Hugh Laurie is a legendary actor, comedian, and a passionate musician. The man has more tricks up his sleeve than a real magician. Here are a few things about the brain behind the BBC comedy classic – Little bit of Fry and Laurie.
His comedy
Hugh Laurie’s introduction to comedy was a rather ironic event. Then in college and unknown, Hugh joined Cambridge Footlights after he left rowing because of glandular fever. The University Dramatic club is infamous for producing amazing actors and comedians.
Hugh went on to become the President of the Footlights where he also met his comedy partner, Stephen Fry.
A major breakthrough in the comic era – Fry and Laurie’s episodes bring laughs on many faces, standing the test of time.
The journey that continues on even today began with a few steps. The amazing team that was created at the time when Laurie led his college club to win the First Perrier Comedy Award with Ben Elton.
Actor Par Excellence
Laurie’s comedy has had a bit of dumb and a bit of sass as this star really makes every role his own. This fact is evident from every role that he has played till today.
The masterpiece, Blackadder series starred Hugh Laurie in various roles – Prince George, Lieutenant George. The Jeeves and Wooster series, another one by BBC starred Hugh playing a near impossible role.
He brought it to life on the big screen along with Stephen Fry playing his charming butler who also happens to be a smart man with plenty of solutions.
Bertram Wooster, a brainchild of P.G. Wodehouse would be visually unimaginable if it wasn’t for Hugh.
But comedy is not the only thing that this man kills at. After his American breakthrough, Laurie showed that sarcastically dark humour is a role nobody could play better.
Anything this legend takes upon himself to do is bound to be iconic.
His portrayal of Gregory House remains iconic for anyone who has the heart and mind to watch it. The series starring Hugh as a genius doctor with pain problems and, consequently, drug problems is a prolific creation.
Jazz Head
Let us not forget that the most respectable and eloquent man who acts like a shapeshifter is also a professional Jazz player. Hugh is known to love music in general. He has been learning how to play and sing since he was six years old.
He knows how to play the drums, saxophone, piano, harmonica and guitar. His talent has been showcased through the years, on A bit of Fry and Laurie. He also played alongside the band MeatLoaf in an episode of House MD, “simple explanation”.
His commitments are more serious than this though. Hugh has released two albums – “Let them talk” and “Didn’t it Rain” in the years 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Hugh loves the Music of New Orleans because of its heavy influence from Jazz.
He is visibly and fantastically influenced by the indigenous music that the city has to offer. He enjoys playing the Piano and singing for an audience, in venues around the city itself.
Bestselling Author
Yes, you read that right. Hugh is unbelievably and undeniably best at whatever he does. He released his first ever novel, “The Gun Seller” in 1996. The book is a deep dive thriller with a touch of Wodehouseian humour.
The novel went on to become a bestseller. The author is working on a screenplay version of the book.
More about the Legend
The men playing in the show, A little bit of Fry and Laurie are real-life best friends. Stephen Fry was the best man at Hugh’s wedding. Fry is also the Godfather of his dear friend’s children.
Hugh Laurie has been awarded the Officer of the British Empire in the 2007 New Year Honours for his contribution to drama.
He has admitted to being an Atheist. He is an avid motorcycle enthusiast as well. That is a reason behind his character House enjoying bikes too.
He has been awarded a star on the walk of fame in Hollywood in October 2016.
This multitalented star is also a family man. Laurie said in an interview that he wished to move his family to America while he was in process of shooting House. Hugh was basically living alone in a mansion for nine months a year while shooting for the spectacular show.
Hugh Laurie truly is a man of many trades and his countless accomplishments are proof of his mettle in whatever he does.
