series)? I think that comes close.

[@notme3362]

He’s literally Barney in real life

[@danielaguerrerocardenas1277]

he’s like an evolved version of Barney lmao

[@austinhall2158]

Constant smiles through this whole thing. I haven’t seen him on screen since I finished binging How I Met Your Mother last spring, and I’m glad to see he’s doing well today.

[@RafaelW8]

He's a LEGEN wait for it, and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the next part of this word is DARY

[@SuperLuxz]

Whatch uncoupled. That's his recent show

[@naomilichtner6637]

My life right now is so screwed up that when he so reflectively said “awesome. Thanks for asking!” It made my heart hurt a little…but the guy deserves it. Actor, Writer, Director, Author, Inventor, Magician…on TV, movies and Broadway…wow! He seems so energetic and bubbly but still so chill. His kids are so lucky- seems like such a great dad! And he has rescue dogs ❤️

[@sevareilly]

It's nice to have role models on TV who like you said are also awesome people, not just amazing performers.

[@khalilahd.]

His real personality is as good as some of the characters he’s played I love it 😅

[@Eat_Pi]

He's like Will Smith in that way (minus the slapping)

[@joshhanson6538]

He does get slapped a lot though

[@mandipandi303]

Him not only forgetting that he sang multiple songs in Glee, as well as getting the one he could remember wrong is so freakin' funny.

[@chrisstorms7511]

wow! I didn't realize that he did so much. He was a child actor, has acted in film, TV, and broadway. he's a magician, director, author, business owner, and a cook. and probably more. like wow!

[@dianacrow8701]

And a game designer! Like, what?

[@TastyTardis]

he also was a cunning warrior and a good friend

[@joshhanson6538]

He's a master of the possimpible

[@qandat]

Also a husband and dad, the list goes on

[@hxneyedbellsss]

same that’s awesome!

[@yui4779]

"special episode of doctor who" Doctor Who - The Giggle Character - The Celestial Toymaker

[@D3robotics]

If he hasn’t done “Hot Ones” yet, he needs to.

[@sophieisonyoutube]

Vouch

[@hermunkulus]

He's doing it on Thursday

[@jose-gr7jg]

@@hermunkulus really??

[@mima_8484]

Its been posted on their channel!

[@pyro5263]

Yup he did and it was great

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

I was so glad he flashed his SOUE tattoo. He was everything Count Olaff could be and more. I could watch that series over and over and over and over again.

[@haleyanne86]

How has he NOT been on this interview until now?!? He seems like such a wholesome and great guy to hang out with! His game Box1 is AWESOME!

[@Zedja]

For some reason I want Neil Patrick Harris to star in a movie with Ryan Reynolds. Mostly as brothers-in-arms, but possibly also as a friendly rivalry.

[@chelsey1087]

6:10 I love that he loves suits in real life just like how Barney loves them in how I met your mother

[@GeekdomCentral]

He’s just absolutely delightful. How can one human being be full of so much cheer and joy

[@DalekCaanOfSkaro]

The energy of David Tennant and Neil Patrick Harris will be 🤯

[@AadamSaleem0]

Barney' is hands down one of the top 3 funniest character's in TV history.

[@khalilahd.]

Agreed 😂😂

[@Eat_Pi]

He was LEGEN *wait for it* .....................................................................

[@randomico7632]

@@Eat_Pi DARY

[@sumitrana2420]

@@randomico7632 LEGENDARY!

[@MLennholm]

@@Eat_Pi IhopenoonehereislactoseintolerantbecausethesecondpartofthatwordisDAIRY

[@christineirving4300]

That's not NPH, that's Count Olaf in disguise.

[@kimmeallay5043]

It is possible that NPH haven't watched Cobra Kai yet, but he deserved to be cameo in that series, BECAUSE HE IS BASICALLY INVENTED IT!

[@melodyide2248]

What do you mean?

[@LaddyRa]

His character in HIMYM is obsessed with William Zabka and his character in The Karate Kid coz Barney always supports the villains in movies

[@MB-xw1tu]

@@LaddyRa Just occurred to me after reading and basically agreeing with the sentiment... that actually.. Barney had the idea... which means the writers/creators of HIMYM came up with the idea. whoa.

[@stephendexheimer7914]

Best part is that he was in Harold & Kumar and the writers of that went on to create Cobra Kai and Barney Stinson thought that Willam Zabka was the real Karate Kid, it’s all come full circle

[@aarusharora6678]

How come this man never age?!

