Behind the Scenes: The Story of How I Met Your Mother Actors

Step by Step: How the How I Met Your Mother Actors Landed Their Roles

For nine seasons, How I Met Your Mother captured the hearts of millions with its hilarious antics and unpredictable twists. But how did the actors manage to land their iconic roles? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll dive into the audition process that turned a handful of talented performers into one of TV’s most beloved casts.

Step 1: Casting Director

Before any auditions could take place, the show needed a casting director to manage the process. This role fell to Megan Branman, who had previously worked on popular shows like Friends and Seinfeld. Branman was tasked with finding five main cast members: Ted Mosby, Marshal Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Barney Stinson, and Robin Scherbatsky.

Step 2: Character Breakdowns

Once Branman was onboard, she worked with co-creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas to create character breakdowns for each main role. These documents described the characters’ personalities, backgrounds, and quirks in detail. They were given out to agents and managers so they could identify potential candidates among their clients.

Step 3: Audition Tapes

Agents submitted audition tapes to Branman’s office on behalf of their clients. The tapes included monologues from previous performances as well as newly recorded scenes based on sides that were provided by CBS. Out of hundreds (maybe thousands) of submissions came around ten finalists for each role.

Step 4: Callbacks

The callbacks consisted of rehearsing three different scenes alongside other prospective actors’ screen tests performed before those already decided upon (Note: these screens tests are not shown anywhere). While filming was happening for lead characters in Los Angeles; casting teams met up with supporting cast members (like Victoria or Stella) who served essential pillars during plot setup but didn’t receive much focus in terms of character development.

Step 5: Network Approval

After multiple rounds/callbacks/auditions filled out by actors and various directors, producers comprised a list they sent to CBS for network approval. The network executives reviewed the footage and approved the quintet of Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan, Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders as Barney Stinson, Marshall Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Ted Mosby, and Robin Scherbatsky respectively.

Step 6: Chemistry Reads

Finally cast members came together for chemistry reads to new their bond with each other. Cast member Charlene Amoia revealed how she met Carter Bays and wanted her role but was instead asked to come in to test out who would play Lily. “I had my scene partner Chad come over that day thinking it was another shot at getting cast,” says Charlene “and there was Alyson (Hannigan) sitting in the living room too.”

“Then we read through it all together a few times before going on tape & I felt like I’d known her forever – no matter what happens she’ll always be one of my favorite people now because she played such a role in making me feel comfortable.”

In Good Casting…

It’s not easy landing a role on a highly anticipated show like How I Met Your Mother. But by following these six steps–finding an experienced casting director, creating detailed character breakdowns, filming audition tapes, hosting multiple callbacks/chemistry tests while keeping busy with other roles around LA studios—aspiring performers could discover success and comedic gold amidst the sting of rejection that is so common in Hollywood. We celebrate these actors’ victories and admire the determination they showed that allowed them to become household names themselves by becoming part of arguably one of the best sitcoms ever produced!

Frequently Asked Questions About the How I Met Your Mother Actors

When it comes to popular TV shows, How I Met Your Mother is undoubtedly one of the most beloved programs in modern television history. Spanning a nine-season run, the show had viewers growing accustomed to its unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Given this strong connection with audiences across worldwide, it’s no surprise that fans are curious about the actors who brought their favorite characters to life.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about the How I Met Your Mother cast:

1. Who played Ted Mosby?

The bespectacled architect Ted Mosby was portrayed by American actor Josh Radnor. In addition to HIMYM, he has also appeared on Broadway productions and worked as director for indie films like Happythankyoumorepleaseand Liberal Arts.

2. What is Robin Scherbatsky’s real name?

Robin Scherbatsky is the character played by Canadian actress Cobie Smulders. She began her career as a model before dabbling into acting; besides HIMYM she has landed roles in major blockbusters like The Avengers film series but also some independent cinema titles such as Results.

