It may surprise some readers to learn that Hugh Laurie was “papped” –
photographed without permission – on his way to this interview. We still
tend to think of him as Bertie Wooster, or the less celebrated half of Fry
and Laurie, or an upper-class twit in Blackadder. That view is, to
say the least, out of date. What he is these days is the biggest British
star on American television, hence the market for a snap of Hugh Laurie
walking from a car to a photographic studio in North London.
The presence of a paparazzo certainly surprised Laurie. Irritated him a
little, too. “It used to be the case that the only people who paid any
attention to me were those who liked what I did,” he says, drawing on the
first of many cigarettes. “Now I get noticed by people who don’t care
whether I live or die – probably want me to die. That takes a bit of getting
used to.” But he gets a reasonable press, doesn’t he, by and large? “I don’t
know. I try to avoid it. I hope you won’t be offended, but I won’t read
this.”
He is, however, as he is throughout our conversation, keen not to moan. “I’ve
had it a lot better than many people. I went to a pub with Kenneth Branagh
once and a man shouted, ‘Oi, Branagh! You’re a c***!’”
A recent poll put Laurie in the top five favourite television personalities in
the US, up there with Oprah and Jay Leno. This popularity is due to his role
as Dr Gregory House, which has also won him critical acclaim (two Emmys) and
financial security (he supposedly gets $200,000 per episode). “That’s an
exaggeration. I am being very handsomely paid, though. My ship has come in
and I’ll be forever grateful.” He has made three series of House
to date, is halfway through the fourth and is signed up for three more. Will
he then be able never to work again? “That would depend on how long I live,”
he replies (he is 48), with impeccable logic. “If I step under a bus in a
week’s time, the answer is yes.”
The holy grail of American television is to make 100 episodes (House is
up to 82). “Then you sell it to syndication and it’s on for ever and it will
haunt you in a Hong Kong hotel bedroom.” Will he get a slice of that? “I
don’t know, I think they have to pay something to the cast.” Er, shouldn’t
he find out? “That was all on page 65 of the contract. At the time [when the
pilot episode was made] I blindly signed up thinking it wouldn’t go
anywhere. I don’t know what the odds are [of a pilot becoming a long-running
hit] – one in 100? One in 200? Not that I regret it. It’s just at the time I
didn’t realise what I was getting myself into.”
What he was getting himself into was nine months a year in a rented flat in
Los Angeles, away from his wife and three children in London, 15 hours of
filming a day, sometimes six days a week. For obvious reasons, he is
reluctant to complain, yet, “It is a bit of a gilded cage, I suppose. But
what are the choices? Everything in life is an exchange of sorts. The one
thing that bedevils actors, lack of security, I have gained at the expense
of freedom.”
Besides, there are compensations. “Southern California is beautiful. There is
a real sensuous pleasure in riding to work [on his Triumph motorbike] at
half past five in the morning.” Laurie is also “a huge admirer of the
openness, energy, optimism and dynamism of Americans… and this idea that
Americans have no sense of irony – I mean, Americans hardly do anything
unironically these days. If you want a drink of water, you have to say, ‘I
really don’t want a drink of water.’”
His sons are 19 and 17, his daughter 14. With another three-and-a-half series
to go, his family might now move to California. “It’s taken us a long time
to adjust to the permanence of it. The first year I was in a hotel. Everyone
else in the show was signing leases on houses and I said, ‘You’re mad. We’re
only going to last a month.’ I literally didn’t unpack. I suppose it’s a
form of pessimism: if a thing is going well, it’s only a matter of time,
tick tock, before someone’s going to take it away.”
He says he would struggle to settle permanently in America. “I do feel very
foreign there, as if I’m on safari, looking at the exotic animals and the
way they behave. Then again,” he adds, “America is made up of people who
don’t feel American until they do, so I’m not alone in that.”
Many interviews with Laurie focus on this pessimism, tipping over into
depression. I wonder if his success in America has made him any less
miserable? “Oh, I hope nothing would ever do that. I won’t let go of my
roots.” As with a lot of his (near constant) irony, there’s a measure of
truth in the remark. When I ask him if he has friends in LA, and he replies,
“I don’t have any friends anywhere”, I’m sure that isn’t true (he and
Stephen Fry are still very close), but I’m equally sure he is a hard man to
get close to, something of a loner, self-sufficient. He likes to be in
control, he admits. Not so much of others, but of himself – all the time. He
barely drinks for that reason. “I don’t think I’ve ever been completely out
of control.”
