Which actor played the title character, Gregory House, in House M.D.?

Hugh Laurie played Gregory House in House M.D.

Laurie, an English actor, portrayed the American physician for all eight seasons of the series. His performance combined House’s diagnostic brilliance with sarcasm, emotional defensiveness, chronic pain, and dependence on prescription medication. The role required Laurie to maintain an American accent, a notable contrast with his real English voice.

Before House M.D., Laurie was widely known in Britain for comedy, including work with Stephen Fry and appearances in the television series Jeeves and Wooster and Blackadder. House transformed him into a major international television star and earned him multiple award nominations, including two Golden Globe wins for the role.

The character is usually called Gregory House, while the program’s title uses the shorter surname “House.” This can create confusion when the show is listed simply as House in some markets. Laurie’s portrayal remained the central performance throughout the series, even as House’s diagnostic team changed several times.