Who Is Kal Penn? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kal Penn was born on April 23, 1977, which makes him 48 years old as of 2025. He is a noted American actor and civil servant who gained fame for his roles in popular films and television series, including "Harold & Kumar" and "How I Met Your Mother." In addition to his acting career, Penn has served in various roles in government, including as an associate director in the White House Office of Public Engagement during the Obama administration. His diverse career reflects his unique skillset and dedication to both entertainment and public service.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1977 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Montclair, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Jersey |
Popularity
Kal Penn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kal Penn stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). His body measurements are well-balanced, showcasing his active lifestyle. As an actor, Kal takes care of his physical fitness, making regular exercise and a balanced diet a part of his regimen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Kal Penn is engaged to his longtime boyfriend, Josh, with whom he shares a close bond. The couple has been together for several years, and Penn has been open about his relationship, highlighting the importance of love and support in both their lives. While he keeps his private life relatively low-key, he occasionally shares glimpses of his personal happiness on social media.
As an actor he is known for his portrayals of Kumar Patel in the Harold & Kumar film series, Lawrence Kutner on the television program House, White House staffer Seth Wright on Designated Survivor, and Kevin, a psychologist and boyfriend to Robin in How I Met Your Mother. He is also recognized for his performance in the film The Namesake.
Penn once taught at the University of Pennsylvania in the Cinema Studies Program as a visiting lecturer.
Net Worth and Salary
Kal Penn's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $12 million. His earnings come from a variety of sources, including acting, directing, writing, and his role in government. Penn continues to secure lucrative roles in film and theater, reflecting his enduring popularity in Hollywood.
Career, Business and Investments
Kal Penn's career spans over two decades in the entertainment industry. He first gained recognition in the early 2000s, and his success with the "Harold & Kumar" series propelled him into the limelight. Aside from acting, he has explored opportunities in directing and writing. In recent years, Penn has also engaged in a variety of business ventures, including investments in tech startups, enhancing his portfolio. His dedication to his craft has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Penn says that he derived his acting name, Kal Penn, as a lark: "Almost as a joke to prove friends wrong, and half as an attempt to see if what I was told would work (that anglicized names appeal more to a white-dominated industry), I put 'Kal Penn' on my resume and photos." His audition callbacks rose by 50 percent.
He has stated that he prefers his birth name and uses "Kal Penn" only for professional purposes.
Social Network
Kal Penn is quite active on social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he connects with his fans and shares updates about his professional and personal life. His engaging and humorous posts often highlight his experiences, advocacy work, and moments with family and friends.
Penn's film debut came in 1998 in Express: Aisle to Glory. He has since appeared in American Desi, Van Wilder, the final episode of The Lonely Island, Malibu's Most Wanted, A Lot Like Love, Dude, Where's the Party?, Love Don't Cost a Thing, Superman Returns, Epic Movie, The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and an uncredited appearance in Deck the Halls.
Education
Kal Penn attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and film. His education has not only shaped his career path in entertainment but has also influenced his work in public service, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and advocacy.
Kal Penn attended Marlboro Middle School in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, where he played baritone saxophone in the jazz band. For high school he attended Freehold Township High School for all four years where he was enrolled in the International Studies Program the first two years.
His Junior and Senior years he attended The Fine and Performing Arts Center (a magnet program) at Howell High School in the Acting program (FPAC is a part time program, so he was bused between schools). Both schools are part of the Freehold Regional High School District in New Jersey.
He was active in the schools' theater productions and competed on the Freehold Township National Honor Society Speech and Debate team (formerly known as Forensics). He then attended UCLA, where he double majored in film and sociology, graduating with a B.A. in 2000.