He admits he can’t shake the idea “that there is virtue in suffering,
that there is a sort of psychic economy, whereby if you embrace success,
happiness and comfort, these things have to be paid for”. One newspaper has
taken to printing pictures of a glum-looking Laurie and asking why he
doesn’t look happier, but his upbringing was Scottish Presbyterian, and
Scottish Presbyterians are not supposed to look happy.
“The religious aspects didn’t mean a great deal,” he says. “I admire the
music, buildings and ethics of religion, but I come unstuck on the God
thing.” Some of the cultural aspects of Presbyterianism, however – “the
denial of pleasure, the virtues of thrift and hard work” – have stayed with
him. “I had a wonderful if uneventful upbringing. My parents were very
loving, but there’s no question they were suspicious of ease and comfort. My
mother was the first person I can think of who was into the idea of
recycling. In about 1970, she was collecting newspapers from the whole
village, baling them up and taking them to a paper mill. She’d get a
shilling a half ton or something.”
Wow! He is not only an exceptional actor, but also seems like a nice person - intelligent, down to earth and funny. I'm rarely impressed by actors in their real life role, but this one is definitely quite amazing.
Cveta, Dubai,
One can never know from interviews or performances what an actor is "really" like. It is possible, however, to get a sense of a person's intellect, humour, and sensibilities. On these measures, I am always left wondering how Hugh Laurie manages to tolerate living in Hollywood!!
Ann Chambers, Halifax, Canada
Thanks for one of the most enlightening and refreshing Hugh Laurie interviews ever. Laurie is one of the most underrated British actors working today, simply because he found fame as a comedic performer. If it wasn't for 'House' we would not even get the chance to see how talented an actor he really can be. Well done Hugh and keep up the good work!
Barbara, Durham, England, UK
I think we should give him an LP, test him for Sarcoidosis and start him off on a broad spectrum anti-biotic. When that doesn't work we should test his home for fungus and all argue amongst ourselves until Greg comes up with the correct diagnosis and cures him!
Dave, London,
'Hugh Laurie was to play another character after that I would probably be ok with it. '
I'm sure he'd be jolly pleased to read that.
Sarah, Birmingham,
err Yes Jo, it comes on Channel 5 and has been doing so for quite a while now.
Neil Nehra, Manchester,
Can anyone tell me if this 'House' has been shown on UK tv?
jo, Brighton, England
Of course he would speak well of the TV show Friends, he made a guest appearance on it when Rachel was on her way to London to stop Ross's wedding. His best line was, "It seems to me to be perfectly clear that you were, in fact, on a break!"
Another Brit doing well in the US at the moment is Damien Lewis, who plays Detective Charlie Crews in the show Life. His character is kind of like a cop version of House, and it is extremely good.
lindsay, Cape Town,
Excellent article though rather lacking in mild Wuddy.
Robbie L, Paris, France
I read interviews such as this one with Hugh, by the way yes I am a fan of his, but, and for a small three letter word, BUT, holds back bigger things. The but here is because I am not just a "fan" of the roles that he plays, but a fan of the man behind the, for the camera masks of character parts. Strange statement, is it not? I live the parts he has played but I love the man behind the mask. To explain a bit, I love the humble honesty he has in interviews. After reading or watching the interviews he has given I watch the roles he plays watching for the one thing that takes an actor from just playing a role into adding themselves to the role. In glimpse at the actor's soul that gives the character they play a part of themselves. Broke down a bit farther, though Hugh's sexy blue eyes are HOT HOT HOT, but if you look into them past that fact you can see the deepness of the man behind them. I was never a member of the screen actors guild but before my health turned to, well lets just say turned bad, I was a member of the stage actors guild, one of the most important part about acting is just the same as any sales position anyone has, you have to sell your character and the only way to do that successfully is to add yourself to the role, the equal bring together of factual and fictional characterizations. Interviews, such as this, shows why Hugh sells the characters he plays so well, humble insecurities of the man himself and the roles he plays equals, success.
To brake my fan status of Hugh down slightly deeper, some fan's of people are just like parents that vicariously live their lives through their children, some fans can vicariously live and/or relate to the characters they play and when they learn that the human side of the actor can also be related to it can help them live and face their own life with a bit more ease.
Hugh is great at what he does because Hugh is Hugh, no more no less, it because Hugh is humble, self critical, perfectionist, and more times than not, depressed, makes him the actor he is and as popular as he is in the States.
