Neil Patrick Harris, the acclaimed actor known for his versatile roles, has navigated a public romantic life that has evolved significantly over the decades. While now celebrated for his enduring marriage to David Burtka, Harris's journey to finding lasting love included earlier relationships that played a pivotal role in his personal understanding and public coming out. His romantic history is a testament to self-discovery and the building of a strong, loving family.
Before his public coming out and long-term relationship with David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris dated several women. One of his earliest publicly known relationships was with actress Robyn Lively from 1992 to 1993, during his "Doogie Howser, M.D." fame. A particularly significant relationship was with actress Christine Taylor, from 1997 to 1998. Harris openly shared that dating Taylor, whom he described as "the coolest, nicest chick ever," helped him realize his sexuality; he concluded that if he wasn't feeling "super sparks" with her, he was likely gay. Following this, he briefly dated pianist and actress Carla Bianco around 2000. These early experiences were crucial steps in Harris's personal journey of self-discovery.
Neil Patrick Harris's life profoundly changed when he met David Burtka in 2004. They were introduced through a mutual friend, and Harris was immediately captivated by Burtka's "brooding, James Dean-type" demeanor, even though Burtka was in another relationship at the time. After Burtka ended his long-distance relationship, he and Harris went on their first date in April 2004, seeing the movie "Taking Lives." What began as a casual outing quickly blossomed into an inseparable bond, with Burtka noting they started hanging out "every single night" and their relationship became non-stop within three months.
The couple's commitment deepened over the years, leading to a private engagement long before it was publicly announced. Harris revealed in 2011, after the Marriage Equality Act passed in New York, that he and Burtka had actually proposed to each other over five years prior. He 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." Their family expanded in October 2010 with the arrival of their fraternal twins, Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, born via surrogate, bringing immense joy and fulfillment to their lives.
After a decade together, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka officially tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy in September 2014. The intimate wedding, attended by only 45 guests, was officiated by their close friend and "How I Met Your Mother" director, Pam Fryman, with Elton John performing at the reception. This highly anticipated event solidified their long-standing commitment and love. Their marriage has since been a beacon of stability and mutual support in Hollywood, with both Harris and Burtka frequently expressing their deep affection and admiration for each other.
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka continue to be one of Hollywood's most beloved and enduring couples. As of 2024, they celebrated their 20th anniversary since their first date, a significant milestone commemorated with heartfelt posts on social media. Burtka shared, > "Today marks 20 years since our first date and I can’t imagine a better life." Their relationship is often cited as an example of a successful and loving partnership in the entertainment industry, consistently supporting each other's careers and personal endeavors. Their journey from initial friendship to a long-lasting marriage with a beautiful family stands as a testament to their profound connection and unwavering commitment.