Actor in the 'House' (Fox's hospital drama turns Hugh Laurie into US TV star) "House" is good TV!

Times Picayeune ^ | Aut 3 05 | Times Picayeune

[churchillbuff]

Thanks to "American Idol," lots of Americans got to know Hugh Laurie last TV season.

Laurie plays the title character in "House," a hospital drama that flashed expansive promise at launch but failed to pick up ratings steam until "Idol" arrived as its lead-in. [snip]Those late-arriving viewers discovered an unlikely hero in Dr. Gregory House, an irascible, pill-popping medical detective whose bedside manner could frighten patients at death's door into robust health.

A native of Britain and the son of a doctor, Laurie was educated at Eton and Cambridge University, where he studied anthropology.

Some of his work for the BBC has aired on American television ("Jeeves and Wooster" ran on PBS' "Masterpiece Theater" in the early 1990s), but he may be best known for roles in films ranging from "Sense and Sensibility" to "The Man in the Iron Mask" to "Stuart Little."

During his interview session with TV critics gathered here for the summer press tour, Laurie flashed wit, charm and a British accent that he hides when he's House.

[Tanniker Smith]

I haven't seen a full episode yet, but I've liked what I've seen. Even if he doesn't sound like Prince George. (Or just George, in the later series.)

I love "The Black Adder" in its many forms. It's also where I first saw Robby Coltrane.

TS

[lilylangtree]

Saw him "Stuart Little". Good character actor.

[frithguild]

The situation was resolved with an abortion.

No it didn't. It ended with the girl telling her parents, despite her right not to and she received only love and support. The rest was not part of the show.

[Tennessee_Bob]

You mean he was in something other than Blackadder?

[frithguild]

They are pretty on the money with the medical aspects of things too.

Yes! Mrs. frith is a med mal defense attorney and the medicine and hospital procedure is right on. However, Dr. Cutty is never dressed like a Hospital Administrator should be!

[saveliberty]

I agree.

[Finalapproach29er]

The author is genuflecting because he's British.

Good grief.

It's make believe.

[PfromHoGro]

It's my favorite show of 2005. Though I didn't start watching until they had the disclaimer about the "opening scene containing the depiction of sexual intercourse."

That stopped me in my tracks on the way to the dishes.

I like the special effects of the body's activities. And the cast works together well.

Thanks for the reminder about Black Adder, I knew I'd seen him before but couldn't place it. 'hope he gets the Emmy.

[OleMissRebelYell]

... However, Dr. Cutty is never dressed like a Hospital Administrator should be!

She IS dressed as some hospital administrators SHOULD be, though.

[finnigan2]

" And was a brilliant comedian in the "Blackadder" and "Jeeves" series."

- He was perfect in both roles. I've never seen an actor who was able to portray a well meaning fool the way he could. You just had to look at his eyes. They were just like window panes into an empty head with nobody home. I just had to look at his close up and start to laugh even before he'd uttered a line.

[Lee'sGhost]

I'm not a prude, but I rather find the term "MILF" insulting to the women of FR. You do know what it stands for?

[Lil'freeper]

Yes it did. Read the script.

[churchillbuff]

That's disappointing if true. I saw one episode where Dr. House seemed to discourage somebody from getting an abortion.

[churchillbuff]

You just had to look at his eyes. They were just like window panes into an empty head with nobody home."""

Exactly. I was trying to place this Hugh Laurie, and then read the newspaper article that said he was Bertie Wooster, and I suddenly remembered. The characters are so different -- and he plays them both to a T -- that you couldn't immediately look at House and say, "hey, that's Bertie!"

[Mr. Jeeves]

You mean he was in something other than Blackadder?

"Jeeves and Wooster" was his finest hour. I still watch the DVDs over and over. ;)

[Tennessee_Bob]

I'll have to go find those - I'm a fan of pretty much everyone on the Blackadder cast.

[ThinkDifferent]

That's disappointing if true. I saw one episode where Dr. House seemed to discourage somebody from getting an abortion.

It is true. But IIRC the abortion was necessary because the girl's life was in danger.

[Mr. Jeeves]

They are "highbrow" humor compared to Blackadder, but they are great. Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry (Melchett in Blackadder II and IV) play Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves.

[Tennessee_Bob]

It's British humor - one of my favorites.

[Palladin]

This is a great show, with a good ensemble cast and terrific writers.

It rates right up there with "Monk" on my chart.