WASHINGTON — The White House has hired actor Kal Penn as a liaison between President Barack Obama's administration and arts groups.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said today 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. His role will be to connect Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts and entertainment groups.

Penn starred as Kumar in the movies "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." His "House" character committed suicide in yesterday's episode.

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

The hire was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.