The American Theatre Wing’s 63rd annual Tony Awards® ceremony has a host, and he’s a versatile musical and dramatic star with an impressive list of stage and screen credits. Neil Patrick Harris will take center stage when he emcees the 2009 Tony telecast Sunday, June 7, live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS.

“The discipline of live theatre -- doing the same perfect thing night after night, eight times a week -- never ceases to amaze me,” said Harris. “I'm truly honored to have been chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this year's Tony Awards, and I hope to help provide a first-class evening for all.”

Equally successful on stage and screen, Harris can currently be seen as Barney Stinson in the hit CBS comedy series “How I Met Your Mother,” a role which recently garnered him a 2009 Golden Globe nomination and two consecutive Emmy Award nominations. From his film debut opposite Whoopi Goldberg in Clara’s Heart and his seminal role as the beloved titular character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” to his recent turn in Joss Whedon’s online sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Harris has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 20 years in the entertainment industry.

Among his many theatrical credits include the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of Assassins, as well as acclaimed performances in the Broadway productions of Cabaret and Proof. He starred in Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick, BOOM! in London, and played Mark in Rent in Los Angeles. When he hosted “Saturday Night Live” in January of this year, he spoofed the role of Mark as one of the characters in a comedy sketch called “Save Broadway.”

A Tony Awards telecast veteran, Harris performed in a musical number from Assassins in 2004, and took to the podium to present awards in various categories in both 2006 and 2007. "We are thrilled to being working with Neil on the most important theatre night of the year," said Ricky Kirshner, Executive Producer of the Tony Awards. "His love for Broadway and great knowledge of theatre combined with his on-stage presence makes him the perfect person to guide us through what is sure to be a great night."

The 2009 Tony Awards telecast takes place on June 7, broadcast live on CBS from Radio City Music Hall beginning at 8/7c (time delay PT).