Neil Patrick Harris To Host His 3rd Tony Awards
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) -- "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris will get to hone his hosting skills in June when he takes a third turn as host of the annual Tony Awards.
Producers of the show announced Tuesday that the sitcom star, who is a stage veteran, would be back at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre for the ceremony honoring Broadway's best. It will be broadcast live on CBS on June 10.
In a statement, Harris said he was thrilled. "Not only will I be shining a spotlight on the best that Broadway has to offer, but hopefully I'll score some free house seats to a show — or five!"
Harris previously hosted the Tonys last year and in 2009, the same year he hosted the Emmy Awards. As he did in 2011, Harris will also serve as a producer.
The 38-year-old Harris has starred in three Broadway productions: "Assassins," "Proof," opposite Anne Heche, and as the exuberant master of ceremonies in "Cabaret."
His movie credits include "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" and "The Smurfs."
Last year's Tony telecast was seen by 6.9 million viewers and posted a 9 percent year-to-year gain in the ratings for the 18-to-49 demographic. The boost came even though it aired opposite Game 6 of the NBA Finals, in which the Dallas Mavericks clinched the championship against the Miami Heat.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
