Even though he was the star of one of TV’s most popular medical dramas, House actor Hugh Laurie admits that he feels like a fraud. In a surprising confession, Laurie reveals that he regrets playing a “fake version” of a doctor instead of pursuing a career as a real one, like his father had always hoped.
Laurie’s father, Dr. William (Ran) Laurie, had high aspirations for his youngest son. Born in June 1959, Hugh Laurie was following in his esteemed father’s footsteps. Dr. Laurie, a physician, was not only an accomplished doctor but also an Olympic gold medalist in rowing and a graduate of the University of Cambridge.
During his time at Cambridge, Hugh Laurie was an aspiring rower and had plans to train for the Olympics and eventually attend medical school. However, fate had a different path in store for him. Laurie stumbled upon a drama club at the university, where he met future comedy partner Stephen Fry and acclaimed actor Emma Thompson. This encounter led Laurie down a different road, one that ultimately led to his successful acting career.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Laurie appeared in various television shows, including the beloved BBC sitcom Blackadder, in which he starred alongside Stephen Fry. But it was in 2004 that Laurie’s career took a major turn when he was offered the lead role in a new medical drama called House.
Playing the brilliant but controversial Dr. Gregory House, Laurie captivated audiences with his performance. He shed his British accent to convincingly portray the narcissistic genius who ran a teaching hospital in New Jersey. Laurie’s portrayal earned him critical acclaim, a Golden Globe award, and a massive global following.
However, being in the limelight came with its challenges. Laurie admits to having experienced dark days when he felt there was no escape. Despite his Presbyterian work ethic, he was determined never to be late or miss a day of filming. But there were times when he secretly longed for a break, a chance to escape the pressures of fame.
That opportunity came in 2012, with the final season of House. Laurie finally had some time off and used it to explore other roles. He appeared in TV shows like Veep and the science fiction film Tomorrowland. In 2016, he was drawn to another doctor role, this time as a neuropsychiatrist named Dr. Eldon Chance in the TV series Chance.
Reflecting on his career choices, Laurie explains, “As a gambler, my instinct is to walk away from the table after even a modest win… Yet I find myself coming back, drawn by a wonderful project that was simply irresistible.” While the characters he played in House and Chance were vastly different, Laurie appreciates the unique experiences each role offered him.
Despite his success as an actor, Laurie can’t help but wonder what could have been if he had followed in his father’s footsteps. He has a deep sense of regret for not becoming a real doctor like his father had hoped. In his own words, Laurie admits that his father “would have hated” the shortcut he chose.
Although Laurie’s regret may linger, there’s no denying the impact he has had as an actor, especially in his iconic role as Dr. Gregory House. His talent and versatility continue to captivate audiences, proving that sometimes the road not taken can lead to unexpected success.
