Hugh Laurie appears in all manner of incredible titles, but one role of his stands out, and I can totally understand why his performance as the titular character in Hugh Laurie’s best movies and TV shows include the likes of the hilarious British comedy Blackadder, the spy thriller Tehran, and the stunning period piece Sense and Sensibility, to name a few. However, while the British actor is both a prominent dramatic and comedic performer, Gregory House stands out from the bunch.

Since the end of House, the show has continued to be one of the most popular titles on streaming. Laurie does a fantastic job of bringing the medical Sherlock Holmes-esque character to life in Gregory House’s team of doctors highlights the very best and worst parts of the character in general. Hugh Laurie plays several brilliant characters throughout his filmography, but I can see why Gregory House holds a special place in the actor’s heart.

Gregory House Is Hugh Laurie's Favorite Role

Dr. House Is By Far Laurie's Most Complicated & Endearing Character

House is a total rollercoaster from start to finish, and there isn’t an episode that goes by that doesn’t paint the character in a different light or provide an intriguing new angle. Of course, one of the reasons viewers miss House is the main man himself, but more importantly, how he interacts with the other characters.

During an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2020, Laurie shared his experiences playing Dr. House. Of all the wonderful roles Laurie is known for, he states that he loves all of his characters. However, House is the one whom Laurie considers to be his “Most thrilling adventure” as an actor, which makes a lot of sense.

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From Amber’s bus death in House to the titular character’s romance storylines with his colleagues, there is so much for Laurie to sink his teeth into. Gregory House has many layers and is a complex figure, and that’s even before taking into his problems with substance abuse. While there are some questions about Dr. House that are never answered, the fact that parts of the character are so ambiguous still works in his favour.

House Allowed Hugh Laurie To Do Things Very Few Actors Get To

There Aren't Many British Actors Who Can Do An American Accent Properly

Portraying House allows Laurie to slip into a role that is very different from his past characters, and it’s not something we typically see from the actor. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. One major thing that stands out for Hugh Laurie as Gregory House, however, is the accent. It’s not unusual for an actor to attempt an accent other than their own for a character, but the payoff isn’t always satisfying, unfortunately. While there are many unconvincing American accents in movies and TV shows, Laurie absolutely nails it.

What’s particularly interesting, though, is that Laurie doesn’t try to replicate a generic middle America accent with the sound of various regions overlapping each other.

What’s particularly interesting, though, is that Laurie doesn’t try to replicate a generic middle America accent with the sound of various regions overlapping each other. Laurie’s accent is subtle yet effective, and as a Brit, I often forget for a moment that the actor is from the UK — it’s that convincing. Throughout every season of House, Laurie’s accent is consistently strong and doesn’t falter. This is rather unique, especially as the British and American accents are so different for two countries with the same predominant language, but Laurie is one of the very few who can replicate it well.

Hugh Laurie's Performance Is One Of The Main Reasons House Worked

Laurie Has Two Golden Globes For His Portrayal Of Dr. Gregory House

Of course, Laurie isn’t the only great thing about House. The best version of House’s team is celebrated frequently, but the show’s success can mainly be attributed to Laurie’s performance as the titular character. Laurie has an incredible number of accolades under his belt for his portrayal of Gregory House, ranging from Golden Globes to a Teen Choice Award. Dr. House is a fascinating character, and it’s no surprise that Laurie’s involvement with House plays such a significant part in the show’s overall popularity, both at the time of airing and years after its end.

Hugh Laurie's Award Wins For House

Year

Golden Globes: Best Actor – Television Series Drama

2006

Golden Globes: Best Actor – Television Series Drama

2007

Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

2007

Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

2009

People's Choice Awards: Favorite Male TV Star

2009

People's Choice Awards: Favorite Male TV Star

2010

People's Choice Awards: Favorite TV Doctor

2011

People's Choice Awards: Favorite TV Drama Actor

2011

Satellite Awards: Best Actor – Television Series Drama

2005

Satellite Awards: Best Actor – Television Series Drama

2006

Teen Choice Awards: TV Actor: Drama

2007

The fact that House lacks any sympathy on the surface, but it can be drawn out gradually as the character gets more invested in a case, makes him a brilliant figure. From the first episode to House’s divisive finale, the titular character’s development is nothing short of spectacular. House is a fictional TV character like no other, and without him, there simply wouldn’t be a show to enjoy. It’s no surprise that Gregory House is Hugh Laurie’s favorite role, and it’s hard to imagine another of his characters in place of House’s comical yet gripping lead.

House TV Series Poster

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House
Release Date
2004 - 2012-00-00
Network
FOX
Showrunner
David Shore
  • Headshot Of Olivia Wilde
    Olivia Wilde
  • Headshot Of Jesse Spencer
    Jesse Spencer

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Directors
Deran Sarafian
Writers
David Shore