Kuttner Dies in House, Goes to Work for White House

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April 8, 2009



Actor Kal Penn of the Harold and Kumar comedy movie series has been appointed as public liaison between President Barack Obama and Hollywood.

Kal, who played Kumar in "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" and the sequel "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay," also appears in the TV drama "House" and has starred in other movies.

Penn described the office as "basically the front door of the White House" and it takes out "all of the red tape that falls between the general public and the White House."

The actor has left "House" to devote time to his new job in Washington, according to UPI.

read: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7014716363


The "Harold & Kumar" actor adds that he is not retiring from acting on a permanent basis, but when the opportunity to work at the White House presented itself, he couldn't turn it down. He says he has always had two passions: acting and public service . . .

"Obviously, going from a private career where you are working for a big company to a public service career, there is a huge pay cut," he points out. "The concern with that is I own a home. This is a terrible housing market and my concern is the same as anybody else's moving to a new city: Can I sublet my house for the same price as my mortgage? Can I refinance it? We will see. It is not something I have entirely figured out."

Kal's involvement in politics is a family tradition. His grandparents marched with Ghandi and passed down the stories, so it was always on his mind growing up. When he began campaigning for President Obama, Kal was a registered Independent. He still is. But he says that he believes in the change that the president put forth in his campaign promises.

So did the two ever talk about "House"?

"He did mention 'House,' but it was a passing comment," Kal says. "I met him at a fundraiser. He said, 'You are on that show. What show are you on?' I said, 'I am on "House."' He said, 'The doctor show. Nice work.'

read: http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/04/72605/index.html

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

1. Whatever, I prefered him on House

He's screwing up my TV shows.

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5. They didn't really put enough into his character

I expected them to give him more wit and presence than he was afforded.

[Ilsa]

2. He said on NPR this morning that his grandfather "fought" for Independence

for India alongside Ghandi and was frequently jailed with other revolutionaries. He said he was torn between working in the arts and public service. I guess this was an opportunity he couldn't turn down.

I watch House every week. I kept hoping it was a mistake, that Kuttner would come into the room at any moment. I'll miss him. I really like the guy.

[eShirl]

3. post title has just spoiled the episode for people who watch it on Hulu.com

We get new episodes of House a week after the network broadcast.


too late now, I guess

[bigtree]

6. you have to wait a week?

drag.

[Odin2005]

4. Sweet! House MD is my favorite primetime show.

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7. .