Who Is Kal Penn's Fiance?
If there is one thing to know about Kal Penn, it is that he is full of surprises. The actor gained notable popularity in the stoner-buddy comedy "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" alongside John Cho. The two charmed audiences with their wild antics enough to warrant two theatrical sequels. It was during Penn's run on the hit series "House," however, that he announced a hiatus from acting to work in public service. That's right, Penn was written off the show and went from a stoner desperate for late-night White Castle to working as the associate director of the White House office of public engagement under the Obama administration. What a move!
He had a smooth return to acting, appearing in several television series like "How I Met Your Mother," "Designated Survivor," and "Clarice," but now Penn is promoting his memoir. In a statement detailing the project (via Entertainment Weekly), the actor said, "I've had some ridiculous experiences so far in life, from a summer job working as a New Jersey farmhand (which by the way I highly recommend because it gives you incredible abs) to starring in big movies and television shows, to serving my country in the White House. This book is for anyone who has ever wondered if it's possible to have more than one calling."
Another huge surprise came with the reveal of a long-term relationship Penn had somehow kept quiet for years. Here's what we know about Penn's fiance.
Kal Penn has been in a relationship for over a decade
Despite his busy acting-slash-public service schedule, Kal Penn has been with his partner Josh for 11 years and engaged for nearly two. The actor has been very private about his personal life, and it was the release of his book "You Can't Be Serious" in November 2021 that let the public into his love life. Little is known about Josh — not even his last name — but Penn explained to Newsy that "he's a really quiet guy." The two met when Penn was working in D.C. as a White House aide. He also revealed he wasn't sure it would work out when on the second date, Josh arrived at his apartment with Coors Light and switched on a NASCAR race.
"I was like 'Did this just happen, unironically?'" Instead of calling it quits, however, they settled into "great conversation," connecting over family camping trips when they were young. This was the icebreaker they needed, and they have been together ever since.
Penn told People it took him longer to discover his sexuality than others. "There's no timeline on this stuff," he explained. "People figure their s*** out at different times in their lives, so I'm glad I did when I did."
Kal Penn talks wedding plans
Grateful for the love and support of his relationship with Josh from family and friends, Kal Penn shared with People that the collective response was "a wonderful thing." He added, "I know everybody has different experiences with that and so I definitely feel very fortunate." What is so impressive about the couple is how low-key they kept the relationship for over a decade. Josh's feelings toward his partner's fame align perfectly with Penn's family's. "They don't love attention and shy away from the limelight."
As for the wedding, it seems like Penn and his fiance are having the usual discussions on how far to take their special day. "The big disagreement now is whether it's a huge wedding or a tiny wedding," the "Van Wilder" actor told People. His desire for a "big ass Indian wedding" is an excellent contrast to Josh's suggestion of a "quick 20-minute thing with our families."
There is no word on official details yet, but Cardi B is apparently down to help out. Penn tweeted: "Cardi B was on my flight to LA. I fell asleep and had a dream that she officiated our wedding on the plane and the three of us walked out of LAX holding hands." Her response was, "I'm licensed to do that sooo ... let me know." Only time will tell if Josh gives in to that kind of spectacle.