In House M.D., which actor portrays Dr. James Wilson, House’s close friend?

Robert Sean Leonard portrays Dr. James Wilson in House M.D.

Wilson is an oncologist and the head of the hospital’s Department of Oncology. He is one of House’s closest friends and often provides an ethical, emotional, or practical counterpoint to House’s abrasive methods. Their friendship remains one of the series’ central relationships.

Leonard was known before House for films including Dead Poets Society and for stage work, particularly in Broadway productions. A common mix-up is confusing the actor with Omar Epps, who plays neurologist Eric Foreman, or Peter Jacobson, who plays Chris Taub. Wilson’s specialty is also distinct from House’s diagnostic role: he treats cancer patients, while House investigates difficult undiagnosed illnesses.