Actor Profile

Kal Penn reprised the role of "Kumar" in the recently released comedy "Harold And Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay," sequel to the 2004 cult classic "Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle."

Penn received rave reviews for his starring role in the film "The Namesake," based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri and directed by Academy Award nominee Mira Nair.

Penn has appeared in other recent films including "A Lot Like Love" and "Superman Returns." He had a recurring role on 24 and recently guest-starred on the hit series, "Law & Order: SVU." Earlier credits include the Emmy Award- winning HBO comedy "Express: Aisle To Glory," "Spin City," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "NYPD Blue," "The Agency" and "Angel."

Born and raised in New Jersey where he graduated from the Freehold Regional High School District's Performing Arts High School, Penn received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a Specialization in Theatre, Film and Television from the prestigious School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA, and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in International Security at Stanford University.

Penn serves on Senator Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign's National Arts Policy Committee and is a national surrogate for the candidate. He also serves on the celebrity advisory board of the Red Cross, and recently finished a semester as Adjunct Professor of Cinema, Sociology, and Asian American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Penn lives in Los Angeles.