Laura, Canton, Ohio
I truly feel the UK surpasses the US in witty and intelligent programming. Thank you for loaning us Mr. Laurie. I appreciate the psychological back and forth of the characters in "House" and especially the character of Gregory House.
This was a wonderfully insightful interview.
Zada Connaway, Matlock, Wa. USA
Sally,
Hugh did do an episode of Young Ones, He played Lord Monty in the Bambi episode.
Mary, Colorado Springs, Colorado
One of the greatest living Englishmen in my opinion - not just because of his acting abilities (which can't be denied, and which I have enjoyed since I was a little girl) but because he seems to embody as a person exactly what it is (or used to be) to be English. It is people like Hugh who make me proud to be English.
Oh, and Carolyn Abernathy, Hugh Laurie wasn't in the Young Ones - that was Rick Mayall.
sally, london,
Wonderful interview! And it just re-inforce my admiration of this man. A brilliant actor and a lovely man. Love "House" and are looking forward each week to a new episode. Hugh Laurie deserves every piece of praise for his characterisation of Gregory House.
Marie Larsson, Gothenburg, Sweden
I liked Hugh in the Kate Bush video as well...
Joe, Sydney, Australia
Hugh is an amazing man and talent! Bertie Wooster/House amazing talent! I could never get enough of his work! A Bit of Fry and Laurie lets not forget I laugh at the skits over and over.
denise, west covina, california
I think Hugh Laurie is a brilliant actor. The show House is absolutely amazing and is a show that keeps millions of fans on the edge of their seats with the amazing cast, storylines and character developments and relationships. House is one of my favorite shows and Hugh Laurie is perfect for the role. Everything from his accent, which, having an American accent myself, is flawless, to the way he plays the part with enough sarcasm, comedy, ego, drama, depth, and a certain loveableness to a usually unlikeable character making millions of people fall in love with the show House. I am one of those people. I am an actess myself, and see this show from many different points of view and I think it's absolutely amazing. People who say it's not good, in my opinion, just don't know what they are talking about. Everyone has opinions of course, and mine is that this is a great show worth watching.
Adri, NY,
I don't always watch House as it tends to be on when I'm not usually about...although with all the repeats apparently soon to hit the screens I would imagine it will then become unavoidable...
I do want to say that I LOVED Fry and Laurie, I have a little man in the village who runs up my skirts, and we always try to watch Jeeves and Wooster...Hugh Laurie is a brilliant musician as well...he has a lot more to smile about than just House!
hazellove, Brighton, UK
If you've seen House once , then that is enough . Same story ... new disease . His accent also grates after 5 miutes .
" Yes, we liked "Blackadder" but you could have mentioned "The Young Ones," too. It was madcap, insane--and I loved it."
... indeed it could have been mentioned , but given that Hugh Laurie wasn't in it , i can understand why it wasn't .
If ever i want to laugh , i know " a quick verse of Harold the Horny Hunter ought to do the trick " and it does ... every time .
Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,
I want to read the matchless A.A.Gill on House - the plots are boring and predictable, Laurie's accent is incomprehensible and if he keeps up that phoney limping he'll end up with dislocation of the hip. A good actor and nice man gone wrong. The programme is complete mindless twaddle.
Jane, Wanganui, NZ
Hugh laurie is a very talented actor. I am a great fan of House and I hope that he will star in more TV series and Movies in the US. His accent is basically flawless, I didn't even know that he was brittish the first time I heard him!
Amandine, bethesda, USA
In addition to the two Golden Globes, Hugh also won a prestigious Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for his role on House. (Sadly, he has been deprived of any Emmys, so far.)
At each of the three awards ceremonies, Mr. Laurie delivered incredibly smart and genuinely humorous acceptance speeches, off the cuff. He exhibited none of the usual boring egocentricity that pervades those programs. In short, he was incredibly refreshing! He was so good, in fact, that the talk of the media in the days following those broadcasts, was that he should host future Golden Globes and/or Emmy shows.
Ann, Connecticut, USA
Am I the only one who finds his american accent absolutely terrible?
Leon, London, UK
Yes, we liked "Blackadder" but you could have mentioned "The Young Ones," too. It was madcap, insane--and I loved it.
Carolyn Abernathy, Glenham, NY U.S.A.
