Meet The Legendary Cast Of How I Met Your Mother: A Deep Dive Into Their Lives And Careers

02 May, 2025

When we talk about "How I Met Your Mother," we're diving into one of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history. This show wasn't just about Ted Mosby trying to tell his kids the story of how he met their mother; it was about friendship, love, and the chaos of life in New York City. The show's humor, heart, and unforgettable characters made it a must-watch for millions of fans worldwide. But behind every great show are the people who bring it to life, and in this article, we’re going deep into the lives of the talented cast of "How I Met Your Mother."

For nine seasons, the gang at MacLaren's Pub kept us laughing, crying, and wondering "who is the mother?" Each character had their quirks, their moments of brilliance, and their unique personalities. But what about the actors who played them? Who are they outside of the show? What have they been up to since the series ended? We’re about to uncover all that and more.

This article is your ultimate guide to the cast of "How I Met Your Mother." We’ll explore their backgrounds, their careers before and after the show, and even some fun facts you might not know. So, grab a drink, sit back, and let’s dive into the lives of the people who made this show a classic.

Biography of the Cast
Ted Mosby: The Heart of the Show
Barney Stinson: The Legendary Playa
Marshall Eriksen: The Best Friend
Lily Aldrin: The Other Best Friend
Robin Scherbatsky: The Independent Spirit
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts
Impact on Their Careers
Post-HIMYM Projects
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Conclusion: Why They’re Still Iconic

Biography of the Cast

Meet the Stars

Before we dive into each character, let’s take a quick look at the main cast members. These actors weren’t just playing roles—they were creating characters that would become part of pop culture history. Below is a quick rundown of their real-life information:

Name	Character	Birth Date	Age During HIMYM
Josh Radnor	Ted Mosby	November 27, 1974	28-36
Neil Patrick Harris	Barney Stinson	June 15, 1973	29-37
Jason Segel	Marshall Eriksen	January 30, 1980	26-34
Cobie Smulders	Robin Scherbatsky	January 8, 1982	24-32
Alyson Hannigan	Lily Aldrin	March 24, 1974	29-37

Ted Mosby: The Heart of the Show

Josh Radnor, the man behind Ted Mosby, brought a unique charm and vulnerability to the role. Ted was the narrator, the one who tied everything together, and Josh did an amazing job of making him relatable. But who is Josh Radnor outside of the show?

Before "How I Met Your Mother," Josh was primarily known for his work in theater. He appeared in several Broadway productions and even wrote a few plays. His transition to TV was seamless, and his performance as Ted earned him critical acclaim. After the show, Josh continued to pursue acting and writing, appearing in films like "Liberal Arts" and "The Big Sick."

Key Facts About Josh Radnor

Graduated from Columbia University
Started his career in theater
Wrote and directed the film "Liberal Arts"

Barney Stinson: The Legendary Playa

Oh, Barney Stinson! The suit-wearing, catchphrase-loving legend of MacLaren's Pub. Played by Neil Patrick Harris, Barney was the definition of swagger and charm. But what makes Neil Patrick Harris such a perfect fit for this role?

Neil is no stranger to the spotlight. He first gained fame as Doogie Howser, M.D., but his career took a dramatic turn when he became Barney Stinson. His ability to blend comedy with charisma made him a fan favorite. After "How I Met Your Mother," Neil continued to shine, hosting award shows, starring in "A Series of Unfortunate Events," and even winning a Tony Award for his role in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

Neil Patrick Harris Fun Facts

Started acting at the age of 9
Hosted the Tony Awards multiple times
Married to David Burtka and father of two

Marshall Eriksen: The Best Friend

Jason Segel brought a warmth and humor to the role of Marshall Eriksen that made him unforgettable. As the loyal best friend, Marshall was the glue that held the group together. But Jason’s career extends far beyond "How I Met Your Mother."

Jason Segel started his career in improv comedy and quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. He co-wrote and starred in films like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "The Muppets." His ability to combine humor with heart made him a standout in both TV and film.

Jason Segel Highlights

Co-wrote "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"
Revived "The Muppets" with a modern twist
Known for his improv skills

Lily Aldrin: The Other Best Friend

Alyson Hannigan, the actress behind Lily Aldrin, brought a fiery passion and quirky humor to the role. Lily was the emotional center of the group, and Alyson’s performance made her one of the most beloved characters on the show.

Alyson first gained fame as Willow Rosenberg on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Her transition to "How I Met Your Mother" was seamless, and she quickly became a fan favorite. After the show, Alyson continued to act in TV and film, appearing in projects like "The Mindy Project" and "The Orville."

Alyson Hannigan’s Career

Starred as Willow in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Appeared in "The Mindy Project"
Married to Alexis Denisof

Robin Scherbatsky: The Independent Spirit

Cobie Smulders, the actress behind Robin Scherbatsky, brought a unique blend of strength and vulnerability to the role. Robin was the independent Canadian journalist who captured everyone’s heart, and Cobie’s performance was nothing short of brilliant.

Before "How I Met Your Mother," Cobie was known for her work in Canadian TV and film. Her role as Robin catapulted her to international fame, and she went on to star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Maria Hill. Her career continues to thrive, with appearances in films like "Men in Black: International."

Cobie Smulders Facts

Canadian actress and producer
Starred as Maria Hill in the MCU
Married to Taran Killam

Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts

There’s so much more to "How I Met Your Mother" than what meets the eye. Behind the scenes, the cast formed a tight-knit family, and their chemistry was evident on screen. Here are some fun facts you might not know:

Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan were the first cast members to be hired
Jason Segel almost didn’t audition because he thought the show was too similar to "Friends"
Cobie Smulders is a natural blonde but dyed her hair red for the role

Impact on Their Careers

"How I Met Your Mother" had a significant impact on the careers of all its cast members. It launched them into the spotlight and opened doors for new opportunities. Each actor used the show as a stepping stone to further their careers, and their success is a testament to their talent and hard work.

Post-HIMYM Success

Neil Patrick Harris won a Tony Award
Jason Segel revived "The Muppets"
Cobie Smulders joined the MCU

Post-HIMYM Projects

After the show ended, the cast went on to star in various projects. Neil Patrick Harris continued to host award shows and star in TV series, while Jason Segel focused on film and writing. Cobie Smulders became a household name thanks to her role in the MCU, and Alyson Hannigan continued to act in both TV and film.

What Are They Up To Now?

Neil Patrick Harris stars in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"
Jason Segel writes and acts in "Little Voice"
Cobie Smulders appears in "Men in Black: International"

Fan Reactions and Legacy

The legacy of "How I Met Your Mother" lives on through its fans. The show’s humor, heart, and unforgettable characters continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Fans still gather to rewatch episodes, debate theories, and celebrate the show’s impact on their lives.

Why Fans Love the Show

Relatable characters and situations
Heartfelt moments mixed with comedy
Iconic catchphrases and memorable scenes

Conclusion: Why They’re Still Iconic

As we wrap up this deep dive into the cast of "How I Met Your Mother," it’s clear why they remain iconic. Their performances brought joy, laughter, and even tears to millions of fans worldwide. The show’s legacy continues to thrive, and its impact on pop culture is undeniable.

We encourage you to leave a comment below and share your favorite memories of the show. Who’s your favorite character? What’s your favorite episode? Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate the magic of "How I Met Your Mother."

Until next time, stay classy, New York!

How I Met Your Mother Cast Nina's Win, Robert's Shaved Head on Stage

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