Kal Penn and his rumored fiancé Josh, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Kal Penn opened up about his romantic life in 2021 and revealed that he became engaged to a man named Josh. Despite having a famous beau, Kal Penn's partner prefers to live away from the spotlight.
Kal Penn has become a household name in the world of comedy. He began his acting career in various indie films before landing his breakthrough role in "Harold & Kumar," which propelled him to Hollywood stardom.
Penn's career soared to greater heights, and he even published a memoir detailing the ups and downs of his life and romantic partnerships. Within the pages of his book, he disclosed that he is currently engaged to Josh.
Who Is Kal Penn's Fiancé Josh?
There is not much information available about Josh, but Penn's memoir, "You Can't Be Serious," claims they have been together for a long time. In his interview with People in 2021, Penn revealed the reason why he decided to open up about his dating life:
"I wanted my story to be authentic from my perspective and told in a way that makes you feel like you really get to know me."
Penn also wanted to be transparent without jeopardizing his family and friends. He said his family was initially skeptical of his idea, describing them as "fairly quiet" and "shy" about his private matters and don't enjoy being the center of public attention.
Kal Penn and his rumored fiance Josh watch the basketball game between Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks on March 24, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In addition to detailing his childhood life in Montclair, New Jersey, and his work as a public servant in his memoir, Penn spent an entire chapter sharing his romantic relationship with Josh.
Despite the shyness of his longtime partner, the "Designated Survivor" actor opened up about his first meeting and first date with Josh several years ago.
After Penn announced their engagement, some media outlets reportedly noted that the man wearing a cap who sat beside the comedian at a basketball game in New York City in March 2018 was his fiancé.
Kal Penn and his rumored fiancé Josh are on the sidelines watching the York Knicks Vs. Detroit Pistons basketball game on March 31, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The longtime couple first met in Washington, D.C., where Penn lived as he formerly worked as an associate director at the White House under former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration.
During Penn's day off work, Josh went to Penn's apartment shortly after their first meeting and brought an 18-pack of alcoholic beverages. They lounged around the television to watch the NASCAR race; after that, Josh would go home.
Penn was sure their relationship would not work at that time if Josh continued to pay more attention to the NASCAR race than their blossoming romance. Despite his initial disinterest, Penn eventually enjoyed Josh's favorite show. Penn added:
"Next thing you know, it's been a couple months and we're watching NASCAR every Sunday. I'm like, 'What is happening?"
Kal Penn and his rumored fiancé are watching the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers basketball game on November 20, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
When Did Kal Penn and Josh Get Together?
In an interview with show host Luke Burbank on "CBS This Morning" in October 2021, Penn revealed that he and Josh celebrated their 11th anniversary in the same year, which means the couple has been together since 2010.
Josh and Penn eventually got engaged after years of dating. While the political activist did not go into detail about his and Josh's engagement, the comedian did announce their unforgettable milestone while revealing his real sexuality.
Josh is rarely seen publicly, and his job or identity remains unclear. After Penn announced their engagement, some media outlets reportedly noted that the man wearing a cap who sat beside the comedian at a basketball game in New York City in March 2018 was his fiancé.
The rumored sighting of Josh at the basketball game was not the only time he made an appearance in public. He also appeared in a few of Penn's Instagram photos from the previous New York City Pride Parade events.
When Did Kal Penn Discover His Sexuality?
Even though Penn came to terms with his sexuality much later in life than most people, he emphasized that "there's no timeline" for individuals who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community to reveal who they are.
Penn expresses his gratitude toward his loved ones for their continuous encouragement and support throughout his life, his successful career, and, more specifically, his relationship with Josh.
Penn's beloved family, who are of Indian descent, and his close friends were the first to become aware of his real sexuality and relationship with his fiancé.
According to Penn, his parents accepted his identity wholeheartedly, just as they did when he told them he wanted to be an actor. He remembered how easy it was to discuss his ambition with them.
The former "House" actor also stated that everyone has different experiences revealing themselves to their families. For his part, Penn considers himself fortunate to have been raised in a loving and supportive family.
In his recently published memoir, Penn had no idea that writing about his excellent relationship with Josh would surprise many people. In a SiriusXM interview, he stated that his book meant a lot to many people "in the most loving way."
Penn only devoted one chapter to his and Josh's romance; however, if he had been aware that readers were interested in learning more about their relationship, he would have been happy to add three more chapters.
When asked how Josh, who values privacy more than anything else, handled the sudden interest in their relationship, Penn quipped that being the center of attention was still "not a favorite thing" for his fiancé.
Penn's unexpected coming out story is one of the most intriguing news today. Similarly, "Pitch Perfect" star Rebel Wilson recently surprised fans by saying she is in a same-sex relationship with fashion designer Ramona Agruma after dating a slew of men in Hollywood.
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