An Englishman of the "old-school"...where suffering, humility and wit are all in one package :=)
John Skooman, Pretoria, South Africa
Hugh Laurie has always been one of those actors, who you just knew would get to superstar status. I have loved following his work over the years back home in England, and now myself living in the US, was more than delighted and not suprised! to see him achieve the fame he has now has through House. When I first started watching the show I could not belive this was the same man, that for years had me laughing with Fry and Laurie, Blackadder and the most wonderful Jeeves and Wooster. What I love about him the most, is that he is not one of those look at me I am so wonderful bunch who think we should all bow down to them. He is just a regular person with the most amazing talent. Long may he countiue to entertain us as House and beyond!. Also, I know he said he won't read the interview, but I hope somebody will tell him he has many MANY friends around the world!
Gillian, San Diego, California
I found this interview quite interesting especially with the quotations and all. I wish House would surpass having seven seasons but if Hugh Laurie was to play another character after that I would probably be ok with it. He is a very talented actor but I guess being brilliant could also affect you as a person. I could relate to his feelings in a way because there are some people who really have high standards for themselves and would always feel that they could have done better.
In a way, I do wish Hugh Laurie would feel better about himself and lighten up a bit. I'm sure most of his fans would like that, seeing him in a more happier state.
Camille T., Paranaque, Philippines
I find this interview quite interesting especially with the quotations and all. I hope the House would surpass having seven seasons but if Hugh Laurie was to play another character in another show I probably would be ok with that.
Hugh Laurie is such an incredible actor but I guess being brilliant would probably affect him in a way. I could kinda relate to how he feels because some people tend to have a higher standard and they would always feel that they could have done better.
I hope Hugh Laurie would lighten up. I'm sure his fans would like seeing him in a happier state. :D
Camille T., Paranaque, Philippines
But when is he going to get to play the role he was born for: Puddleglum the Marshwiggle in the Narnia book called [I think] the Silver Chair????
j, adelaide, australia
Since he's not going to read this:
Two things. He's won two Golden Globes, not two Emmys and, his posted salary is $375,000/episode.
Excellent article, otherwise. A little rehashing, but that's OK, not everyone is up to speed on the miserable masochist. That's a joke, son.
Kathleen, Knoxville, TN USA
"Jane Leeves, as Daphne Moon on Frasier, was, at one time, the highest paid English actress. Where is she now?"
Probably enjoying not having to work again...
Mike S, London,
He's not miserable. He's English.
Sid, Moscow,
I've followed Hugh Laurie's career since Black Adder and enjoyed his work immensely.
I would ask one thing of him.
Please stop smoking. I'd like Mr. Laurie to live longer than I do and keep working as long as he likes so that I may continue to enjoy his work.
Mary Laiuppa, San Diego, CA, USA
I have never been to Great Britain, nor have I ever seen the show "House." I am, however, a devotee of "Jeeves and Wooster," and cannot imagine Bertie as a dour physician. I prefer to continue to enjoy him on tape as Bertie, finding his performances most invigorating. Off to the Drones Club now. What ho.
Tom, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Absolutely brilliant article, and I rather like Marcus Aurelius myself. Never rambled, the bearded emperor. Keen dude. Wise of the reporter and M. Laurie to quote him.
alexandre, Paris, France
Hugh Laurie is merely one of a host of 'changelings', as we Americans are beginning to call Brit actors so excellent at their craft that they pass for 'us' without our knowing. My gripe with this is not that they deprive Americans of acting jobs, although some might. My gripe is that we are deprived of their 'otherness', those wonderful English accents and Brit demeanor that is so different from our own.
As a child I idolized Winston Churchill before I realized he was an imperialist, but he had one grand idea I'm still fond of — the Union of English Speaking People. You do know that the EU isn't going to work? It's temporary in the same way the Soviet Union was. Without language and shared beliefs, no state so vast can stand for long. And who knows, maybe we can teach the English how to speak the language if we share a common union.
Richard Taylor, Cambria, California USA
As to where Jane Leeves is today I believe you will find
that she and the woman who played Fraser's producer Roz
formed their own production company. I understand between their families and their work behind the camera they are doing very well for themselves. I also know that where I live reruns of Fraser are on at least five times a day every day so they must be making something for the reruns!!
Kate, Victoria BC, Canada
Very lovely and insightful article.
Hugh is just amazing. A very unique person.
Anastasia, Columbus, OH
I have to say, I really enjoy Hugh Laurie! He has incredible wit and personality and I love his character in House. As it was already mentioned in this article, many Americans really like him. I remembered on his interview in the Ellen Degeneres show, so many people were surprised he's British playing an American character. That's one thing great about America, no one cares where you come from, but recognize talent! Congrats to Hugh for all your success!
Arlene, LA,
Don`t know about Dr House and all that stuff - only time I ever saw it was in a French hotel in 2007 and the dubbing was AWFUL!
