It's a double shocker on Fox's medical drama, House! In an unexpected twist, Dr. Lawrence Kutcher (Kal Penn) committed suicide on Monday's episode. Tuesday morning, Penn spoke to reporters about his decision to leave the popular series to pursue an opportunity at the White House, where he'll serve as associate director in the White House's Office of Public Liaison & Intergovernmental Affairs. Penn, who remains Independent, was active in President Obama's campaign last year.

Were you taken aback by the decision to kill off your character, so you can never return?
I think everyone is taken aback with every episode of the show. I loved playing Kutner, so there's a little bit of shock and loss when I found that out. I was probably as shocked as the audience was when I first found out.

Do you like the way [the death] happened?
I like the way it happened. The thing I enjoy about being an actor is the ability to make the audience feel an emotion. When they told me about it, I asked if there was anything in his background or warning signs [that would indicate a suicide risk]. The answer was no. It's something nobody sees coming.

Tell us about your decision to leave the show -- how long was that in the works?
Growing up, I always had two interests -- one being public service, the other being arts and acting. The last 18 months, having the opportunity to serve on the Obama campaign, I certainly started thinking about that possibility. Right now, I feel like my calling is in public service. It's not like I'm retiring from acting. ... This is an incredible show to have been part of. There were certainly no problems. The word I use to describe it is "bittersweet."

When do you start your new job?
It's kind of up in the air, but I'm going to D.C. next week to do some apartment hunting.

Can you describe your new job?
It's similar to what I was doing on the campaign. It's sort of taking the White House out of Washington. [We] go into communities across the country and continue the dialogue people had started during the campaign. ... The reason that was appealing to me is, I have friends who are in these types of situations. I have friends who continue to dream about going to college.

What did your parents, friends, family think about your career change?
I don't think it came as a surprise to anyone. The folks who know me the best have always known that those have been my dueling passions. I don't think they were shocked at all.

When you first met the President, did he mention that he recognized you from any roles? He did mention House, actually. It was a passing comment. I had met him at a fundraiser, and I introduced myself and he said, "Oh yeah, you're on that show. Which show are you on?" I said, "House." And he said, "Oh, right, that doctor show."

Does this mean no more Harold & Kumar movies?
That's probably true. ... I won't be acting while I'm working for the White House.

Do you have any plans to run for office yourself one day?
[Laughs] No.

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