Most of the time on a TV show, devoted fans can see what is coming in the weeks ahead of their favorite shows, but recently on “House,” fans were left confused and wanting a clarification for the drastic events that took place.
Lawrence Kutner, played by Kal Penn, was found dead in his apartment. So, what is the explanation behind this sudden death of a major character? The actor is trading one house for another and is headed to the White House; however, this is putting his acting career on hold for the time being.
According to a Los Angeles Times article, Kal Penn’s plan is to be working as an associate director at the Office of Public Liaison, as a point person for the arts and Asian-American communities. He got involved with President Obama’s campaign in 2007, while the writers strike was going on and “House” was not in production. Even in college, in the back of Penn’s mind was the idea that he would go for film but also have a career in public service. And the possibility of him returning to “House” is very unlikely since Penn is in the process of moving to Washington, D.C.
"I thought that it was interesting to see an actor take part in public relations and try and help the crisis that America faces today, but it was also sad to think a good actor will be taking time off,” said Scott Paul, Business Management major and freshman.
Kal Penn is the first of Hollywood stars to take part in such a project like this.
The Los Angeles Times mentions that Penn knew that his character would be finished on “House,” but he hopes to return to acting eventually and take a try at his other passion. The death of Kutner was planned on being sudden, and the director wanted it to be a shock and something the audience would never see coming.
Freshman and Phys Ed and Health Major Danielle Cobuzio said, “it seemed sudden, but after hearing the reasons behind it, I think if he as a person is ready to take on such a challenge then I think he made a great choice.”
Penn even got to give some insight on how the character’s last moment was portrayed.
“This is was something meant to be completely from left field,” said Kal Penn commenting on the suicide to Yahoo! TV Blog.
What else lies in the future for this actor? Unfortunately, no more “Harold and Kumar” movies are in the making and Penn has no plans on running for office.
Actor Kal Penn Hired By Obama Administration
Published: Thursday, April 23, 2009
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2009
1 comments
They didn't show him at all and it just caused confusion and for a lot of House fans I'm sure it caused frustration, too. It seems very soap-operaesque and has put me off watching the show a little.