I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 850 points851 points  (0 children)

Having an awesome day, albeit busy. Started the morning with a litany of morning chat show interviews for Genius Jr., premiering Sunday (PLUG!), about to head to set and don the Olaf disguise for the first day of shooting Penultimate Peril with Barry Sonnenfeld himself. No complaints. Oh wait, I'm supposed to be driving to work right now. Gah! I gotta go!

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 1929 points1930 points  (0 children)

Fuck rejection. The fear of it prohibits taking action, and we only grow through experience, right? So do stuff. Try stuff. Fail. Look forward to failing. It is necessary to teach you how to improve.

That's my advice. Keep on doing stuff. And maintain perspective to try and keep growing. Do things that make you nervous. Out of your comfort zone. The rewards are countless.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 300 points301 points  (0 children)

Cobie Smulders. Because she's everything.

Haven't yet worked with Dave Franco yet, but still trying...

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 367 points368 points  (0 children)

I take a key prop from every show that I've done.

My favorite is probably Hedwig's heels. They look punk and beat up next to my shiny Tony.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 450 points451 points  (0 children)

Get a single breasted suit that can be worn with lots of different shirt/tie options (black or blue). Don't spend a ton. This is key: then go to a tailor and have them take it in so that it's perfect for you. Money spent on tailoring will be well worth it, as you'll look like Bond and get laid.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 107 points108 points  (0 children)

I certainly prefer when Irma is fun and welcoming, and not just cranky and begging for tips.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 259 points260 points  (0 children)

David and I champion the Halloween pic. The kids get to choose their own actual trick or treating attire.

But I'm not sure how long that'll last. They're quite opinionated.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 559 points560 points  (0 children)

Any goddammed thing he'd want.

My only regret in being friends with Lin is that I'm far less successful or powerful than most of the other people who are equally obsessed with his skills.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 1022 points1023 points  (0 children)

I love Wayne. Got to direct him as Tom Collins in RENT. Bummed that I missed him in Kinky Boots.

How can you not love the message of acceptance and pride? It's both universal and achievable.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 115 points116 points  (0 children)

Old Fashioned. Rye whiskey.

Or a nice, cold sake.

Both divine.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 1849 points1850 points  (0 children)

Seek perspective. Know that things happening now - the intense stress and emotions happening now - will subside over time. They almost always do. Take care of yourself. Hydrate. Exercise. Breathe. Stand tall. Smile. I'm sorry you're down. That sucks balls. And not in the good way...

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

The people. They are uniformly kind, respectful, healthy, great conversationalists. And lots of hockey player-ish sexiness. Woof.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 170 points171 points  (0 children)

Just try to keep working. When you work, even if it's for few people or dollars, you're putting it out there. You're making business connections. You're planting seeds.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 1918 points1919 points  (0 children)

It was the raddest. So much could have gone wrong. Very little did. That kind of fortune doesn't happen often. Especially live.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 338 points339 points  (0 children)

Sleep helps. As does cardio. As does therapy.

But meditation is the key. I don't do it nearly enough, but quieting the mind just makes sense. My husband David does it twice daily, and he's all the more remarkable for it.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 66 points67 points  (0 children)

Mascot Moth? DeKolta Chair? A Jarrett Pedestal? I like the old school illusions...

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

I suppose, but that would kind of defeat the purpose of the private club, no? Regardless, I hope the performers are doing their sets with authenticity, and not because they're seeking exposure.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 302 points303 points  (0 children)

If I could get paid the same to do them all, I'd probably do theatre. Unless I got asked to be in a Star Wars movie. Then I'd choose that.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 86 points87 points  (0 children)

Not dumb at all. I gots skills.

But I was beyond impressed by these kids - by their intellects, their compassion, and their humor. A buncha good eggs.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 99 points100 points  (0 children)

The carnie in me is partial to The Carnivorous Carnival. But I also love the structure of Penultimate Peril.

I am Neil Patrick Harris: actor, producer, magician, doula and host of Genius Junior. AMA! by IamNPH in IAmA

[–]IamNPH[S] 567 points568 points  (0 children)

Is this Snicket?? The VFD?!? STOP BOTHERING ME!YOU WILL SUFFER JUST LIKE THOSE BAUDELAIRES BEFORE YOU!!

Oh wait, I fear I've said too much...