History of Kal Penn in Timeline

"Kalpen Suresh Modi, better known as Kal Penn, is an American actor, author, and former White House staff member. He is widely recognized for his roles in popular TV shows like "House" and "Designated Survivor", as well as his comedic role in the "Harold & Kumar" film series. Penn has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania, showcasing his diverse talents beyond acting.

April 23, 1977: Birth of Kal Penn

Kal Penn, known professionally as an American actor and former White House staff member, was born on April 23, 1977. He has since become notable for his roles in various television programs and films, as well as his involvement in politics.

1998: Film debut in Express: Aisle to Glory

Kal Penn made his film debut in 1998 with Express: Aisle to Glory, beginning his career in the film industry.

2000: Graduation from UCLA

In 2000, Kal Penn graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in film and sociology, marking an important step in his educational journey.

January 2007: Role in 24 as Ahmed Amar

In January 2007, Kal Penn appeared in the first four episodes of the sixth season of 24, playing a teenage terrorist named Ahmed Amar, a role he almost turned down due to personal ethics.

May 2007: Asian Excellence Award for The Namesake

In May 2007, Kal Penn was honored with the Asian Excellence Award for Outstanding Actor for his performance in The Namesake, highlighting his contributions to cinema.

2007: Support for Obama campaign

Kal Penn was an advocate for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007, serving as a member of Obama's National Arts Policy Committee and appearing in supportive media.

2008: Continued Obama campaign advocacy

In 2008, Kal Penn continued his active support for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, contributing to his role on the National Arts Policy Committee.

January 18, 2009: Participation in Obama Inaugural Celebration

On January 18, 2009, Kal Penn appeared at 'We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial', collaborating with comedian George Lopez, to support Barack Obama.

April 6, 2009: Character exit from House

On April 6, 2009, Kal Penn's character Lawrence Kutner was written out of the television series House due to his new position in the White House.

April 2009: Kal Penn joins Obama administration

In April 2009, Kal Penn joined the Obama administration as an associate director in the White House Office of Public Engagement, focusing on outreach to Asian Pacific Americans and arts communities. This career move required his TV character, Lawrence Kutner, to be written out of the show House.

May 11, 2009: Appearance on House finale

On May 11, 2009, Kal Penn made an additional appearance as Lawrence Kutner in the House fifth-season finale, using previously filmed footage due to his White House commitments.

2009: Offer and acceptance of White House role

In early 2009, Kal Penn accepted the position of Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, transitioning from his acting role to a governmental position, and serving as a liaison with Asian-American communities.

June 1, 2010: Departure from White House role

On June 1, 2010, Kal Penn left his role as Associate Director of Public Engagement in the Obama administration to return to his acting career, fulfilling prior commitments.

June 2010: Temporary departure from White House role

In June 2010, Kal Penn temporarily left his position in the Obama administration to film A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. He returned to his White House role after completing the film.

November 15, 2010: Return to White House position

After completing filming for A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Kal Penn returned to his role in the White House on November 15, 2010.

July 2011: Kal Penn leaves the White House for acting

In July 2011, Kal Penn left his position at the White House to take on a role in the television series How I Met Your Mother.

September 3, 2012: Kal Penn Hosts at the 2012 Democratic National Convention

On September 3, 2012, Kal Penn hosted coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. During his speech, he encouraged young people to register to vote and defended President Obama's record.

May 1, 2013: Host of Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius

Starting on May 1, 2013, Kal Penn began hosting the Discovery Channel show Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment field.

November 18, 2013: Appointed to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

On November 18, 2013, Kal Penn was appointed by President Obama to serve on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, demonstrating his involvement in cultural and artistic advocacy.

February 28, 2014: Master of Ceremonies at the White House Student Film Festival

On February 28, 2014, Kal Penn served as the Master of Ceremonies for the White House Student Film Festival, showcasing his engagement in promoting arts and education.

2014: Role in Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain

In 2014, Kal Penn was cast in the film Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain, which depicts the Bhopal gas tragedy, a significant historical event.

October 2016: Role in Designated Survivor

In October 2016, Kal Penn began his regular role as Seth Wright on the ABC drama series Designated Survivor, also serving as a political consultant for the show.

January 2, 2017: Wins MasterChef Celebrity Showdown

On January 2, 2017, Kal Penn won the 'MasterChef Celebrity Showdown' and donated the $25,000 prize to UNRWA, supporting Palestinian refugees, reflecting his philanthropic efforts.

January 28, 2017: Fundraiser for Syrian Refugees

On January 28, 2017, Kal Penn initiated a crowd-funding campaign on Twitter in response to a racist comment, raising $813,533 for Syrian refugees during the controversy over President Trump's immigration ban.

August 2017: Resignation from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

In August 2017, Kal Penn, along with other members, resigned from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in protest against President Trump's remarks regarding the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

March 7, 2019: Cast in Sunnyside

On March 7, 2019, Kal Penn was cast in the main role of Garrett Modi for the NBC comedy Sunnyside, showcasing his continued involvement in television comedy.

May 6, 2019: Sunnyside series order

On May 6, 2019, the NBC comedy series Sunnyside, featuring Kal Penn in a main role, was officially ordered, though it was later canceled after eight episodes.

June 7, 2019: Designated Survivor Season 3 release

Netflix released the third season of Designated Survivor on June 7, 2019, in which Kal Penn continued his role as Seth Wright and contributed as a political consultant.

May 9, 2020: Cast in Clarice

Kal Penn was cast as a lead in the CBS thriller drama series Clarice on May 9, 2020, which is a sequel to The Silence of the Lambs.

October 2021: Engagement Announcement and Memoir Promotion

In October 2021, while promoting his memoir 'You Can't Be Serious,' Kal Penn announced his engagement to his boyfriend Josh, revealing his journey of discovering his sexuality later in life.

December 2, 2021: Announced biopic 'Superfan'

On December 2, 2021, it was announced that Kal Penn would produce and star in the biopic 'Superfan', which tells the story of Nav Bhatia.

2021: Role in Clarice series

In 2021, Kal Penn played a lead role in the CBS series Clarice, further expanding his acting repertoire in television drama.

2022: Role in The Santa Clauses

In 2022, Kal Penn was cast as Simon Choksi/Santa in The Santa Clauses, earning a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performance at the 2nd Children's and Family Emmy Awards.