Kumar hits White House

Actor Kal Penn started a new job Monday as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities.

The Indian-American actor is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on connecting President Barack Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn had a recurring role on Fox’s TV show “House” and starred in several films including “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and its sequel, “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”

Penn, who backed Obama during the campaign, said the new job has nothing to do with his life as an actor.

“I expect to be treated just like any other staff member,” he said, adding that he’ll use his given name, Kalpen Modi.

To love and to idolize …

“American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi quietly married her beau, contractor Mike McCuddy, over the holiday weekend.

Her publicist said DioGuardi, 38, who wore a dress by Vera Wang, and McCuddy tied the knot Sunday in Prospect Harbor, Maine, before some 30 guests at Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church.

Until death do them part?

Paula Abdul says she’s been invited to remain as an “American Idol” judge and that she’s optimistic that she’ll be able to negotiate a new contract.

“I’ve been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts,” said Abdul, whose contract hasn’t been renewed since it expired after the show’s eighth season.

The birthday bunch

Singer Steve Lawrence is 74. Actor Jeffrey Tambor is 65. Actress Kim Darby is 62. Actress Anjelica Huston is 58. Actor Kevin Bacon is 51. Country singer Toby Keith is 48. Actor Billy Crudup is 41. Actor Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”) is 41. Singer Beck is 39. Actor Milo Ventimiglia is 32. Actress Sophia Bush (“One Tree Hill”) is 27.