Neil Patrick Harris on Magic, Books, and Beat Bobby Flay

Summary

Learn more about Neil Patrick Harris as he opens up about his interests, accomplishments, and personal life. From his love for magic, his dogs, and Halloween, to his TV appearances and book projects, this interview covers a range of topics that showcase his wit and charm.

Table of Contents

• Neil and Magic
• Halloween and Being Scared
• Dogs and Their Names
• Appearance on Beat Bobby Flay
• Role in Gone Girl
• Writing Books
• Learning Languages
• Promoting The Uncoupled and Wunderkad

Introduction

As an actor, director, magician, and author, Neil Patrick Harris has made a mark in the entertainment industry. He is known for his versatile performances in movies, TV shows, and theater productions. In this Q&A article, we get to know more about Neil’s personal interests and accomplishments, including his love for magic, dogs, and Halloween, his role in Gone Girl, and his book projects. Let’s dive in!

Neil and Magic

Q: What got you into magic? How long have you been practicing?
A: I’ve always been interested in magic since childhood. My parents took me to see a magician at a birthday party, and I was immediately fascinated. I started learning magic tricks and performing for friends and family. Over time, I got better at it and started taking it more seriously. I eventually became a member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, which is like a clubhouse for magicians. It’s a really cool place where you can perform for other magicians and learn from them.

Q: Do you have a favorite magic trick that you like to perform?
A: I have a few favorite tricks that I like to perform, but one that is always a crowd-pleaser is the Cups and Balls. It’s a classic trick that involves making balls disappear and reappear under cups. It’s simple yet effective, and it’s always fun to see people’s reactions.

Halloween and Being Scared

Q: I know you’re a big fan of Halloween. What are some of your favorite Halloween costumes that you’ve worn?
A: Yes, I absolutely love Halloween! It’s my favorite holiday. Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of different costumes. Some of my favorites include dressing up as Frankenstein’s Monster, the Riddler, and even a zombie version of myself.

Q: Do you enjoy being scared? What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
A: I do enjoy being scared, to a certain extent. I like the feeling of anticipation and tension that comes with watching a scary movie or going through a haunted house. But I don’t like anything too gory or disturbing. As for the scariest movie I’ve ever seen, I would have to say The Exorcist. It’s a classic horror movie that still holds up today.

Dogs and Their Names

Q: I heard that you have two dogs. What are their names and how did you come up with them?
A: Yes, we have two dogs. Their names are Gideon and Harper. We named them after two characters from the children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” Gideon is a black and white Havanese, while Harper is a goldendoodle. They are both incredibly cute and lovable.

Q: Do your dogs have any funny habits or quirks?
A: Yes, they definitely have their own personalities. Gideon loves to play fetch and chase after toys, while Harper is more laid back and enjoys cuddling. They both love to run around and explore new places. One funny quirk that they both have is that they like to take turns being the “guard dog.” Whenever someone comes to the door, they both run over to see who’s there, but then one of them will take charge and start barking, while the other one just sits back and watches.

Appearance on Beat Bobby Flay

Q: I saw that you appeared on an episode of Beat Bobby Flay. How was that experience?
A: Yeah, that was a fun experience. I love cooking and trying out new recipes, so it was cool to be on a cooking competition show. I was paired up with Chef Hayan Yi, and we went up against another team. The challenge was to make a dish using specialty ingredients, and we came up with a Korean-inspired dish that Bobby Flay really liked. It was a great experience overall.

Role in Gone Girl

Q: You played a supporting role in the movie Gone Girl. What was it like working on that film?
A: Working on Gone Girl was a really cool experience. It was directed by David Fincher, who is one of my favorite directors, and the cast was amazing. I got to work with Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, who were both really great to work with. My character, Desi Collings, was a bit of a departure from my usual roles, but it was fun to explore that darker side.

Writing Books

Q: You’ve written several books, including the Magic Misfits series and your autobiography. What inspired you to start writing?
A: I’ve always loved reading and writing, so it was a natural progression for me to start writing my own books. The Magic Misfits series was inspired by my love for magic and storytelling. I wanted to create a fun and exciting world where kids could learn about magic and go on adventures. My autobiography, Choose Your Own Autobiography, was a fun experiment in writing. I wanted to try something different and let readers choose their own path through my life story.

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
A: My advice would be to read as much as you can and write every day. It’s important to find your own voice and style, and the only way to do that is by practicing. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. And always remember that writing is a process. It’s okay to make mistakes and have bad days. Just keep pushing forward and you’ll get there.

Learning Languages

Q: I heard that you can speak French and Spanish. How did you learn those languages?
A: Yes, I can speak a little bit of French and Spanish. I learned French in school and took some classes in college. I also spent time in Paris, which helped me to improve my fluency. As for Spanish, I picked it up from living in Los Angeles and being around a lot of Spanish-speaking people. I’ve also taken some classes and practiced on my own.

Q: Do you plan to learn any other languages?
A: I would love to learn Italian. It’s such a beautiful language, and I love the culture and history of Italy. I’ve been to Italy a few times and I always find myself wanting to speak more Italian. It’s definitely on my list of things to learn.

Promoting The Uncoupled and Wunderkad

Q: Can you tell us more about your website, The Uncoupled, and your free weekly newsletter, Wunderkad?
A: Sure! The Uncoupled is a lifestyle blog that I started with my husband, David. We wanted to create a space where we could share our interests and experiences with others. We write about everything from food and travel to fashion and design. Wunderkad is our free weekly newsletter where we share our favorite things from the week, including books, movies, and products. It’s a fun way for us to connect with our readers and share our passions.

Conclusion

Neil Patrick Harris is a talented and accomplished performer and artist who has made a mark in various fields. From his love for magic and Halloween, to his roles in movies and TV shows, and his book projects, Neil continues to inspire and entertain people of all ages. Whether he’s performing on stage or writing a book, Neil’s wit and charm always shine through.