WASHINGTON – Actor Kal Penn started a new job Monday as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities.

The Indian-American actor is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on connecting Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups.

Penn had a recurring role on Fox’s TV show “House” and starred in several films including “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and its sequel, “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay“

Penn, who backed Obama during the campaign, said the new job has nothing to do with his life as an actor.

“I expect to be treated just like any other staff member,” he told reporters on a conference call.

He is even applying this quest for a fresh start to his identity, saying he will use his given name, Kalpen Modi, instead of his acting moniker while working for the Obama administration.