Neil Patrick Shares the Best Advice He's Ever Received

Actor and writer Neil Patrick Harris talks to Sam Jones about great career advice he got about the TV/film industry when he was first starting out on 'Doogie Howser M.D.'

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[thanos]

The interviewer is gold. He just let's them talk. Wish there were more like him.

[ImagineFreedom]

"I desired longevity more than I desired fame" - love this quote and his approach, which to me seems like he is a longterm thinker. I wish you to catch good waves, Neil Patrick!

[sweiland]

I've never heard his voice so deep.

[peperruti]

This is the most truest no BS advice i have ever heard related with acting.

[haloman]

man busted out like 4 different metaphors at the end there

[empirate]

I like how well-spoken he is. "I think the immediacy of fame, although it is an opiate, is certainly double-edged." There are not many who can formulate sentences like that on the spot, just having a conversation.

[UnfamiliarPlace]

"The goal was to be patient enough to value that metaphor" is a beautiful way of putting it — it's not your approach that has to change (you can't beat the waves), but your character. You have to understand what the reality is, not the fantasy, and reconcile yourself to a different sort of beauty. Which applies to life in general.

[kodomonoasobireturn]

I just realised I may have never heard NPH's "talking" voice? Like not the voice of his bubbly, entertaining persona on talk shows, but when he calmly talks about serious stuff. It's so deep! I think I wanna listen to it more :)

[bySterling]

Absolutely priceless how affecting a few words from ‘elders’ in our youth (for better and for worse) can be throughout sometimes our entire Lives

[kjm]

yup, PERFECT metaphor for the business, especially those of us starting out...it's a numbers game where patience truly is the virtue:)

[naomidixon]

I love that surfing analogy so much. I think it can be applied to many different walks of life, so I think I'll start using it in my classroom!

[sassylassy]

I love the simplicity of two guys talking without any interviewer interruption. What great advice too

[MLSoll]

Such a smart and insightful guy Neil is...So talented

[nicholasdickens]

He’s a really grounded, nice guy. He really surprised people nearly 25 years ago with the brilliant Starship Troopers.

[robins]

I always love watching NPH...my favorite though is Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog which isn't even a well-known show. Not everyone has the range to play a great, complex anti-hero. Plus he gets to showcase his singing ability too:)

Also love the surfing analogy...when you're young and you miss a wave you think it's the end of the world. True, the exact same wave will never come again, but life always has opportunities if you're willing to get back up and keep trying.

[MichaelHolmgaard]

I hope to see more from How I Met Your Mother at some point. I don't want talents like Josh Radnor & Neil Patrick Harris to fade away 😟

[pikiwiki]

Surfing..what a great metaphor for the acting profession

[walkerb]

I’m such a fan of NPH. Great actor with tremendous range.

[SoundsfromtheGoldenCave]

All the actors who you interview seem so comfortable with you. Like they've known you for years!

[Simonewhitesim-music]

How can one not love what he said. It rings true for many professions.