Kal Penn reveals engagement to his partner of 11 years

Kal Penn reveals in his new book, "You Can't Be Serious," that he has been in a relationship with his partner Josh for 11 years, and the couple is engaged.

"I've always been very public with everybody I've personally interacted with. Whether it's somebody that I meet at a bar, if Josh and I are out or we're talking to friends," the 44-year-old actor, known for the "Harold and Kumar" movies as well as "House" and "Designated Survivor," told People.

When it came to the book, however, Penn -- who worked for two years in the Obama administration -- wanted to be transparent while also being respectful to his family.

"I'm really excited to share our relationship with readers," he noted. "But Josh, my partner, my parents and my brother, four people who I'm closest to in the family, are fairly quiet. They don't love attention and shy away from the limelight."

Penn said he discovered his sexuality "relatively late in life compared to many other people," explaining, "There's no timeline on this stuff. People figure their s--- out at different times in their lives, so I'm glad I did when I did."

He fortunately found acceptance and support from everyone around him, adding semi-jokingly, "When you've already told your Indian parents and the South Asian community that you intend to be an actor for a living, really any conversations that come after that are super easy."

These days, Penn said he and Josh are debating whether to have a "hug wedding or a tiny wedding."

Penn's book, "You Can't Be Serious," comes out Nov. 2.