The central character of House M.D. is Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie. Gregory is his first name, while House is the surname used throughout the series.
House is portrayed as an exceptionally talented diagnostician who leads a team at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. He has a damaged right leg, walks with a cane, and relies on prescription pain medication. His medical brilliance is paired with an abrasive manner, disregard for rules, and frequent conflicts with colleagues and patients.
The character’s name and personality intentionally echo Sherlock Holmes. “House” resembles “Holmes,” and Wilson, House’s closest friend, parallels Dr. John Watson. The series also uses clues, deductions, and late revelations in ways comparable to detective fiction.
Hugh Laurie’s performance earned two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series—Drama. The role made House one of the most recognizable fictional doctors in modern television.