Neil Patrick Harris Is The Tony Awards 'Host with the Most'

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Neil Patrick Harris, takes Center Stage when he hosts the 63rd Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards® tonight, Sunday, June 7th, live from Radio City Music Hall. The Tony Awards will air live on CBS from 8:00-11:00PM (ET/PT time delay). The Tonys are presented by The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing.

Equally successful on stage and screen, Neil Patrick 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 twenty years in the 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.

Harris' spoke to the Associated Press about tonight's big event, explaining that he plans to be, "ringmaster at the circus - I want to be strong enough to earn your trust but be able to allow all the specialty acts to shine." And this year's ceremony is packed with enough entertainment to keep its host very busy indeed.

Star performances will be abundant: from Elton John and the cast of "Billy Elliot" to Dolly Parton and the folks from "9 to 5." Eclectic, too: from Liza Minnelli to the 1980s hair-metal band Poison celebrating with the cast of "Rock of Ages." Plus, of course, scenes from the nominated best musicals and best musical revivals. To read the full AP article click here.

The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Award®, which was founded by the American Theatre Wing in 1947, is bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway. The Tony is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and the annual telecast - the night America watches Broadway - is considered one of the most prestigious programs on television.

The 2009 Tonys are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At The Broadway League, Nina Lannan is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is Executive Director. At the American Theatre Wing, Theodore S. Chapin is Chairman and Howard Sherman is Executive Director. For Tony Award Productions, Alan Wasser and Allan Williams of Alan Wasser Associates are the General Managers.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment are Executive Producers of the 2009 Tony Awards. Mr. Weiss will also serve as Director of the 2009 Tony Awards.