He’s had his fill of meet markets

If they gave out Oscars for self-parody, Neil Patrick Harris would be busy writing his acceptance speech.

The former “Doogie Howser, M.D.” child star mocks himself – and then some – in the comedy sequel “Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.”

To the delight of fans and critics alike, he reprises his turn as “Neil Patrick Harris,” a doped-up, egomaniacal, prostitute-loving, unicorn-riding narcissist wielding his own personalized branding iron.

“Actors are known for being emotional, ego-based individuals. But I think it’s important to not take oneself too seriously,” Harris, 34, says of the role.

He says he’s open to doing a third installment of “Harold & Kumar.” (For those wondering how he could possibly return, watch the closing credits for a hint.)

For now, though, Harris is busy with his day job, playing womanizing party boy Barney in the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” (Mondays, 8:30 p.m., KREM-2 in Spokane).

“There’s a nice dramatic wrinkle that will happen for (Barney) for the last few episodes,” he says, adding: “I would be remiss to reveal what that is, but the ramifications last for more than one episode.”

In reality, Harris has little in common with either social butterfly Barney or his overblown movie persona, aside from their quick wit.

He has been in a relationship with actor David Burtka for four years – something he never tried to hide, even before 2006, when he first publicly discussed being gay.

“The impact was minimal, and that in turn had great impact on me. I was pleased about society’s indifference about it,” Harris says.

“My story is so personal to me that I didn’t really feel like it was a great announcement that required any kudos or disdain, and, in turn, I got neither.”

Harris and Burtka, who have two dogs – a Cairn terrier and a rescue mutt – would like to add children someday.

“But seeing as we’re both actor gypsy people right now, we’re not settled enough to commit to 18 years,” Harris says.

Eventually, he says, they’ll be back in New York full time, where they own a place uptown.

“At the end of the day, I’ll end up here,” he says. “L.A. is a nice side trip.”

Harris spends most of his evenings hosting game nights at their home, playing Heart’s “Barracuda” on Guitar Hero or performing magic tricks.

“The last strip club I went to was probably seven or eight years ago,” he says. “I did my partying when I was 22, 23, 24.”

And younger. “I had a fake ID – it was all the rage back in the day – so I could go into clubs in L.A. and drink underage,” Harris says.

“I feel like ‘going out’ is trying to maintain fame. But it’s a roundabout way to get it. If you work hard and work well, fame begets you – it will find you.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Lance Henriksen (“Millennium,” “Aliens”) is 68. Comedian-actor Michael Palin (Monty Python) is 65. Actor John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark”) is 64. MTV News correspondent Kurt Loder is 63. Newsman Brian Williams is 49. Actress Tina Yothers (“Family Ties”) is 35. Actress Danielle Fishel (“Boy Meets World”) is 27. Singer Chris Brown is 19.