“House” fans bid a farewell to Kal Penn when his character’s death shocked viewers. Interestingly, the Harold & Kumar star is quitting acting to pursue a dreamy White House gig. Yep, giving up fame and fortune to serve the country on President Obama’s staff.

Clearly, Kal Penn isn’t taking a page from the Joaquin Phoenix playbook, who recently quit acting to pursue a crappy rap career.

So, what’s the story with Kal Penn’s White House job?

Penn, 31, told the press today, “I won’t be acting while I’m working at the White House.” He’s currently looking for a place to live in Washington and says his start date is “up in the air.”

Kal Penn’s new job will be as associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, where he’ll “go to communities and “continue the dialogue starting during the campaign.”