Hugh Laurie interview 2008 - Radio Times, March 2008

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Hugh Laurie interview 2008 - Radio Times, March 2008

Hugh Laurie reveals to Andrew Duncan the cost of his success as TV's grumpiest medic.

Hugh Laurie on…House's popularity

"I'm hugely surprised House survives. The odds are stacked against you in this competitive business; wolves snap at your heels. It's hard to say if I'm pleased with the show. I don't watch regularly. I avert my eyes when my children have it on. I hate seeing myself, but it's even worse hearing my American accent [concealing his Eton and Cambridge vowels]. I had no idea I sound so retarded, a dull monotone, full of clunking mistakes."

"There are many elements to its success. House speaks his mind, which we all wish we could, but can't, and he makes things better when life is hanging by a thread. Most of us struggle in a fog of uncertainty. I massively question my ability as an actor. I'm aware that what success I have is because I'm playing a fantastic character with brilliant scripts. I'm like a racing driver with the fastest car. That doesn't make me a good driver, but I have a head start."

…accusations that House is formulaic

"On TV that's to be embraced as much as avoided. Often one's happiest moments are to do with formulas. The great delight in Columbo was when he'd turn in the doorway and say, 'One more thing'. It's a fine balance. At our best we're able to turn from the broadly comic to the extremely tragic in a moment, which is thrilling. We have to be on guard so it doesn't become either too dark and cynical or too slapstick and smart-aleck."

…work separating him from his family

"It's been a great strain, but all things come to an end - strains as well as delights - and we'll get through."

"It's tabloid delight to paint a picture of torment - there's no story in saying here's a man having unalloyed delight playing an exciting role. Obviously, according to the Daily Mail, there must be a terrible price, or a dark secret. I have a grumpy face and in repose look as if I'm about to jump off a bridge. People go, 'Cheer up, mate, it may never happen.'"

…what the future holds

"I've no idea if there'll be another series. There seems to be a feeling among old hands in television that once you're over a certain time, you continue. So I confront the fact it may have more life in it and I'll probably make a permanent arrangement for the family. They'll spend more time here, but we'll see how that works out with schooling and university. I'd do well to think more clearly about the future. I take things a week at a time and have no long-term plan. There's no sense - the gods won't let you.

"I always worry. I'm not religious or superstitious, but I have this vague feeling that the moment I'm comfortable with my place in the world there'll be retribution. That's one reason I didn't want my family to live here. The moment we put down roots the whole thing will be called off. I may well be neurotic, yes. I go to a shrink, but here they'd look at me with surprise if I didn't."

"I'd love to do anything with [Stephen Fry], from a game of chess to a feature film. But I wouldn't front shows like QI or Have I Got News for You. I'm no good as myself. I don't hugely like me. I'm still waiting, at 48, for that to change. Perhaps it will."

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