I`d never heard of Hugh Laurie anyway, `though when someone said "Bertie Wooster" I cottoned on.
Point of this post is that I don`t know Hugh, but made his acquaintance about a year ago over a private commercial negotiation which had nothing to do with his public life, or his career as an actor. The deal did not in fact go through, but I got to meet the man and his family, and can only say they are some of the nicest people you could hope to know .
Hugh Laurie has exceptionally nice manners. This is no "bull". As it happens, the failed negotiations left me with some minor costs I`d not expected, but Hugh instructed his solicitor to send me a cheque - which he did not have to do.
No doubt he has some extremely tough advisors to prevent fortune hunters taking advantage of his good nature.Hope so. Hugh is very much WYSIWYG
Andrew Sanders
Andrew Sanders, Malton, UK
Good article. Good actor. Would that this writer worked on the scripts for House. They have become increasingly dire.
nick, victoria, Canada
The first occasion I tuned into House, I felt cut by Laurie's acerbic point of view; probably because I was bleeding from so many cuts in my own life... I thought one more might prove fatal. After a while though, I tuned back in, felt delighted and in excellent company.
My conclusion: you have to be banged up a bit to appreciate House and in that mood you can enjoy the dialogue that goes on in his mind and with the audience, that knowing gnawing glance... If he ever becomes too jaded by "watching the animals" in America though, I suspect the dialogue will become less interesting because there is nothing worse than being condescended to by a talented actor who views his fourth wall as being dumb as... a horse or a monkey.
That said, lighten up America, Mr. Laurie does not need our self-help advice; he's a Presbyterian. We are a silly bunch.
I have an imperfect theory why Americans warm to English actors: we long for our roots, hanker for an unmurdered tongue.
Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US
In contrast to Will of Germany, I find House to be one of the best things on TV at the moment, and one of the (very few) shows I watch these days. It has a subtle wit and a deftness of touch lacking in most US hospital dramas, but maybe those who prefer their comedy obvious and accompanied by a laugh-track just miss the point.
Laurie has done incredibly well for himself over the years, and is one of our greatest exports - well done sir.
Ross, Ripon, North Yorkshire
I love the series, even though there was a time when I stopped watching it for a while - I got a bit fed up listening to the same lupus/auto inmune sort of thing almost every episode-. I also did not like the fact that his team left (wanted more money one has to guess) - it came quite abruptly and forced- and the whole competition to form a new team issue that lasted quite a few episodes.
but all in all, is one of my favourite series and the main reason is dr. gregory house: excellent casting, brilliantly written lines, extremely funny and......very attractive!
I also like his relationship with the oncologist.
and yes, the medical stuff is very interesting.
tete, buenos aires, argentina
I don't think Hugh Laurie's depressed. I think he's just much more honest than we're used to actors being in interviews. 'House' contains some of the best TV acting I've ever seen (not just from HL - the ensemble cast is good too, especially Robert Sean Leonard). However, I'm not sure they can possibly keep the quality level up over 7 seasons.
In response to Paul from London, Canada, I am puzzled as to where he has discovered the criticism of (North) America in this interview as there doesn't seem to be any? Laurie is normally pretty complimentary about the Americans and he'd hardly spend 9 months of every year there if he hated it - it's not like he needs the money now.
Jo, London , UK
Nothing weird about the feeling of gentleness and comradeship that comes after fighting! And I'm not being ironic...
Mat, Brighton,
I am so glad I found House on television. I had been fading away because of a lack of decent shows on TV to the point where I had pretty much stopped watching. Then along comes Hugh Laurie and I'm hooked. The man is so intelligent and with his self-depreciation more loveable than most would think.
His piano playing has made me rethink playing again, so I'm going to dust off my AEolian and give it a whirl.
Thanks for the interview. Very insightful and I can't wait for House to return to American TV at the end of April.
kris, Denver, CO USA
House is still one of the most entertaining shows on tv. Would still love to see a bit more of Fry and Laurie together....
jamie, Southampton,
I love this man but must say, this self-deprecation is getting very "old", very fast. I'm sorry he's so sad but he has so many gifts and reasons to be happy that it just wears on one after awhile.
Season IV (truncated due to the Writers Strike) has been simply awful and formulaic. This is said by a real fan of this show. They'd better do something fast there.
Hugh, lighten up. You don't have to have people feel sorry for you to appreciate all your enormous gifts. Saying these things does not, I repeat "not" take the evil eye away. To those given much, must is expected.
Live with it please.
