An Inside Look at the Cast and Characters of "How I Met Your Mother"

"How I Met Your Mother" is one of television's top shows right now, but what makes it so good? The cast of characters brings in big names like Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris, the always funny Jason Segel, and newcomers Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders. Here's a closer look at the people that bring the characters to life and make the show a hit.

Barney Stinson played by Neil Patrick Harris
Barney Stinson is the typical player and self-proclaimed ladies man on "How I Met Your Mother." You can always spot Barney in a suit and ready to impress the ladies. He tries to help his best friend and wingman, Ted, grab a girl (for the night only) by teaching him all his rules and regulations for dating. Neil Patrick Harris, best known for playing Doogie Houser at a young age, truly brings this character into the spotlight making him the sole reason many watch the show. He attacks the character head on and begins to make the audience believe he is and always has been Barney Stinson.

Ted Mosby played by Josh Radnor
Ted is the hopeless romantic telling the story to his kids of how he met their mother. His focus seems to never steer away from finding the true love of his love. You find yourself rooting for him to "just find her already" when watching this show. The Ohio native Radnor brings this character's true Midwestern roots out. The newcomer gives the impression that Ted is good at heart and simply wants to find the girl of his dreams. His perseverance and drive to keep looking can motivate anyone watching "How I Met Your Mother."

Robin Scherbatsky played by Cobie Smulders
Robin is a Canadian native, like Cobie, that has her heels dug deep in Canadian roots. She loves Canada and everything it has to offer, but often gets made fun of by the rest of the group for it. She was a Canadian popstar in her teens and now works as a television anchor for a local news station. Cobie truly reflects the Canadian nature of her character making for an accurate accent. Cobie began her career as a model at an early age and is a newcomer to television and to the States.

Lily Aldrin played by Alyson Hannigan
Lily is a kindergarten teacher born and raised in New York City. She fell in love and married her college boyfriend, Marshall. She is best known in the gang for not being able to keep a secret and being a fantastic cook. Prior to "How I Met Your Mother," Alyson's most memorable for roles were in the "American Pie" movies and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," enhances her character by her simple facial expressions. She truly brings the character's emotions out into the open.

Marshall Eriksen played by Jason Segel
Marshall is from Minnesota, which is quite apparent by his kind nature, old-fashioned ways, and his large frame. He is the quirky one of the group, but don't be mistaken, he is the most educated and works as a lawyer. Jason is best known for his work in the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," but has appeared in other hilarious comedies. He brings his natural comedic ability to his character and doesn't have a problem going all out for his character.

Sources:
www.imdb.com