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Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka: We're Not Gay Role Models

How I Met Your Mother star and longtime boyfriend insist they're nothing special. So why were they being honored the other night?

By Marc Malkin Nov 17, 2011 6:21 PMTags
 David Burtka, Neil Patrick HarrisVictor Decolongon/Getty Images

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka may be the ideal picture of two gay men in a committed relationship raising children together, but do not call them role models.

"I sort of go out of my way not to be Soap Box Johnny," Harris says.

We get that, but...

When we caught up with the two they were being honored at the 40th anniversary gala of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

"We're super happy to lead by example, but even to define ourselves in any kind of leadership position I think is awkward," Harris said. "I cringe when I hear people say they consider themselves role models."

Burtka agreed, "We really don't do anything. We take care of our kids. We're in a relationship. We love each other, but we don't go out of the way to stand on a soapbox, like Neil said."

On a much bluer lighter note, Harris said he expects there to be a sequel to his summer blockbuster Smurfs movie.

"The thing made like 500 million bucks, so I'm sure that they're clamoring to do something," he said, before cracking, "I'm contractually obligated to do 14 more Smurf movies. So you'll see me in one when I'm 70."

No doubt he and Burtka will still be together then.