WASHINGTON – The White House has hired actor Kal Penn as a liaison between President Barack Obama's administration and Asian constituents. White House spokesman Shin Inouye said Tuesday that the actor who had a recurring role on Fox's TV show "House" and has starred in several movies would join the staff as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison.

Cast member Kal Penn attends the premiere of "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" in Los Angeles in this April 17, 2008 file photo. The 31-year-old actor, who made his mark as the pot-smoking Kumar in the "Harold and Kumar" feature film comedies, will become associate director in the White House office of public liaison, Entertainment Weekly reported on April 6, 2009. [Agencies]

His role will be to connect Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn starred as Kumar in the movie, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." His "House" character committed suicide in Monday's episode.

Penn backed Obama during the campaign. The White House says a start date for Penn hasn't been set.

The White House did not reveal what Penn would be paid. Aides with similar titles earned between $41,000 and $91,000 last year.

The hire was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.