In House M.D., James Wilson is Gregory House’s best friend and Princeton-Plainsboro’s head of oncology.
Wilson is one of the series’ central supporting characters. As an oncologist, he regularly treats cancer patients while also serving as House’s closest personal confidant. Their friendship is defined by loyalty, arguments, and Wilson’s repeated attempts to moderate House’s risky or antisocial behavior.
The character is played by Robert Sean Leonard. Wilson’s medical specialty also creates a useful contrast with House’s diagnostic work: oncology focuses on cancers, whereas House’s department handles unexplained illnesses across many specialties.
A common mix-up is confusing Wilson with Dr. Lisa Cuddy, who runs the hospital, or with House’s diagnostic fellows. Wilson is not House’s employee or department head; he is a separate senior physician whose professional role is oncology. His first name is James, although the character is usually called Wilson.