David Burtka, born on May 29, 1975, in Dearborn, Michigan, is an American actor and chef.
He made his television debut in 2002 on The West Wing and gained recognition for his role as “Scooter” on How I Met Your Mother.
Burtka has also appeared on Broadway, notably in the revival of Gypsy and the musical It Shoulda Been You in 2015.
In addition to acting, be is a trained chef, having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2009.
Siblings
David has one older sister named Jennifer Burtka.
However, not much is publicly known about Jennifer, as she tends to stay out of the spotlight compared to her famous brother.
David and his sister were raised in Michigan, providing a supportive environment that allowed David to develop his talents and pursue his dreams in acting and culinary arts.
Acting career
Burtka’s acting journey began in earnest in the early 2000s.
After his debut on The West Wing in 2002, he gained wider recognition for his role as Scooter on the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother, where he appeared in several episodes between 2006 and 2014.
His performance on the show helped solidify his status as a familiar face in television comedy.
In addition to his television work, Burtka has made significant contributions to theater.
His Broadway debut came in 2003 when he starred in the acclaimed revival of Gypsy alongside Bernadette Peters.
He later appeared in the musical It Shoulda Been You in 2015, showcasing his singing and acting abilities. Burtka’s stage presence and talent have earned him praise from audiences and critics alike.
Burtka has also ventured into more dramatic roles, appearing in American Horror Story: Freak Show in 2014.
Culinary career
In addition to acting, Burtka has pursued his passion for cooking.
He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena in 2009, where he honed his culinary skills.
Following his training, he founded a catering company called Gourmet M.D., which focuses on creating delicious and visually appealing dishes for various events.
Burtka’s culinary talents are not limited to catering; he has also shared his love for cooking through his cookbook, Life is a Party, published in 2019.
The book features recipes and entertaining tips, reflecting his philosophy that food brings people together.
His culinary endeavors have allowed him to connect with fans in a different way, showcasing his creativity beyond the screen and stage.
Awards and accolades
Burtka has received several awards and accolades throughout his career, particularly in theater.
Notably, he won the Clarence Derwent Award in 2001 for his performance as The Boy in the American premiere of Edward Albee’s The Play About the Baby.
This award is given to the most promising male and female performers in the New York theater scene.
In addition to this recognition, Burtka has made significant contributions to both television and film, although specific awards in these areas are less frequently highlighted.
Personal life
Burtka is married to actor Neil Patrick Harris.
The couple began dating in 2004 and have built a strong partnership over the years.
They first met while both were performing on Broadway, with Burtka in Gypsy and Harris in Cabaret.
Their relationship blossomed, and Harris publicly came out as gay in 2006, which coincided with the growing public interest in their relationship.
Burtka and Harris welcomed twins, Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, via surrogate in October 2010.
They announced their engagement in 2011 and were married on September 6, 2014, in a private ceremony in Italy, attended by close friends and family.
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