37 Reasons Why We Love Birthday Boy Neil Patrick Harris

It's no secret that we hold Neil Patrick Harris in the highest esteem here. He's both an inspiration and pretty much the template for how to live openly in Hollywood and still have the kind of career most actors would kill for.

It basically comes down to class, talent, and having a sense of humor - about the business, the baggage that goes along with it, and especially about yourself. NPH is remarkably self-aware, which is extraordinary considering he's spent most of his life surrounded by a facade.

Today he's celebrating his 37th birthday, and we'd like to celebrate by mentioning a few things that have endeared him to us. 37 things (in no particular order) ... plus one to grow on.

1. Unlike a lot of child stars, NPH fully embraces his early claim to fame ... sometimes brilliantly.

2. No words needed...

3. Even while navigating new-fangled technology, his humor remains wonderfully intact.