Neil Patrick Harris to host Emmys

updated 2:33 p.m. ET July 13, 2009

NEW YORK - Neil Patrick Harris, who won critical acclaim hosting last month's Tonys, will fill the same role for the prime-time Emmys.

He had been rumored for more than a week to have the job. CBS made it official Monday.

"After having had such a hoot hosting the Tonys, I was thrilled to get the call about the prime-time Emmys," said Harris, adding that he looks forward to "adding my own voice" to the ceremony: "But which voice to choose? I'm torn between gangsta, foppish Brit, and robot. Really proud of my robot. We'll see what happens on the night."

Harris, 36, will also serve as a producer for the U.S. broadcast, which will air live Sept. 20 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Harris, who begins his fifth season on the comedy "How I Met Your Mother" in the fall, has landed a Golden Globe nomination and two Emmy nominations in his role as womanizing Barney Stinson.

He has appeared on Broadway in "Cabaret" and "Proof," and won a Web following in Joss Whedon's zany "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog." He first gained stardom in the title role of the comedy "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989-1993), playing a genius teenage doctor.

MORE FROM TELEVISION

Television Section Front

TV tours a big attraction for N.Y. tourists Sykes, Lopez set out to fill late-night TV void Surprise birthday party is a disaster on ‘Grey’s Ask Ausiello: Will Chase exit ‘House’? Letterman case inspires ‘Law & Order’ episode Suicide prevention groups protest ‘The Office’ Onion, Comedy Central team on TV pilot Oprah Winfrey pulls BeBe Winans from show John Lithgow’s serial killer soars on ‘Dexter’ ‘Sesame Street’ still Big Bird’s nest after 40 years Television Section Front   Add Television headlines to your news reader: