Hugh Laurie Struggles With American Accent
Hugh Laurie’s American accent is so flawless on House, M.D., you’d never guess it’s a daily struggle for him.
In fact, Hugh is reported to get so frustrated, he screams swear words and hits himself with his cane!
“It is the single hardest part of my job; oh, by far!” he says. Off the set, he’s relaxed, so his Britishisms are in full flower, as when “herbs” get the hard h. But his stubbly face creases just discussing that dialect problem.
“I can’t think of any other human activity that doesn’t get easier with repetition,” he continues, calming himself with a Marlboro Light. “Making omelets, playing violin, sex, anything — the more you do it, the better you get at it, supposedly — but for this, it doesn’t apply. I find that every day is as painful as the last day, which is painful as the first day I did it.”
Not only is this surprising and funny; it’s further proof of what a great actor Hugh is!
Related Stories
POSTED IN: House News, Hugh Laurie
7 opinions for Hugh Laurie Struggles With American Accent
Marti
Mar 8, 2006 at 4:16 am
Last night’s show was magnificent! I certainly didn’t detect any accent errors.
Although Daughter has to look away during some of the bloody scenes, this is one of the few programs that gets both parents and both kids to sit down together to watch. The snappy dialogue amuses us, and the intriguing ethical questions always spark a debate following the show.
I hope Hugh will continue with this “struggle” for a long, long time.
Noticed they said THREE WEEKS until next new episode - AAARGH!
(Completely off topic - do you still have Rhysently? My link no longer works)
Paul
Mar 29, 2006 at 8:34 pm
This is *amazing*. One thing that has struck me since I started watching is the absolute perfection of his accent - he does magnificently.
Marti
Apr 3, 2006 at 4:01 pm
So glad the new episodes are showing - last week was WILD! The wife was pretty darned clever (I won’t spoil it in case anyone hasn’t seen it)
Pixel
Apr 6, 2006 at 1:09 pm
I get very upset when I read articles from England or Australia that Hugh has a “horrible” American accent. Most of us Americans think Hugh’s accent is flawless (I ignorantly did not even know Hugh was British when House was first shown because I was unfamiliar with his former work). Who are they to judge his accent when we think it is perfect! I hope he knows how much we appreciate his efforts.
Dan
May 11, 2007 at 8:18 am
If no one knew where Hugh Laurie is from, everyone from one side of the Pond or the other would have assumed he is American, there would be no debate at all. There is no more to add, I think…
Jaz
Feb 22, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I had no idea that hugh laurie had an accent until he did an interview!!
Paige
Feb 25, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I LOVE Hugh! When I started to watch House, I thought he was actually American!! When I did some digging on the imfamous Hugh Laurie, I then found out he was British! I don’t think it’s fair at all that they critisize him! I f they think he is horrible, then they can come over and do a betterjob themelves!! It looks like he was born to play House and nobody should ever say a thing unless they think they can do a better job!!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: