David Burtka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Burtka
Burtka in 2025
Born	David Michael Burtka (1975-05-29) May 29, 1975 (age 50) Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
Education	University of Michigan (BFA)
Occupation	Actor chef
Years active	1999–present (actor) 2009–present (chef)
Spouse(s)	Neil Patrick Harris ​ (m. 2014)​
Children	2

David Michael Burtka (born May 29, 1975) is an American actor and a talented chef. He is known for his roles on television and in Broadway shows. He also shares his love for cooking through his catering business and cookbooks.

Early Life and Education

David Burtka was born in Dearborn, Michigan. His parents were Deborah A. Zajas and Daniel Burtka. David grew up in Canton, Michigan. He finished high school at Salem High School in 1993.

He studied acting at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He earned a special degree called a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. David also continued his acting training at the William Esper Studios.

David Burtka's Acting Career

Early TV and Broadway Roles

David Burtka first appeared on television in 2002. He had a guest role in the show The West Wing. After that, he was also seen in an episode of Crossing Jordan.

In 2003, David made his big debut on Broadway. He played the character Tulsa in the musical Gypsy. He also won an award in 2001 for being a promising new male performer. This was for his role in the play The Play About the Baby.

Memorable TV Appearances

Many people know David Burtka from the popular TV show How I Met Your Mother. He played Scooter, who was the high school boyfriend of the character Lily Aldrin. David appeared in seven episodes of this show.

He also made a fun guest appearance in the movie A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. In this film, he played himself alongside actor Neil Patrick Harris.

Recent Acting Projects

In 2015, David Burtka returned to Broadway. He starred in a musical comedy called It Shoulda Been You. This show was directed by David Hyde Pierce.

More recently, in April 2023, David performed in a play called God of Carnage. This play was shown Off-Broadway at Theatre Row. He acted alongside Carey Cox, Gabe Fazio, and Christiane Noll.

David Burtka's Culinary Career

Becoming a Professional Chef

David Burtka took a break from acting for a while. He decided to follow his passion for cooking. He went to the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Pasadena. He graduated from this cooking school in 2009.

After graduating, David started his own catering company in Los Angeles. It was called "Gourmet MD." He used his cooking skills to prepare meals for events and parties.

Sharing His Recipes

David also wrote a cookbook. It is titled Life is a Party. This book is filled with recipes and helpful tips for entertaining guests. The cookbook was published in April 2019.

Personal Life and Family

David Burtka with his husband, Neil Patrick Harris, in September 2011.

David Burtka has been in a relationship with actor Neil Patrick Harris since April 2004. In October 2010, they became parents to twins, Harper and Gideon. The twins were born via a surrogate mother.

David and Neil announced their engagement in 2011. They had actually proposed to each other five years earlier. They kept it a secret until same-sex marriage became legal in New York. They got married in Italy in September 2014.

Film and Television Roles

Movies

TV Shows

See also

In Spanish: David Burtka para niños

• LGBT culture in New York City
• List of LGBT people from New York City
• NYC Pride March