Harris named Emmy awards show host

LOS ANGELES, July 13 (UPI) -- U.S. television actor Neil Patrick Harris will be the host of the upcoming 61st annual Primetime Emmy Awards show, CBS announced Monday.

The co-star of the situation comedy "How I Met Your Mother" is to preside over the CBS broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Sept. 20 and also will serve as a producer for the prize presentation.

"After having had such a hoot hosting the Tonys, I was thrilled to get the call about the Primetime Emmys," Harris said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of the show -- adding my own voice to it, while honoring the nominees and the entire year in television. But which voice to choose? I'm torn between gangsta, foppish Brit and robot. Really proud of my robot. We'll see what happens on the night."

Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, hailed Harris as an "engaging" host with "great instincts when it comes to television."

"We already knew Neil as a fantastic actor and performer, but after blowing everyone away as host of this year's Tony Awards, we couldn't think of anyone better to emcee the television industry's biggest award show," Tassler said. "We feel like we're in great hands with Neil hosting and Don Mischer executive producing."

Mischer called Harris "charming, funny, quick on his feet and very likable."

"He has all the qualities you look for in a host," Mischer said. "We are really looking forward to working with him."