[@Eat_Pi]

The longer the name, the longer you live. Simple physics actually.

[@phantom122887]

Geminis 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@unanuevapecula]

Never age???

[@a.b.8035]

@@Eat_Pi True story!

[@seppyq3672]

Lighting and makeup.

[@miathermopolis1374]

Am I the only one who finds NPH extremely attractive 🤔

[@harlequeenchannel]

He's so infectious and bubbly, definitely one of my favorite autocomplete interview

[@faithrowe4857]

I've always admired how much this man does and all his achievements..the acting, the directing, producing, singing, dancing, presenting, everything is so impressive and executed superbly and fantastically!!!

[@MajesticViking]

"Starship troopers, I only recommend the first one" so funny, yet so true

[@tammsiee]

I just started watching Series of Unfortunate Events, and I have to say he SLAYS count olaf in a way that jim carrey's version never could.

[@Imperius_Rex_753]

There are no words to describe him other than "colorful". I love how he has to imagine him hugging his dog to say how big she is

[@PinkFK2R]

It's only until you start watching NPH being himself that you see how much of himself is in Barney Stinson's character

[@jstmarton]

8:50 .... lol I blame How I Met Your Mother; when He goes "let me do the math" .... I was expecting whimsical music to play as he forms a chart describing time-lapse.

[@luciagilgsthmrvls]

Hes so 🥰🥰

[@darkwingchuck5005]

I need to check out his books, especially the autobiography. NPH just keeps getting cooler the more I learn about him.

[@merlijnvandesande9383]

I literally just ordered the autobiography whilst watching this video hahaha

[@kaylynvandermerwe]

god i adore this man, I can't imagine anyone even slightly disliking him

[@maxpayne4129]

👍

[@etoinedevries7583]

The opening number sung by NPH at the 87th academy awards is still one of my most favorite things he's ever done.

[@seppyq3672]

Same! "We were that kid!"

[@El_Bueno]

Let's make something absolutely clear... Whoopi Goldberg is NOT cool at all.

[@nastyagolskaya9376]

Neil Patrick Harris in doctor who series??? Like, what? Can't wait to watch. And to be honest, I think he would be an amazing Doctor

[@kiyadenham6515]

I think he'd be really good as like an alternate dimension 10th doctor

[@IceMetalPunk]

Yep, for the upcoming holiday special. There have been behind the scenes photos and some people have speculated who he might be playing based on costumes alone, but no one really knows...

[@senguptasayn]

I think he's the antagonist.

[@ctsean]

I doubt he'd be The Doctor, but I feel like he'd be perfect as The Master - though he's overqualified, since he already has a PhD in horribleness

[@Llahha]

It’s honestly weird seeing him not in a suit.

[@assia0]

i love neil patrick harris he’s one of the funniest actor and down to earth person

[@Vim-Wolf]

When he said he's about to be in Doctor Who I may have geekgasmed a little bit.

[@elliottjarris3058]

Right?!

[@EricaGamet]

I died when I saw the pic of him and David Tennant a couple weeks ago!

[@elliottjarris3058]

@@EricaGamet There is a photo of them together!! Oooooo! Thank you for telling me that! I am gonna look it up right away

[@charliedavidarnott1537]

@@elliottjarris3058 There is a video of them together on set!

[@DLPTv]

Count Olaf! 😤

[@monkeygod6147]

Neil Patrick Harris is america's sweetheart and a national treasure. Treat him like you would Betty White or Terry Crews. And if you don't... ☠️

[@sunnyscott4876]

He's got a long way to go before you can put him in the same category as Betty White, may she rest in peace. 💗

[@pickledata7926]

He’s Count Olaf in disguise!!! Can’t you see the tattoo??

[@huntielle]

What a wholesome human being!

[@beatproducerken]

Why did I hear voices in my head when he explained about the games he invented 2:27: PATENT PENDING, GOD IM SUCH A GENIUS

[@kosturidan]

Are those games actually commercially available?😂😮

[@pouetpouetdaddy5]

Neil...nailed it in Uncoupled, he is so good in the role of Michael...love him more and more ( I wish I would have been in the first row during the Hedwig play...)

[@bignick2k215]

This is how I like to imagine Barney a couple of years after his daughter was born. Just grown up, humble, and successful in life. Finally got his life together.

