In House M.D., which actor portrays the diagnostician Dr. Gregory House?

Hugh Laurie portrays the diagnostician Dr. Gregory House in House M.D.

Laurie is an English actor, musician, and comedian who became internationally famous through the American medical drama. His performance combined House’s abrasive humor, medical brilliance, physical pain, and dependence on Vicodin. Although Laurie was best known in Britain before the series, House made him a major television star in the United States.

Laurie originally auditioned using an American accent, which helped convince the production team that he could convincingly play the New Jersey-based physician. The character’s limp and cane are important visual elements, but Laurie’s performance relied especially on House’s rapid deductions and deliberately confrontational bedside manner. The role earned Laurie multiple major award nominations, including Emmy nominations.

A common mix-up is confusing the actor with House’s fictional colleagues. Robert Sean Leonard plays Dr. James Wilson, while Omar Epps plays Dr. Eric Foreman. Laurie remained the central performer throughout the show’s eight-season run.