Kalpen Modi Begins Work at White House
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Charles Dharapak, AP
Kalpen Modi has begun work as the new liaison between the White House and Asian communities. Why is this news? Because Kalpen Modi is the real name of former 'House' actor Kal Penn, who left the hit show earlier this year to work for Barack Obama.
"Kal Penn is just a stage name," the 32-year-old actor said in explaining the name choice. "It's what my friends and family call me anyway."
The Indian-American actor is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on connecting President Barack Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.
Penn had astarred in several films including 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' and its sequel, 'Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.'
Penn, who backed Obama during the campaign, said the new job has nothing to do with his life as an actor.
"I expect to be treated just like any other staff member," he told reporters on a conference call.
Asked about the differences between the new job and his work in Hollywood, Penn joked that he now wears a suit. "I brushed my teeth; I did floss, used mouthwash ... took the bus to work, same thing that everybody does."
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2009-07-07 07:10:37
