Kal Penn of 'Harold and Kumar,' 'House' at Union College tonight

Film and television actor -- and future White House public liaison -- Kal Penn will be at Union College tonight to talk about politics in pop culture.

Penn, who was born in New Jersey to Indian immigrants, will also discuss the roles of race and ethnicity in the American film industry.

Penn's film credits include "Harold and Kumar," "National Lampoon's Van Wilder," and the critically acclaimed "The Namesake." He most recently appeared on the popular television series "House"; his character committed suicide when Penn accepted a job in President Obama's administration as associate director of the White House of Public Liaison. Penn had actively supported Obama during his campaign for presidency.

Penn, who was also a guest professor at University of Pennsylvania last year, will be speaking at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Chapel on the Union College campus.