3. Where have we seen Marshall Eriksen before?

Marshall Eriksen was brought to life by Jason Segel, an actor and comedian from Los Angeles known for his role in Freaks and Geeks and more recently movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Muppets.

4. Was Lily Aldrin in any other sitcoms?

Lily Aldrin was brilliantly embodied by Alyson Hannigan whose signature role before HIMYM was Willow Rosenberg on Buffy The Vampire Slayer – an iconic figure for teenage girls all over the world! Fans may also recognize her from American Pie franchise playing Michelle Flaherty alongside her future costar Jason Biggs!

5. What kind of music does Barney Stinson sing?

Barney Stinson may be well-known for his love of suits but he also a formidable passion for music, particularly show tunes! Under the name Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Neil Patrick Harris starred in his own musical project – a hilarious and quirky take on the superhero genre.

6. Do any of the HIMYM actors have personal connections?

Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan are two of Hollywood’s loveliest celebrity friendships. The pair not only shared screen-time together as Marshall and Lily but roughly a decade before they played teenagers in love in Freaks and Geeks.

7. Where can I see these actors now?

Since How I Met Your Mother ended its run, each cast member has pursued various projects across film, television or stage productions. Cobie Smulders continued her foray into big-budget movies with Marvel films such as Spider-Man: Far from Home; Josh Radnor stars in New Amsterdam series; Jason Segel unites with Lily Aldrin star Alyson Hannigan to create new sci-fi comedy show called Dispatches From Elsewhere which premiered earlier this year; while Neil Patrick Harris is continuing to be one of America’s most beloved entertainers by being a regular guest-host on Late Show With Stephen Colbert amongst other roles.

The How I Met Your Mother actors have created unforgettable characters that have become classics of TV popular culture over the past 2 decades, entertaining audiences worldwide with their jokes, stories, and emotions. Both their humanity as well as their sense of humor resonated with people over the years – making them all fantastic talents worth following long after HIMYM fictitious facade has opened its curtains for one last time.

Behind the Scenes with the How I Met Your Mother Actors

How I Met Your Mother is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, largely due to its memorable characters and hilarious storylines. But what many fans may not realize is just how much work goes into bringing these characters to life.

Behind the scenes of How I Met Your Mother, there are countless hours of rehearsals, table reads, and script revisions that go into making each episode a success. And who better to give us an inside look at this process than the actors themselves?

Let’s start with Neil Patrick Harris, who portrayed the infamous Barney Stinson on the show. Harris has always been known for his comedic timing and larger-than-life personality, so it’s no surprise that he brought those qualities to his portrayal of Barney. But what many fans may not realize is just how much effort went into crafting Barney’s catchphrases and signature moves.

According to Harris himself, he spent hours practicing his “legendary” high-fives and perfecting his pickup lines in order to make sure they landed just right with the audience. And as for Barney’s iconic suits? Those were all picked out by Harris himself in collaboration with the show’s costume designers.

Moving on to Jason Segel, who played Marshall Eriksen on How I Met Your Mother. Segel is perhaps best known for his work in comedic roles like this one, but what sets him apart from other actors in the genre is his ability to bring genuine heart and emotion to every scene.

In order to achieve this level of authenticity, Segel would often spend extra time rehearsing his lines and working closely with co-star Alyson Hannigan (who played Marshall’s wife Lily) in order to create a believable on-screen relationship. And when it came time for emotional scenes – such as Marshall dealing with the death of his father – Segel made a point to tap into real-life experiences in order to bring raw emotion to the screen.

But it’s not just the main cast that deserves credit for the success of How I Met Your Mother – the supporting actors played a crucial role as well. Take Cobie Smulders, for example, who portrayed Robin Scherbatsky on the show.

Smulders was known for her comedic timing and sharp wit, but what really set her apart was her ability to bring depth and nuance to Robin’s emotional journey throughout the series. From grappling with loneliness to coming to terms with her feelings for Ted (played by Josh Radnor), Smulders always made sure that these moments felt authentic and relatable.

And let’s not forget about Hannigan herself, who played Lily Aldrin on the show. Hannigan was always able to find humor in even the most mundane moments, but she also had a knack for bringing out the best in her co-stars. Whether it was pushing Segel to delve deeper into his character’s emotions or finding new ways to riff off of Harris’ unforgettable one-liners, Hannigan always brought 110% to every scene.

So there you have it – a glimpse behind the scenes of How I Met Your Mother and a chance to appreciate just how much work went into making this beloved sitcom so successful. From rehearsing catchphrases and practicing high-fives to tapping into real-life emotions and finding genuine connections with co-stars, these actors truly gave it their all in order to create something special – and we’re all better off for it.

Top 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About the How I Met Your Mother Actors

How I Met Your Mother is one of the most beloved TV series in recent memory. The show’s captivating storytelling and unforgettable characters have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. But while we may know a lot about Ted, Robin, Barney, Marshall, and Lily – there are some fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about their real-life counterparts.

Here are five interesting facts that will make you see the How I Met Your Mother actors in a whole new light:

1. Neil Patrick Harris was offered the role of Barney Stinson before he even auditioned

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Neil Patrick Harris playing the lovable yet misguided Barney Stinson. But did you know that he was offered the role before he even had a chance to audition for it? The show’s creator Carter Bays saw how great Neil was as himself on SNL and asked him to join his ensemble cast.

2. Jason Segel wrote Dracula puppet musical-themed episodes

Jason Segel may be best known for his comedic acting chops but did you also know that he is an accomplished writer? His love for puppets inspired him to write two episodes relating to Broadway musicals revolving around Dracula puppets which were thoroughly enjoyed by fans all over!

3. Alyson Hannigan played Willow Rosenberg on Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Before portraying Lily Aldrin on How I Met Your Mother, Alyson Hannigan first rose to fame as Willow Rosenberg on Joss Whedon’s popular supernatural drama series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” She starred opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy Summers.

4. Cobie Smulders nearly turned down her role as Robin Scherbatsky

Can you imagine anyone else playing Robin Scherbatsky other than Cobie Smulders? Well, believe it or not, upon receiving the offer she found herself struggling with her loyalty towards other prospects leaving her unsure about accepting. Fortunately, good sense prevailed, and she eventually took on the role, winning audiences over with her sharp wit and intelligence.

5. Josh Radnor didn’t “meet” his TV children until their final scene together

Throughout the entire show, we are introduced to ‘Future Ted Mosby’ as he narrates the story of how he met his wife in flashbacks. However, it was only during the final scene that Josh Radnor actually met Lyndsy Fonseca and David Henrie – who played his children on How I Met Your Mother.

So there you have it – five facts about our favorite sitcom cast that you didn’t know before. While they may be just characters on a screen to us, knowing these behind-the-scenes stories makes them more human and endearing than ever before.

From Newcomers to Legends: The Rise of the How I Met Your Mother Actors

How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) has without a doubt become one of the most iconic sitcoms of our time. Its sharp humor, compelling storytelling, and lovable cast has made it a go-to show for millions of viewers around the world. And as popular as the show itself is, it’s impossible to deny that some of its actors have weaved their way into becoming legitimate legends in Hollywood.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these actors and how they went from relative newcomers to powerful forces in the entertainment industry:

Neil Patrick Harris

First introduced to audiences as a child star on Doogie Howser, M.D., Neil Patrick Harris’ turn as HIMYM’s Barnie Stinson was nothing short of extraordinary. His performances have earned him numerous awards, including four Emmys and two Golden Globes. Following HIMYM, NPH went on to host awards shows like the Tony Awards and perform in critically acclaimed productions like Hedwig and The Angry Inch.

Alyson Hannigan

Though Alyson Hannigan was already an established teen icon thanks to her work in Buffy The Vampire Slayer when she signed onto HIMYM, it’s safe to say that her role as Lily Aldrin gave her career an even bigger boost. Her impressive comedic skills and relatable acting style charmed audiences from day one, earning her three People’s Choice Awards for Favorite TV Comedy Actress.

