Hugh Laurie – British actor and pianist

Hugh Laurie is a British actor, professional pianist, writer, director, producer and singer. He became famous for his roles in the British comedy television series Blackadder, A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster with Stephen Fry, as well as a major role in the American television series House M.D.
James Hugh Calum Laurie was born on June 11, 1959 in Oxford, UK into the family of a doctor Ran Laurie and a housewife Patricia. Hugh is the youngest of four children; he has a brother and two sisters. The boy attended Presbyterian Church school. He studied at the prestigious private schools: Dragon School and Eton.
In 1981 he graduated from the Selwyn College. There Hugh joined Footlights Dramatic Club where he played with Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry. In 1981, he became a president of the Club. After college, Laurie, Fry and Thompson wrote and directed the comedy The Cellar Tapes, which brought them their first theatrical award.

Nationwide success came to Laurie after his role in the comedy series Blackadder (1983-89). In 1989-1995 he played in the television comedy A Bit of Fry and Laurie. In 1990-1993 the actor played in the TV series Jeeves and Wooster.
The actor occasionally appears on stage with a rock band.

From mid-90s Laurie also appeared in films, but usually in small roles: Sense and Sensibility (1995), 101 Dalmatians (1996), The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) , a remake of the movie Flight of the Phoenix (2004). In the movie Maybe Baby (2000), Laurie played the main role. He also starred in the music videos for Annie Lennox’s song Walking on Broken Glass and Kate Bush’s song Experiment IV.
In addition to acting and music career, Laurie is also a writer. In 1996 he published the novel The Gun Seller which became a best-seller. Currently he is working on his second book Paper Soldier.
In 2004, Hugh was offered a title role in the American television series House M.D. This role brought him two Golden Globe awards and fame in the US.
In 2007, the actor became Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
In January 2009, he was the winner of the People’s Choice Award in the category Favorite TV Drama Actor.

October 25, 2016 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hugh’s father won a gold medal at the Olympic Games 1948 in London in the event pair without coxswain. In 1977 Laurie won the British Junior Championship in rowing and represented Britain at the World Junior Championship, where he took the fourth place along with his partner. In 1980 he took part in Silver Goblets & Nicklass Cup and took the second place. At the moment he is a member of one of the oldest rowing clubs, Leander Club.
Hugh was the drummer in the school band. He also plays the piano, guitar, harmonica and saxophone. He is a member of Band From TV. In the 90’s he played with the band Poor White Thrash. In March 2011, Hugh presented his first music album Let Them Talk, which was recorded in 2010. On July 26, 2010 it became known that the actor signed a contract with the media giant Warner Music.

Personal life
He had a relationship with Emma Thompson.
In June 1989 the actor married Jo Green. They have three children – two sons and a daughter. Stephen Fry is the godfather of all his children.

Hugh Laurie – British actor and pianist