WASHINGTON - THE White House has hired Indian-American actor Kal Penn as a liaison between President Barack Obama's administration and Asian constituents.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said on Tuesday that the actor who had a recurring role on Fox's TV show 'House' and has starred in several movies would join the staff as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison.

His role will be to connect Mr Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn starred as Kumar in the movie, 'Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.' His 'House' character committed suicide in Monday's episode.

Penn backed Mr Obama during the campaign. The White House says a start date for Penn hasn't been set.

The hire was first reported by Entertainment Weekly. -- AP