Hugh Laurie’s Family Disturbed By His ‘American’ Role
We love him as Dr. Gregory House…but Hugh’s family apparently doesn’t, finding the experience ‘disturbing.’ Well…what do they know, anyway?
There could never be anyone better for the role than Hugh.
English actor Hugh Laurie insists playing an American doctor on hit TV show House is “deeply odd” and “upsetting” for his family in London. The actor is living in Los Angeles while filming the series, but his wife Jo Green and three children, Rebecca, Bill and Charlie, remain in the UK.
He explains, “(Playing an American) is deeply, deeply, deeply odd. My family’s a little bit alarmed. It’s odd for them, it’s upsetting.”
The star also had to develop a convincing American accent, which has come under fire from some viewers. Laurie explains, “I heard the other day that a man on the internet had criticized me for laughing in a British accent. I don’t know what that means.”
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POSTED IN: House Interviews, Hugh Laurie
10 opinions for Hugh Laurie’s Family Disturbed By His ‘American’ Role
Mary
Mar 8, 2006 at 2:04 am
‘Unsettling’ is the word you want. I have a good ear and I have never heard a phoneme or suprasegmental feature I would question. At first I thought the stupid American entertainment press had gotten him mixed up with a similarly-named British actor. Then I thought he might be twins reared on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Now I try not to think about it at all.
Gail Cross
May 10, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Honestly, I was shocked to learn that “Dr. House” is British. He does a perfect American accent. I’m fascinated at how actors can do this.
I had to look up an interview to hear his British account (which I love) before I would believe it! My coworkers, who watch the show, could not believe it.
I think Hugh’s family must be disturbed by his character’s extreme sarcasm. I’ve never seen anything like it on TV. I do think he does an excellent acting job.
Cory
May 11, 2006 at 5:08 am
Gail, be sure to check out some of Laurie’s prior comedic work, such as A Bit of Fry and Laurie. From the sense of humor on display, there’s no doubt Hugh is British.
kkkkoaaa
May 25, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Keep a good job up!
Abe Herson
Jun 21, 2006 at 5:24 am
I don’t think Hugh’s family is disturbed by his extreme sarcasm because… well… the English are rather fond of their dark humour on their side of the Atlantic Ocean. I daresay it has nothing to do with the sarcasm. However I will not contribute to what I think they might be disturbed by. It’s Hugh Laurie and his family’s business. Just leave them be.
Lone Jafa
May 21, 2007 at 9:11 pm
They probably wonder why he talks funny. He does a great American accent. But then Gwyneth Paltrow does an awesome British accent.
cittiepoo
Jun 2, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Huh? What’s wrong with his American accent? It brillant and I really like his British accent as well. House is an excellent show, I honeslty do not get the problem his family has, oh well I don’t wat to say anything that might offend anyone, cause a contriversal uproar or be featurd on the news because someone reading this doen’t understand what I’m saying so, I agree with Abe that this is their personal buisness and not ours. I really hope none of this effects the show or completely changes the way Hugh feels about his role in House. :)
tdubzmom
Feb 21, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I don’t get what the problem is with Hugh Laurie doing an American accent. Americans do it all the time. This was Hugh’s breakthrough role. If I’m not mistaken, America - Hollywood, gave him the biggest break of his career. As for the family objecting to him playing an American, well as they say, “don’t look a gift horse (or a gift House) in the mouth, regardless of the accent it speaks. He’s an actor. That’s what good actors DO.
kiki
Mar 29, 2008 at 9:45 am
he can be funny, nomather what accent he has
Liz R
Jun 1, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I LOVE JAMES HUGH CALUM LAURIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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