Kal Penn claims his first manager tried to set him up with sex workers when he came out as gay.
The 45-year-old “Harold & Kumar” star appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Kelly Ripa’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast, where he explained he didn’t speak much about his sexuality until the release of his 2021 memoir “You Can’t Be Serious” — partially because of an early, awkward misunderstanding with his manager.
“You know, I shared my story with my brother and my parents first. I was like, ‘Hey, super gay. Just FYI,’” Penn told Ripa, 52.
“But then I called my manager, and I said, ‘Hey, I don’t know if this is ever gonna impact anything in work, but I’m just curious: How do actors meet nice people to date? Like how do you know that somebody that you’re dating wants to date you for you? Like what are the ground rules here, and is it any different?’”
Penn said his manager at the time was not gay, but had a producer co-worker who was, so he suggested the pair go out for sushi. He did not identify the manager on the podcast.
When he arrived at the dinner, Penn recalled his guest saying to him: “So, I understand you’ve got some things that you want to talk about.”
Penn claimed the man’s vibe was a bit “weird,” so he attempted to clarify that he was wondering how to meet a “nice guy” in Los Angeles.
“He goes, ‘So, listen, the first thing I just want you to know is, like, just don’t worry,’” Penn recounted. “I was like, ‘Well I’m not worried, I’m just curious, but thank you, I appreciate that.’”
Penn continued: “He goes, ‘Yeah, I mean, I’m just gonna email you a list just of some guys and their photos.’ And I’m like, ‘Whoa, that’s so cool! Playing matchmaker already,’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, and, you know, they’re not that expensive, and they’re never gonna say anything.’”
That’s when he realized the two men were on different pages.
“I was like, ‘Sorry, I think you don’t understand. No disrespect to sex workers, but that’s not what I’m looking for. My question to you is, how do I meet a nice guy, go on a couple of dates?’ And he goes, ‘I don’t know anything about all that.’”
Luckily, Penn would go on to meet his partner — whom he’s only identified as Josh — at the White House, as the pair both worked for former president Barack Obama. They’ve been together for 12 years, and Penn revealed they were engaged in 2021.
The Post has contacted a rep for Penn for comment.
More recently, Penn completed a guest-hosting stint on “The Daily Show” as Comedy Central execs continue their search to name a permanent host after comedian Trevor Noah left in December.