Kal Penn - Actor Profile

Kal Penn

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Apr 23, 1977
Birth Place: Montclair, New Jersey, USA

About Kal Penn

Kalpen Suresh Modi (born April 23, 1977) is an American actor, author, comedian, and former White House staff member in the Obama administration. He is best known for his role as Kumar Patel in the Harold & Kumar movie franchise. He is also known for his roles as Lawrence Kutner on the television program House, White House staffer Seth Wright on Designated Survivor, Kevin in How I Met Your Mother and Nikhil Ganguli in the film The Namesake (2006). In early 2009, Penn was offered the position of Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, which he accepted, necessitating his character Lawrence Kutner being written out of the TV series House. In 2020, Penn wrote a memoir called "You Can't Be Serious". While promoting this memoir, Penn announced that he and his boyfriend of 11 years, named Josh, were engaged

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kal Penn reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Kal Penn's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kal Penn remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Love Don't Co$t a Thing, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kal Penn Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kal Penn's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kal Penn.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 The Underdoggs Ryan Kauffman Hit Similar →
2023 Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong Self Average Similar →
2022 Smile Dr. Morgan Desai Hit Similar →
2021 Hot Mess Holiday Kal Penn Average Similar →
2021 Untitled Horror Movie Mark Flop Similar →
2021 Clarice: Behind the Scenes with Stars and Producers Self Flop Similar →
2020 The Girl in the Woods - Hit Similar →
2018 The Ashram Nitin Average Similar →
2017 The Problem with Apu Self Flop Similar →
2017 The Layover Anuj Flop Similar →
2017 Once Upon a Time in Venice Rajeesh Flop Similar →
2017 Speech & Debate James Average Similar →
2016 Better Off Single Brice Flop Similar →
2015 The Girl in the Photographs Peter Hemmings Flop Similar →
2015 Emily & Tim Tim (Segment 2) Average Similar →
2015 The Sisterhood of Night Gordy Gambhir Average Similar →
2014 A Prayer for Rain Motwani Average Similar →
2013 Dementamania - Flop Similar →
2011 Harold & Kumars Yuletide Jamz Kumar Patel Hit Similar →
2011 A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas Kumar Patel Average Similar →
2009 We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial Self Flop Similar →
2008 Harold & Kumar Go to Amsterdam Kumar Hit Similar →
2008 Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay Kumar Patel Average Similar →
2007 Epic Movie Edward Flop Similar →
2006 Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj Taj Mahal Badalandabad Flop Similar →
2006 Deck the Halls Amit Sayid (uncredited) Average Similar →
2006 The Namesake Gogol / Nikhil Hit Similar →
2006 Superman Returns Stanford Average Similar →
2006 Man About Town Alan Fineberg Flop Similar →
2006 Bachelor Party Vegas Z-Bob Flop Similar →
2006 Awesometown Guy Reading Newspaper Hit Similar →
2005 Sueno Raj Flop Similar →
2005 A Lot Like Love Jeeter Hit Similar →
2005 Son of the Mask Jorge Flop Similar →
2005 Dancing in Twilight Sam Flop Similar →
2004 Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle Kumar Patel Hit Similar →
2004 Where's the Party Yaar? Mo Flop Similar →
2004 Ball and Chain Bobby Average Similar →
2004 Homeland Security Harrison Flop Similar →
2003 Love Don't Co$t a Thing Kenneth Warman Super Hit Similar →
2003 Malibu's Most Wanted Hadji Flop Similar →
2003 Regarding Ardy Fred Flop Similar →
2003 Cosmopolitan Vandana's Fiancee Average Similar →
2002 National Lampoon's Van Wilder Taj Mahal Badalandabad Average Similar →
2001 American Desi Ajay Pandya Average Similar →
1999 Freshmen Ajay Flop Similar →
1998 Express: Aisle to Glory Jackie Newton Flop Similar →
N/A Brookfield Kumar Zimmerman Flop Similar →
N/A Trust Me, I'm a Doctor Dr. Sandeep Kapoor Flop Similar →
N/A Patel - Flop Similar →

Kal Penn - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kal Penn?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kal Penn is "Love Don't Co$t a Thing" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Kal Penn acted in?

Kal Penn has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kal Penn?

Other notable films include "Awesometown", "Harold & Kumars Yuletide Jamz", and "The Underdoggs".