Neil Reveals all to Howard Stern

(Getty Image)  For over a year now, I've written about Howard Stern's positive impact on the gay community, and his interview today with openly gay "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris was perhaps one of the best examples to date.

It's probably the most interesting interview Harris will do in his life.  Harris spoke in-depth about his sexuality, but Stern wanted more -- and Harris was more than game to reveal details.  Below are some highlights:  (Note -- the Stern show is on Sirius Satellite, and therefore uncensored.)

• Harris said he began to think he was gay when he was 13, but hadn't "formulated it in his brain" at that time. He said he continued to date a lot of Hollywood women, including actress Christine Taylor. Here's what he said about Taylor: "She's like the coolest, nicest chick ever.  She's an absolute catch, and I thought if I'm not going to feel the super sparks with her, than it probably means that I'm gay."  He estimated he'd been with between 12-15 girls before he came out of the closet. 
• He had his first same-sex encounter in New York when he was doing "Rent." Harris said he was seduced by a gay male "Rent" cast member: "I think I was a conquest. I was that 'straight guy' that (they thought) might be gay, that they were really hoping could be the one."
• Howard: "Ever been with a black guy?" Harris: "I've made out with a black guy, but never fooled around. It just never happened."

• When he told his parents he was gay: "I think their main concern was one of safety. Because their  big worry was that it meant that I was going to be on crystal meth and get AIDS and have crazy sex with all sorts of random people."

• On the topic of Perez Hilton trying to out him: "He (Perez) was sort of on a witch hunt to out me.  He started posting things saying 'If you've ever fooled around with Neil to please send pictures.'  He was really trying to get some scandal going. So rather than have to repsond to that, I'd rather just respond to the topic at hand."  When asked if he'd ever confronted Perez on the issue, Harris was diplomatic.  "Well it's a tricky subject because people decide they want to be out in the open whether in a public forum or in their family at their own time.  But Perez is from a generation that feels like (being out) is a non-issue.  It's offensive to him when people don't declare that, because in his world, it's always been a part of who he is."  (Stern then discussed how much he disagrees with Perez outing people.)

• Harris said that he and his boyfriend are monogamous and he doesn't believe in open relationships under any circumstances. He also talked about being with his boyfriend for four years, and loved the relationship. "The best part about being in a relationship is like, going through phases and having things being great and things being not-great," he said. "I don't know that once your gay you get this card that says that if things aren't going great you can go fuck other guys."  He also said the great part about being in a guy-guy relationship is so sometimes you could be a top sometimes you can be bottom.

• Little known fact:  Harris said he was so self-conscious of his big ears after "Doogie Howser" that he had surgery on them so they wouldn't stick out so much.  And speaking of Doogie, he said he lost his virginity to a college girl who "wanted to have sex with Doogie."  He said it was over very fast...

Howard then wanted to play a game of "Fuck, Marry, Kill," and Harris gladly obliged. Here were the choices:

Sylvestor Stallone, John Travolta and Tom Cruise:  "Hmm...I'd probably..well, they're all creepy.  I'd probably fuck Stallone, he seems more like... a guy.  I'd probably marry Tom Cruise, because of all the money and I'd kill Travolta."  He said he sensed a "creepy, weird vibe" with Travolta that he couldn't quite figure out, and that he "looks a little odd."  He then raved about Travolta in "Hairspray."

Conan Obrien, Jay Leno and David Letterman:  "Oh wow! Ok --I'd fuck Conan.  I'd kill Leno.  And I'd marry Letterman."  Howard: "Would you rather fuck Conan or have Conan fuck you?"  Harris: [Laughing] "I would fuck Conan, that would be hilarious.  Just to watch his hair move around in the front!"

Howard Stern, Fred Norris (Stern show cast member) or Gary Dellabate (Stern show producer):  "I'd probably fuck Howard."  (Howard's response: "Thank you!")  "I'd probably marry Fred,  and I'd probably kill Gary." When he found out Fred was uncircumcised, he changed his mind. "Oh -- in that case, I'd kill Fred!" he joked.

One more memorable moment of the interview was when infamously homophobic cast member Artie Lange talked about what he'd do if his son came out as gay.  "I joke around about this stuff a lot and talk about it in my act, but I'm being dead honest right now," said Lange. "If my son ever did that (told him he was gay), the first thing I would do would be to give him a hug and tell him there was no way I have a problem with this and I love you." 

For Stern fans, this was the most shocking part of the interview...

Comments

[Carl Bolton]

Bravo to Neil Patrick Harris for being so forthright, intelligent, witty and so damn appealing. I thought he was cute when he was on "Doogie Howser" and think he is a handsome man now. I'd fuck and marry him and NEVER kill him.

[Carl Bolton]

Bravo to Neil Patrick Harris for being so forthright, intelligent, witty and so damn appealing. I thought he was cute when he was on "Doogie Howser" and think he is a handsome man now. I'd fuck and marry him and NEVER kill him.

[Mikeal]

Ever tried foot worship ?

[Terry Payne]

Great interview and I for one am very proud of you (Doogie) Neil P. Harris. It's about time Hollywood actors and actress come out and be proud of who they were meant to be "GAY!"

[Charles]

I remember seeing Neal in Rent at the Ahamanson in Los Angeles all grown up an hot! Damn! I wished I had known then he was questioning and looking for his first experience!

[George Lister]

I admire Neil for being so honest and up front,he would make a good politician.I always had a crush on him and still think he is a great guy.Nothing beats honesty and sincerity

[jose antonio]

Where can I read the full interview? I have been a fun of Neil as an actor. Now I am a fun of Neil as a person!!! That is a much bigger role, and he plays it good!

