Neil Patrick Harris named Hasty Pudding Man of the Year

Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals says it plans to present actor Neil Patrick Harris with its 2014 Man of the Year Award in Cambridge, Mass. "I assume this is for that pudding wrestling competition I won last April ... right?" Harris joked in a statement Thursday. "It was dark and seemed quite seedy at the time -- I'm stoked that it's connected with Harvard. Fancy! Can't wait!" "We are pleased to present Mr. Harris with our Man of the Year Award honoring his distinguished contributions to the arts and entertainment industry," said Tony Oblen, 2014 president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. "With his enviable reputation as a host and showman, we look forward to hosting Mr. Harris for an entertaining and unforgettable evening to recognize his achievements." The Man of the Year festivities are to take place on Feb. 7. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals will hold a celebratory roast for the actor and present him with his Pudding Pot at Farkas Hall, the Hasty Pudding's historic home in the heart of Harvard Square since 1888. A press conference will be held following the roast. The company will then perform the opening night of its 166th production, "Victorian Secrets." Helen Mirren was previously announced as the famed theater troupe's 2014 Woman of the Year.