Neil Patrick Harris will host the Tonys

Neil Patrick Harris

Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

It's now guaranteed that the 63rd Annual Tony Awards will be legen... wait for the cliche... dary.

CBS announced on Thursday (May 14) that "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris will host the live Tonys telecast from Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2009.

"Neil Patrick Harris is the perfect triple threat in Entertainment - a star of television, stage and film - which makes him an ideal host for The Tony Awards," says Jack Sussman, executive vice president, specials, music and live events, CBS Entertainment. "The theater community respects him and the television audience loves him."

Harris, a two-time Emmy nominee for "How I Met Your Mother," has appeared on Broadway in shows including "Proof," "Cabaret" and "Assassins."

"The discipline of live theater - doing the same perfect thing night after night, eight times a week - never ceases to amaze me," Harris says. "I'm truly honored to have been chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this year's Tony Awards, and I hope to help provide a first-class evening for all."

Harris honed his hosting duties earlier this year on the TV Land Awards and also showcased his live performance chops on an episode of "Saturday Night Live."

"His love for Broadway and great knowledge of theater combined with his on-stage presence makes him the perfect person to guide us through what is sure to be a great night," says executive producer Ricky Kirshner.

Recent high profile Tony hosts have included Hugh Jackman and Whoopi Goldberg.