Kal Penn goes from ‘House’ to White House

updated 9:10 a.m. ET April 10, 2009

WASHINGTON - The White House has hired actor Kal Penn as a liaison between President Barack Obama’s administration and Asian constituents.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said Tuesday that the actor who had a recurring role on Fox’s TV show “House” and has starred in several movies would join the staff as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. His role will be to connect Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn starred as Kumar in the movie, “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.” His “House” character committed suicide in Monday’s episode.

Penn backed Obama during the campaign. The White House says a start date for Penn hasn’t been set.

The White House did not reveal what Penn would be paid. Aides with similar titles earned between $41,000 and $91,000 last year.

The hire was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Polanski could be out of jail in coming days Despite criticism, Lohan to stay on at Ungaro Filmmaker Perry gives $1 million to NAACP Police chief guilty in Parker-Broderick case Chef Paula Deen hit in face by charity ham Michael Jackson glove sells for $350,000 Michael Jackson’s doctor returns to work Colbert calls bobsled run ‘the ride of my life’ Miley Cyrus tour bus overturns, killing driver Britney’s paparazzo ex gets 45 days in jail Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: