The Out Magazine Interview: Neil Patrick Harris' most candid talk yet on being a gay man...

I was driving home from Palm Springs last night and National Public Radio's Terry Gross was playing an encore of an interview she did with Neil Patrick Harris back in 2005. It was that very interview, when it originally aired, that really shaped my opinion of this actor. He was so articulate as he spoke of everything from teen stardom on "Doogie Howser M.D." to a career on Broadway starring in "Rent," "Cabaret" and "Assassins" and, at the time of the interview, with Patti LuPone in a production of "Sweeney Todd."

Anyway, when I got out of the car last night, after listening to this interview, there was a brand-new copy of Out Magazine in my mail with none other than Neil Patrick Harris on the cover! Here are some excerpts from NPH's most candid interview to date on being an openly gay man in Hollywood:
On how the business has changed for gay actors since he first hit the scene as Doogie: "It's all uniquely so personalto each person. I can't say that the business is any different now than it was then because I wasn't 30 years old then and in a position to stand tall and say something. I think the fears that enveloped me then would be the same fears that would envelope people that are 15, 16, 17 now.... Clearly there's way more exposure and a much larger gray area with sexuality and the public's opinion towards it - on almost every level - professionally, artistically, legally. What made it more unique 20 years ago was that there were less examples - so that made it a shock. And I think the shock value has kind of worn off."

On growing up in Hollywood and coming out: Actually I think it was easier for me because I was around a lot of people who were gay and I was around a lot of people who were very confident. I was surrounded by people I could talk to freely about anything, and they were very successful emotionally and otherwise. And yet, part of the coming out process is figuring out who you like and what that means and how to act upon it. Being an actor reduced my level of anonymity. I couldn't just go to some bar and walk in and ask someone out on a date because there was too much awareness of me ... I sort of had to narrow my gaze from afar. If I had any regret, it would be that strange lack of anonymity that created panic within myself that I would be found out. I think that's everyone's big fear."
On his boyfriend, actor David Burtka: "I found a guy who I'm head over heels for ... I think if and when we do (get married), we'd probably announce it after the fact as opposed to making the bog announcement that it was going to happen. ... We both wear rings and I'm giddy when I see all the pictures of people so happy standing there, confirming the love they wish they could have expressed for a long time."

On Anderson Cooper: "Mmmmmmmmmm. Anderson. He's dreamy, just dreamy. I've been a fan of his since season one of "The Mole.' I just thought he was so cool when he talked on this cool, low super-agent voice - 'If you can accomplish this task...' Listen, no one should tell anyone how big their steps should be or when they can take them."