The Hollywood Reporter announced Emmy winner John Lithgow will reprise his role on the final season of How I Met Your Mother.
John Lithgow play Barney’s (Neil Patrick Harris) father, Jerry Whitaker. The gang met Jerry in season 6 after the death of Marshall’s father inspired Barney to meet his own Dad. The two had a rocky relationship at first, Jerry was nothing like Barney expected and he could not overcome his feeling of abandonment. But with encouragement from his friends (Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan), Barney was able to make peace with his father.
Since the entire 9th season will take place over Barney’s wedding weekend, it is safe to say that Lithgow’s character will be appearing as a wedding guest. Wayne Brady will return as Barney’s half-brother, James.
Other famous guest stars in the final season include The Office alum Ellie Kemper, who will be playing wedding guest named Cassie, and Sherri Sheperd will appear as a woman who sits next to Marshall (Segel) on the plane from Minnesota. Cristin Milioti has been confirmed as a regular.
The final season of How I Met Your Mother premieres Monday, September 23 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.