The British actor, comedian, writer and musician Hugh Laurie celebrates 65 today
In 2004, Hugh Laurie made a dramatic shift in his career by taking on the role of Dr. Gregory House in the American medical drama “House,” which ran for eight seasons, and became one of the most-watched television shows globally
The British actor, comedian, writer and musician Hugh Laurie celebrates 65 today
The versatile actor, comedian, musician, and writer Hugh Laurie, renowned for his work in both British and American television, was born James Hugh Calum Laurie on June 11, 1959, in Oxford, England. Laurie was born into an athletic family; his father, William George Ranald Mundell Laurie, was an Olympic gold medalist in rowing. Laurie followed in his father’s footsteps, taking up rowing while attending Eton College and later at Selwyn College, Cambridge. However, an illness forced him to abandon rowing, and he turned his focus to acting and comedy.
While at Cambridge, Laurie joined the university’s dramatic club, the Cambridge Footlights, where he met Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry. This partnership with Fry proved to be a significant turning point in Laurie’s career.
Laurie and Fry co-wrote and co-starred in the sketch comedy show “A Bit of Fry & Laurie,” which aired from 1989 to 1995. Their clever, sophisticated humor won critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Laurie also starred alongside Fry in the popular TV series “Jeeves and Wooster” (1990-1993), based on P.G. Wodehouse’s beloved stories, where Laurie played the bumbling Bertie Wooster to Fry’s unflappable valet, Jeeves. Laurie’s early career also included notable roles in British television shows such as “Blackadder,” where he frequently collaborated with Rowan Atkinson and portrayed a variety of comedic characters.
In 2004, Hugh Laurie made a dramatic shift in his career by taking on the role of Dr. Gregory House in the American medical drama “House.” His portrayal of the brilliant but misanthropic diagnostician earned him widespread acclaim and several awards, including two Golden Globe Awards. Laurie’s convincing American accent and intense performance surprised many, significantly raising his profile in the United States.
“House” ran for eight seasons, concluding in 2012, and became one of the most-watched television shows globally. Laurie’s work on the series solidified his reputation as a talented dramatic actor.
After “House,” Laurie continued to take on diverse roles. He starred in the BBC miniseries “The Night Manager” (2016), earning another Golden Globe for his role as the villainous arms dealer Richard Roper. He also appeared in the HBO series “Veep,” the Hulu series “Chance,” and the space comedy “Avenue 5.”
In addition to acting, Laurie is an accomplished musician. He released two blues albums, “Let Them Talk” (2011) and “Didn’t It Rain” (2013), both of which were well-received. He often incorporates music into his acting roles and performances. In recent years he has been cast in various projects, including the upcoming series “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” where he not only acts but also directs and writes.
Hugh Laurie married theatre administrator Jo Green in 1989, and the couple has three children: Charles, William, and Rebecca. Despite his fame, Laurie is known for being private about his personal life. He is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys music, often performing live and integrating it into his acting projects.
Watch Hugh Laurie as Dr. House in the hit series “House”
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