In House M.D., who played House's father, John House?

R. Lee Ermey played John House, Gregory House’s father, in House M.D. John is depicted as a strict former Marine Corps officer, and his relationship with Gregory is explored through memories and later revelations.

The character’s military background helps explain some of the tension between father and son. Gregory resents John’s authority and the demands placed on him during childhood, while John represents a rigid standard of discipline that contrasts with Gregory’s adult refusal to follow institutional expectations. Their relationship is presented as complicated rather than simply affectionate or hostile.

R. Lee Ermey was a former United States Marine staff sergeant and became widely known as an actor, especially for military roles. His best-known film performance was Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. Because Ermey often played authoritative characters, his casting as House’s military father closely matched the role’s established background.