Hugh Laurie portrays Dr. Gregory House in House M.D., the show's brilliant but abrasive diagnostic physician.
Laurie was already well known in Britain for comedy before taking the role, including work with Stephen Fry. His American audition reportedly used an American accent so convincingly that the producers initially assumed he was a U.S. actor.
House became Laurie's signature dramatic role. The character is loosely inspired by Sherlock Holmes: both are exceptionally deductive investigators who rely on observation, logic, and unconventional methods. House's surname also echoes Holmes's, while his friendship with James Wilson parallels Holmes's relationship with Dr. Watson.
Laurie's performance earned major recognition, including two Golden Globe wins for Best Actor in a Television Series—Drama. The series ran for eight seasons and made House one of television's best-known fictional doctors.