Politics | Kal Penn 'Kumar' Begins White House Outreach Gig Thespian won't accept acting gigs for a year or two while he focuses on politics By Nick McMaster Posted Jul 6, 2009 4:50 PM CDT Copied Actor Kal Penn, left, stands with Michael Strautmanis, Assistant to the President, center, and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Monday, April 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) Kal Penn began work at the White House today, the Washington Post reports. The Harold and Kumar star, who later appeared on House, is the new associate director of the White House's Office of Public Engagement. Penn, 31, has committed to the job for a year or two, meaning he doesn't plan to take any acting gigs during that time. Read These Next The vinyl tracklist can be very different from what you know. Zelensky visits Trump Monday, and he won't be alone. Most likely outcomes in Ukraine emerge. Stalkers are increasingly heading into the sports arena. Report an error