In House M.D., what is the name of Gregory House’s closest friend and colleague?

In House M.D., Gregory House’s closest friend and colleague is James Wilson.

Wilson is the chairman of the Department of Oncology at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, the fictional New Jersey hospital where much of the series takes place. Unlike House, who specializes in diagnosis, Wilson treats cancer patients and generally works within a conventional medical specialty.

The friendship between the two doctors is one of the show’s central relationships. Wilson often challenges House’s behavior, helps interpret his motives, and remains involved even when House’s methods create professional or personal trouble. Their contrasting personalities—House’s cynicism and Wilson’s empathy—drive many storylines.

The character was played by Robert Sean Leonard throughout the series. A common mix-up is confusing Wilson with Cuddy, House’s hospital administrator, or with Foreman, Chase, and Cameron, who are members of House’s diagnostic teams.