The 2009 Out 100: Neil Patrick Harris

Photo: Jason Bell

It's that time of the year again. Every November we reveal the honorees for our annual Out 100, a look at the 100 gay, lesbian and trans people who have made an impact on gay and mainstream culture over the past twelve months. Last week we gave you your first peak at the "School Days"-themed portfolio with the honoree "most likely to reinvent," Chaz Bono.

Today we bring you Neil Patrick Harris, "the Golden Boy." You wouldn't have caught NPH playing the bad boy in high school. The great gay hope of dude-bro comedy split his teen years between the set of Doogie Howser, M.D. and his Albuquerque residency as the drama school geek. "That was a good clique to be in," the 36-year-old says now, at the tail end of a year when he hosted telecasts of both the Tony and Emmy awards. "You were still liked." He pauses, quirking an eyebrow for his obligatory punchline: "Which in high school is kind of important."

We'll be rolling out more honorees over the coming days. Look for the December/January Out 100 issue, which features the full portfolio shot by photographer Jason Bell, to be in stores in mid-November.

-- SHANA NAOMI KROCHMAL

Previously > First Look: 2009 Out 100: Chaz Bono