Global Arts Perspective

Kal Penn takes White House staff position

WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.

kal-pennHis 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.

Comments:

4 comments

  1. Joy Green /

    Is this the coolest White House or what?

    • kdude /

      I'm gonna go with coolest White House.

      • mark_lewis /

        $91,000 to basically connect Obama to your friends? Best job award.

        • aslicknamedpimpback /

          Harold goes to the Enterprise, Kumar goes to the White House!

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