Out actor Neil Patrick Harris has been
named 2014 Man of the Year by Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals,
the oldest theatrical organization in the United States.
Harris joins Dame Helen Mirren, whom
the group recently named its 2014 Woman of the Year.
“I assume this is for that pudding
wrestling competition I won last April … right?” quipped Harris.
“It was dark and seemed quite seedy at the time – I'm stoked that
it's connected with Harvard. Fancy! Can't wait!”
Past recipients of the Woman of the
Year award include Meryl Steep, Katherine Hepburn, Julia Roberts,
Jodie Foster, Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Claire Danes and
Marion Cotillard. The group added its Man of the Year award in 1963.
Past recipients include Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Robert de Niro,
Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Anthony Hopkins, Bruce Willis,
Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel and Kiefer Sutherland.
Harris will be presented with his
Pudding Pot during a February 7 celebratory roast for the actor at
Farkas Hall, the historic home of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
“We are pleased to present Mr. Harris
with our Man of the Year Award honoring his distinguished
contributions to the arts and entertainment industry,” said Tony
Oblen, '14, President of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. “With his
enviable reputation as a host and showman, we look forward to hosting
Mr. Harris for an entertaining and unforgettable evening to recognize
his achievements.”