In House M.D., who portrays the diagnostician Gregory House?

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

Laurie, an English actor and musician, was already well known in the United Kingdom for comedy before taking the title role. His performance as House combined a dry delivery, physical pain, impatience, and flashes of compassion. The part made him internationally famous and earned him two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series—Drama.

House M.D. was developed for American television by David Shore, but Laurie’s performance became the central feature of the series. A common mix-up is confusing the actor with Robert Sean Leonard, who played House’s closest friend, oncologist James Wilson. Laurie also directed episodes and performed music outside the show, including with the band The Copper Bottom Band.