[@elhopper3735]

This is one of my new favorite Wired interviews just cuz of how much fun it is. I was smiling and laughing the whole time. NPH is a pure joy

[@ACDBunnie]

I didn't know neil Patrick Harris even made games but I'm so happy to hear about him explain box 1 because playing board games has always been one of my favorite hobbies, but I'm an only child so I am very familiar with the issue that most board games aren't 1 player. It's so nice to see someone else, to see Neil Patrick Harris, also recognize that issue and make a game. Neil Patrick Harris has such a cool personality. I'm never into autobiographies but his choose your own adventure one is such a fun concept, I want to check it out.

[@gomathishankarps5048]

This is legen (wait for it) dery....

[@chad199]

LEGENDARY

[@BroverseGaming1]

Neil’s literally my favorite person ever 😭😂

[@RubyRedS1ippers]

How do u know what he did

[@markcowley1369]

I've got a lot of time for Neil Patrick Harris. A very talented, nice, cool guy.

[@lostanguishbladelord2461]

Lord NPH is giving me Connor Franta vibes - they should collab and have Neil run Con ragged. NPH could also play Tom Holland, George Sear and Kit Connor's dad in a movie or something

[@celestecarey3020]

When he said he won a tony for playing “Hedwig” I was like: oh my gosh he played an owl? And won a tony for it?

[@cattleNhay]

Google: what is wrong with Neil Patric hariss eyebrows

[@MarriedToTheBestHusband]

Neil Patrick Harris is the most legendary dude alive. He gets sexier with age and his personality is so fun. Forever in love with him. ❤️🥰

[@x_xxgrimxx_x]

Thats Count Olaf on disguise!

[@BlaideStones]

i love this dude, he's funny, self aware and smart !! i'm an 100% straight but for him i could make an exception XD (but let's be honest 95% of us don't deserve him :'D)

[@JoeKnaggs]

NPH was incredible in Doctor Who

[@the.real.dwight.schrute]

Did not expect Barney to do that.

[@george_gk26]

You mean Swarley

[@plane.edits1930]

Nothing suits him like a suit 😂

[@gisellevallocci4987]

It’s so crazy seeing the actor of Count Olaf (that’s when I first saw him) looking like a normal man lmao

[@Bear_Andersen]

I used to adore Neil Patrick Harris just for his demeanour and charisma. But then I watched this interview and that changed everything. Now instead, I'm in love with him.

[@scharton23086]

“Don’t wanna let me into your club? Fine. I’ll become the president then.”

[@jaco3394]

I didn't realise NPH had done so much outside of acting. It's seriously impressive and is inspiring me to expand my hobbies and just try out different things. Also put his autobiography on my book list, it sounds like a lot of fun.

[@frzera04]

Neil is truly one of the coolest guy ever. So talented, charismatic and funny!

[@awanderer2661]

He's a man who gives a friendly sibling vibe

[@Tylerfrompdx]

www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniesoteriou/neil-patrick-harris-backlash-amy-winehouse-corpse

[@TheGeekCraft]

If you haven’t heard of his Dr Horrible web series, you need to watch it!

[@TheDibidibi]

Ahhh it’s so good

[@gooseincrocs]

i’m so excited to see him in the doctor who 60th special and i think he’s gonna be great

[@marni_davey]

I've always called him 'the guy who got attacked by smurfs.'

[@aspenandstuff]

Did Neil Patrick Harris serve the most distasteful cake ever?

[@atillacelik2736]

Yes he did!

[@nickc6158]

You talking about the Amy Winehouse corpse cake?

[@jasongrundy1717]

I missed my chance to bot "Is Neal Patrick Harris Dr. Horrible in real life?" to the top of the searches.

[@esfwr17]

Funny dude, great actor, poor judge of character though if he finds Whoopi Goldberg "cool" in any way.

[@classic5446]

Man never ages , does he

[@megasmashxD]

HOW IS HE 50

[@molpegames]

This man is SUCH A LEGEND! ♥♥♥ So talented in everything, has a beautiful family, the VFD tattoo totally got me! ♥

[@zephyrar6642]

He forgot to mention that he wrote 2 more books....The Playbook and The Bro Code 😏😉

[@QuimBeeLivingstone]

I can't believe Doogie Howser was only 4 seasons!?! I remember watching it for years and years!

[@Cocodoo334]

I wanted him to say legen.. wait for it.. dary!