day of work for kalpen modi at the white house. probably know him better as kal penn, his stage name, or even more -- >> no eating until we get to white castle. >> reporter: as kumar, from the "harold and kumar" film franchise. >> i'm not joining the mile-high club with you. >> what about the really high club? >> reporter: or as the suicidal dr. kutner from "house." >> she's faking it. it's a cry for attention. >> get out of my house. >> reporter: or a terrorist from "24." lots of actors campaign for democratic politicians and presidential candidates. but penn may be the only one in recent memory to go on hiatus from acting to work for a politician. >> you know i've been trying to interview you for like 2 1/2 years. >> i understand. i appreciate that. >> reporter: but you haven't let me do it until your departure. >> correct. >> reporter: because? >> our jobs are really, you know, kind of keep your head down and do good work. it just wasn't -- it wasn't the old life. >> reporter: since 2009, penn has worked under obama senior advis