Irene Adler, Boston, Mass, United States
Apart from the fact that the program and his acting is terrible, my wife's opinion, not mine, as I only tried to sit through 10 minutes for several episodes and gave up trying, I do hope Mr Laurie does not state that America is something akin to being with the devil when he finally goes back to the UK to spend his millions... and it will be millions. I have found it really sad that people from the UK travel the world, make a pile, and say that everywhere else is either arrogant or plain disgusting. Please Mr Laurie - don't bite the hand that fed you after it is all over like many that went before you. John Cleese rings a bell for one!
PS. You gave us many an enjoyable night in with Jeeves and Wooster. Maybe I just don't like television about Doctors!
Paul, London, Canada
Hugh Laurie could feel better about himself almost immediately if he stopped allowing himself to dwell on thoughts which come into his mind. He says, 'I get anxious about everything. I just can't stop thinking about things all the time.' Hugh - and anyone else in the same boat - could read, 'Stop Thinking Start Living' by Richard Carlson.
This book, "was written for anyone who would like to feel better than they presently do - anyone who frequently experiences 'the blues', ongoing sadness, a pessimistic outlook, frequent unhappiness, internal misery, a lack of gratitude about the gift of life - or someone who simply wishes to 'feel better'. "
It is not a religious book and contains no psychobabble. It is simple, intelligent, common sense in a slim paperback. ( My words)
If you do read it, Hugh, I'd love to read an article about you afterwards because I think you would be HAPPY.
BTW - your Prince Regent in Blackadder makes me laugh so much even now just thinking about it
Susanne, London, London
House, mildly entertaining for about 2 episodes, now its just tedious, I prefered Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster, but maybe Stephen Fry made him look good, As the Prince of Wales in Black Adder he was hilarious, but maybe Rowan Atkinson made him look good ? House is American all in stew, ( like grey's, ER. etc) It doesn't stand out as anything special to me, why do Englishmen acting in U.S series have to have the awful accent, or is it unacceptable to a U.S audience that "the greatest diagnostic" in the world might not come from anywhere but the U.S. mind you I'd sell my soul for 200,000 dollars an Episode, even if you do have to accept the shallow culture and the Dollar is Devaluating fast.
Will, Hannover, Germany
in response to Robert Williams of Halifax, Stephen Fry has gone on the record more than once to state that he is very happy for his good friend's success and wishes him all the best. He does not seem like the envious or jealous type.
Gavin Tyrwhitt, London,
Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are far and away, and without a shadow of a doubt, two of the finest intellects and entertainers that Britain has produced. Long may they continue.
Tim Davenport, Mbeya, Tanzania
I love House and am so pleased its back on our screens. I think the programme is witty and very cleverly put together. Long may Dr House Reign!
Rebecka, Accrington, Lancashire
Does Fry resent Laurie out-earning him in the same way that the "more brilliant" Peter Cook was peeved by the greater fame of Dud?
Robert Williams, Halifax, England
A talented British actor. Sadly, we get so little of BBC in the USA. As a whole, I believe the Brits are much better actors. Anyway, thanks for loaning him to the USA.
Ted Strickland, Baton Rouge, USA/la
"Jane Leeves, as Daphne Moon on Frasier, was, at one time, the highest paid English actress. Where is she now?"
Counting her millions, I'd have thought.
Andrew Ryan, London, UK
Far from needing a shrink, my guess is that Hugh Laurie is one of the sanest men on the Planet. But being sane in a lunatic asylum is a bit of a bugger.
Catspindle, Liverpool, U.K.
'House' is an unalloyed pleasure to watch. May it long continue.
Emma , Cambridge, UK
Don't do a Tony Hancock Laurie - self criticism destroyed him, don't let it destroy you !!!!!
Ian Payne, WALSALL,
BEWARE!!!!
Jane Leeves, as Daphne Moon on Frasier, was, at one time, the highest paid English actress. Where is she now?
Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What a dude. To quote TS Elliot:
There are several symptoms
Which must occur together, and to a marked degree,
To qualify a patient for my sanatorium:
And one of them is an honest mind. That is one of the causes of their suffering.
Nowt wrong with your sanatorium mate. Have a beer on me :)
Scott Burton, Birmingham, West Midlands
I adore this man and hope that someday he will at least like himself enough to not be so miserable.
If he only could feel what other people feel about him.
I think he would be proud.
Nancy, Jonesborough, Tennessee
You wrote, his role as House won him two Emmy's.
That would be: two Golden Globes.
Claudia, Breda,