‘House’ star Hugh Laurie says his dad would have disliked his TV doctor role
Hugh Laurie reveals why his father wouldn’t have approved of his portrayal of a ‘fake’ doctor on screen
Hugh Laurie, known to millions as the brilliant but flawed Dr. Gregory House, admits that despite his success, he feels a sense of guilt about his career choices.
Laurie, who became a global sensation through the hit show House, recently opened up about the regret he carries for not following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a real doctor. His story is a reflection of the complex pressures we face when balancing personal dreams with family expectations.
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Laurie’s father, Dr. William “Ran” Laurie, was not only a well-respected physician but also an Olympic gold medalist. Hugh Laurie grew up under the shadow of his father’s impressive achievements, and it was expected that he would follow a similar path—go to medical school and perhaps even compete in the Olympics.
Laurie was indeed on that trajectory, studying at the same university his father attended and joining the rowing team, with hopes of competing at the highest level. But fate had other plans for him.
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Laurie discovered acting through a comedy club at university, where he met lifelong friends and collaborators like Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson. This led to a career in acting, where he achieved fame through British comedies and later, a global following with House. Despite the accolades and success, Laurie still wonders if his father would have been disappointed by his decision to pursue acting over medicine.
In an interview, Laurie reflected on this inner conflict, saying that his father had high hopes for him to become a doctor. Laurie described his acting career as taking “shortcuts” and expressed guilt, feeling that he had let his father down by not pursuing the medical profession. He even went as far as calling himself a “fake version of a doctor” in reference to his role as Dr. House.
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Despite these feelings, Laurie’s impact as an actor is undeniable. His portrayal of Dr. House not only entertained millions but also brought attention to complex medical cases in a way that fascinated viewers. Beyond House, Laurie continued to play characters in medical dramas, yet he still grapples with the idea that his real-life path didn’t follow the one his father envisioned for him.
What do you think about Hugh Laurie’s reflections on his career? Should he feel guilty, or has he found his true calling through acting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow fans to get their take on Laurie’s heartfelt admission!
