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Last updated on the 3 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 11 June 1959, Blackbird Leys, Oxfordshire, England.Â
Hugh Laurie, born James Hugh Calum Laurie grew up in a household that valued both academia and athleticism. His father, Ran Laurie, was a doctor and an Olympic gold medallist in rowing, a sport that Hugh himself pursued in his youth. Laurie attended the prestigious Dragon School before moving on to Eton College, where he continued to develop his academic and athletic skills. He went on to study archaeology and anthropology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, further expanding his academic pursuits.
His time at Cambridge proved pivotal, as he joined the university’s famous dramatic club, Footlights, which launched his career in comedy and acting.
Laurie first gained recognition through his partnership with Stephen Fry in the sketch comedy series “A Bit of Fry & Laurie”. Their clever and refined comedic style earned them widespread recognition across Britain. He also starred in “Blackadder”, a historical comedy series, where his performances showcased his versatility. However, his most iconic role came in 2004 when he was cast as Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama “House”. His portrayal of the brilliant but troubled doctor earned him critical acclaim, multiple awards, and international fame. Laurie later starred in “The Night Manager”, a gripping espionage thriller, and appeared in the political satire “Veep”.
In addition to his acting career, Laurie has showcased his talents as both an author and a musician. He has released blues albums and written a novel, “The Gun Seller”. His personal life remains relatively private, though he has been married to Jo Green since 1989 and they have three children. Despite his fame, Laurie has maintained a grounded perspective, often expressing humility about his success. His career continues to evolve, proving his enduring talent and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Suggested viewing
Jeeves and Wooster (1990)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4
This comedy follows a wealthy but clueless young man who constantly finds himself in social and romantic scrapes. Thankfully, he has his impeccably dressed and highly intelligent valet to help. Through witty dialogue and clever schemes, the valet uses his superior intellect and knowledge of etiquette to solve his employer’s problems, often involving eccentric relatives, romantic mishaps and the general chaos of high society life.
Top cast: Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Robert Daws, Richard Dixon, John Woodnutt, Michael Ripper, Mary Wimbush, John Turner, Francesca Folan.
Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.8
Blackadder Goes Forth follows a cunning but cowardly captain and his incompetent companions as they try to survive the trenches of World War I. Despite the captain’s plans to dodge danger, his own schemes and the general idiocy of those around him keep landing them in hilarious and precarious situations.
Top cast: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson, Tony Aitken, Patrick Allen, Brian Blessed.
The Night Manager (2016)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0
The Night Manager follows a former soldier who works as a night manager at a luxury hotel. He is recruited by intelligence officials to infiltrate the inner circle of a powerful arms dealer. To achieve this, he must enter a world of danger, deceit and violence, using his charm, resourcefulness and past experiences to earn the trust of the ruthless arms dealer and his associates, all while walking a tightrope to avoid blowing his cover and putting himself and others at risk.
Top cast: Tom Hiddleston, Sarafina King, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Coleman, Tom Hollander, Elizabeth Debicki, Alistair Petrie, Natasha Little, Douglas Hodge, David Harewood.
A Bit of Fry and Laurie (1987)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie portray various characters and use witty dialogue, absurd situations and physical humour to entertain the audience. The show’s sketches range from clever wordplay and social commentary to slapstick and musical numbers, often employing elements of British absurdity and intellectual humour.
Top cast: Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.