[Michael]

I wish I saw this interview. It's amazing how more stars are coming out these days. Must explain why more kids in high school are more comfortable with thier sexuality. I had a discussion with my cousin last night who thinks being gay is a choice because thats the way were taught. I said exactly....thats what we were taught! And I chose to be gay the day he chose to be straight! He shut up!

[Rafael]

I am so proud of you Neil. It would be an honor to meet you and perhaps share a drink at the A.M.A. (Castle). From one proud Gay Man to another....May your wand stay stiff to perform another What If.

[Will]

"Doogie", was I your first?? Or just another one along the way. I know you are one of only three to ever top me... Love and best wishes, but wishing I could get you back.

[John Jones]

Being true to yourself is loving yourself and those around you. I am very proud that this actor has found himself. May your relationship stay honest and trusting, two key elements for longevity..J

[Travis]

Doogie was hot then and even hotter now that he all grown up. He is hot I would marry him love to fuck him .

[Phill]

I don't get Harris, why have sex with a woman, and then later call yourself gay. At the very least, he's bi.

[Owen East]

As a New Mexico teenager, I had visions of Douggie Houser lying naked with his partner on a sun filled slope above Rudioso. Well, I also had visions of sex with Tab Hunter and Montgomery Clift and then later learned that they are, as well, gay. Maybe wishful thinking isn't so unreal after all. Good luck, Neal Patrick Harris!

[Patrick]

I halfway thought he might be gay when I watched the "gay episode" of Doogie Houser many years ago. (If I remember correctly, Harris' character went out of his way to defend a hospital staffer who had been outed as gay). I still have the videotape of that episode. Maybe I should pull it off the shelf and watch it again. I admire Neil Patrick Harris a great deal.

[Joel]

I had to add my comment here in case Neil was reading this stuff, (I'm sure he has better things to do). I have always been a fan of Neil's. Anyone that cute HAD to be gay. Now he is a handsome gay man. It would be great if he came to Houston in something; I would love to see him. So Neil, you have another fan down here in Houston.....Joel

[Dan Wiedell]

Hey Neil,

I grew up with you. I am sure you hear it a lot. I kinda knew for some reason (or maybe was hopeful) that you were family back in 91 when I watched your 17th birthday party on Doogie with my other high school friends. I was 16 at the time. Jeez, time goes by so fast. Well, I can relate to almost everything you talked about on Howard. Most I wouldn't yet be comfortable yet talking to my parents, but it was refreshing.

Love ya. Glad you decided to be so open.

Dan

[brontomancer]

I would love to hear the full interview or see it if it was taped. Bravo Neil and Howard.

[BM]

What a "queen." I mean come on! Between him and Lance Bass, can the gay community get any more desperate? Why do you glorify these types?

[Star Trek 1701]

I say "BRAVO" to his guts, but "UNWISE" to him personally and professionally. A person's personal, private, life is just that; personal and private. It is nobody's business (though, his desire to "kill" Travolta shows a rather creepy, dark, side to this actor I have never seen in any of his roles). I hope coming out will not be a mistake he will regret.

[Ed]

I heard the interview and it was great. Ive been listening to Howard Stern for years. I find that when his guests are honest he gets the best info out of them. Neil came off like a down to earth and funny guy. I had no idea Neil was gay. Anyone who thinks Howard is a biggot either doesnt really listen to the show or they have no sense of humor. One of the main reason I pay for the Sirius satellite service is cuz of Howard and mainly because I also like that his announcer is openly gay George Tekai from Star Trek. George is always a blast and funny and we get to hear about his boyfriend Brad. You can tell Howard and the crew love George and maybe Arties new view point on having a gay son is a direct result of Howard having gay people on his show and treating them just like he does everyone else.

[DanFromAkron]

Star Trek: apropos of "killing" Travolta, you don't really get the rules to "Fuck, Marry, Kill" do you?

[Marcus]

We Stern Fans were not amazed that Artie felt that way about a son coming out to him because he has said as much before. He is also not a homophobe. Joking about gayness and words like Fag is different from being a homophobe, and I wish the gay community would stop being so PC and oversensitive about this, if we can't laugh at ourselves we have already lost the war.

[imurtop]

I was only kind of shocked, but PLEASENTLY surprised when Neil cameout. I longtime fantasy was one small step closer to reality. But on a serious note, I would hope that in todays world, coming out is no backstep to anyones career. The accomplishments should speak for themself. Nobody is judged by how many times they are married, or cheated on someone, why because of who you happen to love? And what has been pointed out MANY times, now that we know about Neil, lets support him! Seems once we know, our fantasies are satisfied and we move to someone else? Neil, loved you when you where younger, and think you have grown into ONE HANDSOME MAN! (You need to do more boxer scenes on tv! He He) But plan on supporting you in all you do in the future!!!

[queerunity]

a strange form of visibility but a good thing nonetheless

http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com/

[Steven]

Who gives a shit? Really, just being GAY, is not enough to make someone extra interesting.

[Men Whore]

Neil is HOT and a very smart guy. I will love to fuck & marry him and kill Perez Hilton & Howard Stern!!!!

[Men Whore]

Neil is HOT and a very smart guy. I will love to fuck & marry him and kill Perez Hilton & Howard Stern!!!!

[popman61]

I think it would be great to sit down and talk to neil about being gay, and I wouldn't mind having sex with him if he wanted to. One more thing I was wondering if he would ever be in a porn movie or has he already?