Throwback Thursday: Neil Patrick Harris in Blue Jeans

Considering the Neil Patrick Harris we all know today (star of the upcoming Broadway production ofHedwig and the Angry Inch, the lady-killing lothario Barney on How I Met Your Mother and go-to awards show host), it's hard to believe there once was a time the actor was in the closet.

In November of 2006, Harris came out exclusively to People magazine --something that almost seems blase today. However, his first interview with Out magazine didn't take place until the summer of 2008. What was the reason for the delay?

"I didn't think I'd be in bad hands or that there'd be some sort of 'We've got to get this statement out of him in some way,'" Harris told the magazine at the time. "Plus, fall fashion seemed like a good time as opposed to the summer swimsuit issue, where'd I'd have to go on a fast for a couple of months and get a crystal meth addiction. Ah! See! Now a meth quote is going be everywhere. Now you have your story."

While Harris has always provided great soundbites, the best part of the issue was the photo shoot he did at the time. Donning denim, Harris channeled his inner-Paul Newman and showcased the all-American leading man that won the hearts of fans who watched HIMYM, which was just starting Season 4. Five years later, Harris has evolved into a loving partner, an adoring father, and edgy entertainer.