Neil Patrick Harris New Book: From Child Star To Gay Icon And Everything In Between

Unfortunately, those eager to read Harris’ story will have to wait until the spring of 2014 for the book‘s release. Crown Archetype, a Random House imprint, will publish the memoir.

According to the New York Times, the book will be “a work of imaginative nonfiction that delivers an interactive, nonlinear reading experience that breaks the boundaries of conventional memoir.”

The site also reported that Harris, 39, will “draw upon his love of adventure and surprise in creating the book, as well as upon the many roles he has played in his life and career — from being a child star to coming out, and from acting on Broadway to becoming a proud father.”

This isn’t the actor’s first foray into publishing. Harris has narrated several audio book versions of children’s stories, such as “The Christmas Wish,” “Henry and the Clubhouse,” and “Marley: A Dog Like No Other.” He has also narrated how-to guides like “The Bro Code,” as his womanizing “How I Met Your Mother “character Barney Stinson.

Based on Harris’ biography, his memoir will undoubtedly make for a compelling read. He rose to fame in the 1990s on the hit series “Doogie Howser MD.” In the early 2000s, he took on such coveted Broadway roles as the emcee in “Cabaret” and Mark Cohen in “Rent.”

After years of flying under the radar, Harris appeared as a comically exaggerated version of himself in 2004’s “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” The following year, Harris was cast in “How I Met Your Mother” and subsequently rose to A-list status. But with his newfound notoriety came an interest in his personal life. In 2006, after rumors regarding his sexual orientation surfaced, he publicly announced that he is gay.

"The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life,” he said in a statement to People. “Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships."So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."

Following his announcement, Harris emerged as a multitalented sensation. He hosted the Emmy Awards in 2009 and is a three-time Tony Awards host.

His notable career has paved the way for openly gay actors to play straight roles, including Matt Bomer, Jonathan Groff and Zachary Quinto.

During a 2008 appearance on "Ellen," Harris revealed that he had been dating celebrity chef David Burtka since 2004. The couple welcomed twins via a surrogate in 2010. When gay marriage became legal in New York the following year, Harris confirmed their engagement via Twitter. 

The actor tweeted, “David and I did propose to each other, but over five years ago! We've been wearing engagement rings for ages, waiting for an available date.”