Kal Penn Starts Work At White House

WASHINGTON — Actor Kal Penn started a new job Monday as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities.

The Indian-American actor is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on connecting President Barack Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn had a recurring role on Fox's TV show "House" and starred in several films including "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" and its sequel, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay"

Penn, who backed Obama during the campaign, said the new job has nothing to do with his life as an actor.

"I expect to be treated just like any other staff member," he told reporters on a conference call.

He is even applying this quest for a fresh start to his identity, saying he will use his given name, Kalpen Modi, instead of his acting moniker while working for the Obama administration.

Penn described the public liaison office as the "front door to the White House." He said his job would be engaging with constituent communities and making sure they feel that they have a seat at the table.

Asked about the differences between the new job and his work in Hollywood, Penn joked that he now wears a suit.

When pressed about preparing for his first day on the job Monday morning, he said, "I brushed my teeth; I did floss, used mouthwash ... took the bus to work, same thing that everybody does."

Comments

[jkpcguru]

I'm happy Obama is using his talents. I think he will do an excellent job.

During the Campaign, I was the Students for Barack Obama Campus Coordinator at my university.

I met Kal Penn when he came to my school to rally for Obama. He's really down to earth and interesting to talk to.

[truelockCA]

Obama and Kumar go to the White Castle

[mummyboyz]

Does this mean they are a bunch of pot heads in the white house?No wonder they have no control on spending.

[EconPadawan]

haha, that's funny. No one ever explained to you how movies work did they? There is a reason it's called acting. Turn off the TV and READ.

[scat]

Kal please go back to making bad movies, instead of participating in bad policy.

[jmundstuk]

You know, the idea that actors are somehow not bright or of poor moral character has been around for centuries. OK, moral character isn't doing so hot these days, I admit. But acting is a profession and a job and it takes something to do it well. Goes along with Imhofe's dis of Franken because he made his living as a clown, that is, funny man. Those guys are often even smarter. I'm just saying, this is an old impulse and we should question those instant reactions.

[miriamfl]

Kal, I congratulate you and wish you all the best. You have given up a lot including salary for this public service, but I'm sure it will be rewarding and you'll be making many memories. Good luck.

[amarti57]

He didn't get your note...

[jmundstuk]

Glad to see he survived that suicide attempt when he was a brilliant doctor/dia­gnostician­.

[Unreadable]

"Ask what you can do for your country". It's nice to know someone still takes those words to heart.

[sibster]

a nice gesture to show the diversity of the obama administra­tion...... although not likely to have any effect on the asian american population

[UchuKaizoku]

Coming soon:

"Harold & Kumar Go to the White House"

[liberalbug]

Can't wait to see what they get into in the white house kitchen and what role Neal Patrick Harris will have in that one.

[123dee]

Good luck and thanks for serving your country.

[Steamboater]

What hot looking guy! Smart too.

[PlaceboStudman]

if only he was one of "us", Hmmmm? :-D yeah, the man is just delish

[jmundstuk]

Guy doesn't have to be gay to be delish, stud.

[gregman89]

I'd like to see a Franken/Penn ticket someday.

[Hare]

The question is, who will stand up to House now?

[MacDaffy]

Foreman, Chase, and Cameron don't work for him any more, so House only has Taub and Thirteen to kick around. Too bad they killed off Kuttner. It would have been nice to see him back occasionally.

[nico89]

I hope he sticks with his full name from now on.