Hugh Laurie: Master of Accents, Music, and Grumpy Faces

Hugh Laurie, born on June 11, 1959, is an English actor, musician, comedian, and all-around funny guy. He is perhaps best known for his Emmy-nominated performance as the grumpy, cynical Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama “House” (2004-2012).

Early Life and Education

Laurie was born in Oxford, England, to parents who clearly had a sense of humor. His father, Ran Laurie, was a doctor and a Gold Medal-winning Olympic rower, while his mother, Patricia Laidlaw, was an amateur actress. Young Hugh attended prestigious schools, including the Dragon School in Oxford and Eton College.

Career Beginnings

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, where he was a member of the famous Footlights theater group (and rubbed shoulders with fellow comedy legends Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry), Laurie began his professional career as a comic actor. He appeared in a number of popular British TV shows in the 1980s and 1990s, including “Blackadder” and “Jeeves and Wooster,” which he starred in alongside Fry.

Music and Accents

Beyond acting, Laurie is also a talented musician, playing the piano, guitar, and drums. He released his first album, “Let Them Talk,” in 2011. The album showcased his musical talents, as well as his ability to adopt various accents and vocal styles. Laurie’s love affair with the blues inspired his album “Didn’t It Rain,” which was released the following year.

House and Beyond

In 2004, Laurie landed the role of Dr. Gregory House in the US television series “House.” The show became a massive hit, running for eight seasons and earning Laurie two Golden Globe Awards and many other accolades. The grumpy, curmudgeonly character of Dr. House quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in no small part to Laurie’s impeccable comic timing and his gift for crafting memorable one-liners.

Since “House” ended in 2012, Laurie has continued to act in various films and TV shows. His most recent credits include the Hulu series “Chance” and the movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield.” He is also a prolific writer, with two acclaimed novels and a variety of non-fiction works to his name.

Hugh Laurie Fun Facts

• Laurie is bilingual and can speak fluent French.
• He has a passion for motorcycles and has owned several Harley-Davidson bikes.
• Laurie is also an accomplished author, with several novels and non-fiction works to his name.
• He’s been married to his wife, Jo Green, since 1989, and they have three children together.

Conclusion

In short, Hugh Laurie is a multi-talented performer with a unique wit and charm that has endeared him to fans across the world. Whether he’s playing a grumpy doctor or showcasing his musical talents, Laurie always delivers a performance that is both entertaining and memorable.