Harris named TV Land Awards show host

LOS ANGELES, March 3 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Neil Patrick Harris has been named the host of the 7th annual "TV Land Awards," it was announced Tuesday by Larry W. Jones, TV Land's president.

"The TV Land Awards" show is to be taped April 19 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, Calif., and is to air in TV Land PRIME April 26.

"Neil is a dynamic and versatile actor who has won the hearts of fans and critics alike," Jones said in a statement. "Over the past 20 years, Neil has continued to reinvent himself with memorable roles on television, on Broadway and in film. He brings a great sense of humor and quick wit to the table and we are thrilled to have him as our host."

This year, the 90-minute show will honor artists, feature musical performances, reunite some iconic TV casts and stage a parody that highlights the year's most-talked-about events.

Previous honorees include Mike Myers, Garry Marshall, the cast of "Desperate Housewives" and the sitcoms "Cheers" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

Past presenters include Halle Berry, Justin Timberlake, Samuel L. Jackson, Steve Carell, Robin Williams and Robert Downey, Jr.

Harris is a co-star on the sit-com "How I Met Your Mother." He previously starred on the TV series "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and appeared in the movie "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle."