Kal Penn is best known as Lawrence Kutner in House, Kumar in the Harold & Kumar films, and as a White House aide in Designated Survivor.
Films
- American DesiAjay Pandya2001
- Harold & Kumar Go to White CastleKumar Patel2004
- Son of the MaskJorge2005
- Van Wilder: The Rise of TajTaj Mahal Badalandabad2006
- The NamesakeGogol Ganguli2006
- Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo BayKumar Patel2008
- A Very Harold & Kumar 3D ChristmasKumar Patel2011
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2Arash2008
- Dude, Where’s My Party?Mo2004
- The ComebackHimself2009
TV shows
- HouseDr. Lawrence Kutner2007–2009
- 24Kevin2009
- Designated SurvivorSeth Wright2016–2019
- How I Met Your MotherKevin (Coat Check Guy)2009
- Sunny Side UpExecutive Producer / Various2013
- The Big Bang TheoryDr. Raj Koothrappali (brief role in one episode)2008
- Law & Order: Special Victims UnitHenry Chan2006
- Better Off TedChris2009
- The SimpsonsKumar (voice)2011
- Star Trek: Lower DecksCaptain Freeman’s ex-husband (voice)2022
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About Kal Penn
Kal Penn (born Kalpen Suresh Modi) is an American actor, producer, and former White House staffer. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with comedic roles, most notably playing Kumar Patel in the Harold & Kumar franchise. He has also had prominent television roles in House and Designated Survivor, and has worked extensively in both film and TV.
FAQs
What is Kal Penn’s full birth name?
Kalpen Suresh Modi.
Did Kal Penn work for the Obama administration?
Yes, he served as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and as a liaison to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community from 2009 to 2011.
What is Kal Penn’s most famous role?
He is internationally best known for playing Kumar Patel in the Harold & Kumar film series and Dr. Lawrence Kutner on the medical drama House.
Has Kal Penn written a memoir?
Yes, his memoir titled ‘You Can’t Be Serious’ was published in November 2021.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026