Kal Penn Leaves House to Work for President Obama

Us Magazine - April 7, 2009 6:26 AM PDT
Story photo: Kal Penn Leaves House to Work for President ObamaKal Penn arrives at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.Us Magazine
Kal Penn has left Fox's House for the White House.

The 31-year-old actor -- whose character, Dr. Kutner, committed suicide on Monday's show -- tells Entertainment Weekly that it was his decision to leave the hit show to work for President Obama.

Penn will be the associate director in the White House's Office of Public Liaison & Intergovernmental Affairs -- a similar job he had while campaigning for Obama last year.

See other celebs who campaigned for Obama

"They do outreach with the American public and with different organizations," Penn explains. "They're basically the front door of the White House. They take out all of the red tape that falls between the general public and the White House."

Penn -- known for his role in the stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle -- says he had been "thinking" about moving into politics "for a while."

See Barack Obama's baby photo

He took several political science courses in college and even participated in an online international studies program at Stanford in 2006.

"I love what I do as an actor. I couldn't love it more. But probably from the time I was a kid, I really enjoyed that balance between the arts and public service," he says. "I thought this might be the right time to go off and do something else."

See the most embarrassing moments from the 2008 campaign

Penn -- who called his new gig "a relatively recent development" -- doesn't mind taking a pay cut.

"There's not a lot of financial reward in these jobs," he says. "Obviously, the opportunity to serve in a capacity like this is an incredible honor."

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comments 1-10 of 21  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Deep
    let me clean that up ***wants to serve the public***
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 11:34 PM PDT
  • Deep
    Taylor, really...moron? amazing how it's presume he's a moron because he wants be serve the piblic. As a people, we Americans are such %@!*#s and judgemental!
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 11:33 PM PDT
  • Taylor
    Another celeb wanna be in the White House. Woo hoo. bunch of morons.
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 9:00 AM PDT
  • alchemystik
    I will miss "Dr. Kutner" very much, but wish Kal all the best in his new job! :)
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:43 AM PDT
  • unknown
    kep 54...just an FYI...all people who are in the entertainment business are not "celebutards". Real people, who have a mind to put to good use...unlike you, an ignorant, judgemental arse.
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:27 AM PDT
  • Bwell
    LMAO !!
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:07 AM PDT
  • lessi
    Nancy D, how did they spoil the episode, it was on last night!!! The only way they could have spoiled it would be if it hadnt already aired. Just because YOU didnt watch it doesnt mean they spoiled it.
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:03 AM PDT
  • Carol
    You Suck I havent watched it yet... Thanks for the let down couldnt wait and let the DVR population get a chance to watch the show???
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:01 AM PDT
  • BezulB
    Nancy D-its not a spoiler if the episode has already aired. Its your own fault for reading an article about a character on a show that has aired (last night). Don't read the articles if you like to be in ignorant bliss. Good for him (Kal) - way to actually act upon your convictions & not just talk about them!
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
  • kep54
    great more celebutards getting involved in politics just what we need
    report abuseposted April 7, 2009 7:59 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 21  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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