Jason Segel

Before he landed his breakout role as Marshall Eriksen, Jason Segel had already appeared in comedy hits like Freaks And Geeks and Undeclared. However, his portrayal of Marshall solidified his place among TV’s funniest performers- he received both critical acclaim and audience adoration throughout HIMYM’s nine year run. Following the series’ end, Segel moved on from comedy temporarily with serious roles in impactful films like The End Of The Tour and Our Friend.

Cobie Smulders

Cobie Smulders had already made a name for herself in shows like Smallville and the short-lived pilot for Wonder Woman before she nabbed the role of Robin Scherbatsky. Her excellent onscreen chemistry and magnetic presence powered through HIMYM, leading her to land significant roles in Blockbuster franchises like Marvel’s The Avengers.

Josh Radnor

HIMYM’s Ted Mosby was Josh Radnor’s breakthrough role after honing that craft on stage productions. While HIMYM was his TV debut, Radnor quickly stood out with his exceptional acting chops and flawless comedic timing, proving to audiences why he was a perfect fit to play the protagonist of such an outstanding series. Since the end of HIMYM, Radnor went back to theater and directing films.

In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that these actors achieved success not only because they brought their own individual charms and talents to their roles- rather, it was their collective comedic rhythm as an ensemble cast which allowed each of them to stand out brilliantly. HIMYM may be off-air today, but its irreverent humor and heartwarming characters continue to resonate with fans worldwide – long after we all got acquainted with everyone at MacLarens Pub.

The Legacy of the How I Met Your Mother Actors: Where Are They Now?

As one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 21st century, How I Met Your Mother captivated audiences with its unforgettable characters and hilarious, romantic storylines. But despite the show’s conclusion in 2014, its legacy has lived on, particularly when it comes to the talented actors who brought these iconic characters to life.

So where are they now? Let’s take a look at what some of our favorite HIMYM stars have been up to since bidding farewell to Barney, Robin, Ted and company.

First up is Josh Radnor. Since portraying the lovable yet somewhat neurotic Ted Mosby, Radnor has traded in his acting chops for more behind-the-scenes work. He wrote and directed two films: Liberal Arts (2012) and HappyThankYouMorePlease (2010). Additionally, he appeared onstage in Broadway productions such as Disgraced (2014) and The Babylon Line (2017).

Next we have Cobie Smulders who played tough-as-nails reporter turned interior designer Robin Scherbatsky. After HIMYM wrapped its final season, Smulders went on to star as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in several Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. She also landed a lead role on Netflix’s Friends from College (2017–19), before her own starring role as Dex Parios in Stumptown (2019–22).

Of course we cannot forget about Neil Patrick Harris – aka womanizer extraordinaire Barney Stinson! Since wrapping HIMYM, Harris expanded his already successful career by hosting Tony Awards and various televised game shows. He also starred in Gone Girl (2014), A Series of Unfortunate Events’ Netflix adaptation reprise Count Olaf’s role(2017-19).

Alyson Hannigan was charmingly kooky as quirky high school guidance counselor Lily Aldrin during her time on HIMYM. After the show concluded, Hannigan snagged a recurring role on The McCarthys (2014–15), as well as a series regular gig on CBS sitcom Another Period (2015-16).

Lastly, Jason Segel who played the slobby yet endearing Marshall Eriksen. Post-HIMYM, Segel stepped away from acting to more focus on writing and producing. However, he did appear in End of the Tour (2015) and Our Friend (2021). He wrote the screenplay for The Muppets reboot and co-wrote the script for Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

While it’s bittersweet that we won’t be seeing our favorite HIMYM characters on our screens anymore, it’s reassuring to know that their respective actors have continued to thrive in their careers in both film and television.

From directing critically acclaimed films to landing lead roles in high-profile shows, these talented performers have proved time and again why they are some of Hollywood’s best – all while continuing their legacy alongside the beloved characters they helped bring to life.