Kal Penn works for President Barack Obama

Actor Kal Penn, who appeared in US TV drama House, has been robbed at gunpoint in Washington, his former publicist has confirmed.

A police report said an unnamed victim was forced to lie on the ground and give up his cell phone and other items.

Penn, 32, was unavailable for comment and the Metropolitan Police Department would not release further information.

Last year, the actor - who starred in the Harold and Kumar films - decided to start working in politics full time.

The Indian-American star, whose real name is Kalpen Suresh Modi - took a job in the administration of President Barack Obama.

Penn is working in the White House's office of public liaison, focusing on connecting the president with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.

However, he is expected to make a return to acting in A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas, scheduled for release next year.