Even though TV’s most famous doctor was earning $700,000 per episode in the final season, *House* star Hugh Laurie said he still feels like a fraud.
Laurie regrets playing a “fake version” of a doctor instead of becoming a real one, as his father had hoped. He admitted that his “dad would have hated” the easier path he chose by becoming an actor.
Keep reading to find out why Laurie chose acting over medicine.
Dr. William (Ran) Laurie, Hugh’s father, had big dreams for his youngest son, born in June 1959.
Hugh Laurie was on track to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was not only a respected physician but also a 1948 Olympic gold medalist in rowing and a graduate of a Cambridge college.
When British-born Hugh Laurie was studying at the same college as his father, he was also a member of the rowing team, with plans to train for the Olympics and then go to medical school.
However, Laurie discovered a drama club, the Cambridge Footlights, a sketch comedy group. There, he met actress Emma Thompson (*The Remains of the Day*) and his future comedy partner, Stephen Fry, who later co-starred with him in the 1997 film *Wilde*.
Laurie’s path changed completely.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the now 64-year-old actor appeared in several TV shows, including the BBC sitcom *Blackadder*, where he co-starred with Fry.
Hugh Laurie also appeared in the 1995 film *Sense and Sensibility* with Emma Thompson, with whom he had once been in a relationship. He starred in Disney’s live-action *101 Dalmatians* (1996) and even made a guest appearance on *Friends*.
In 2004, Laurie was offered the chance to play a doctor in a new TV series called *House*, a medical drama that ran for eight seasons.
In his Golden Globe-winning role as Dr. Gregory House, Laurie dropped his British accent and perfectly played the narcissistic genius who led a teaching hospital in New Jersey.
During the show’s run, Laurie became Hollywood’s most popular doctor, gaining a huge global fan base. However, life as a celebrity also brought its own challenges.
“I had some pretty bleak times, dark days when it felt like there was no way out,” Hugh Laurie said in a 2013 interview with *Radio Times* (via *Daily Mail*). “I have a strong work ethic, so I was determined never to be late or miss a single day of filming. You wouldn’t catch me calling in sick, saying, ‘I think I’m getting the flu.’ But there were times when I’d think, ‘If I had a little accident on the way to the studio and got a couple of days off to recover, that would be great.’”
Those days off didn’t come until 2012, with the final season of *House*.
After that, Laurie kept busy, appearing in TV shows like *Veep* and the 2015 science fiction film *Tomorrowland*, which starred another famous TV doctor, George Clooney.
In 2016, Hugh Laurie took on another doctor role, this time as neuropsychiatrist Dr. Eldon Chance in the TV series *Chance*.
The *Maybe Baby* star explained to the *Los Angeles Daily News*, “As a gambler, my instinct is to walk away after even a modest win… Yet I was drawn back to this wonderful project that was simply irresistible.” Comparing *House* to his role in *Chance* (which was canceled after two seasons in 2017), Laurie said, “The characters are very different. Their medical practices and attitudes toward life are completely different.”
Despite his Hollywood fame, Laurie, who also starred in 2018’s *Holmes & Watson*, still feels he let his father down by not becoming a real doctor. His father, who passed away from Parkinson’s disease in 1998, had been a respected physician.
“My father was a real doctor. If it’s true that many men try to become versions of their father and fail, it seemed fitting that I ended up being a fake version of a doctor,” said Laurie, who also played a doctor in the 2005 film *The Big Empty*.
“My father had high hopes for me to follow him into medicine,” Hugh Laurie said. “I would have liked to become a doctor myself, and I still have dreams about being one. We live in a world of shortcuts, don’t we? And I took those shortcuts. Dad would have hated that.”
Laurie calls himself a “cop-out,” adding, “Honestly, this causes me a lot of guilt.”
What do you think about Hugh Laurie’s surprising confession? Please share your thoughts in the comments below and share this story so we can hear what others think!
What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Ginger Every Day
Ginger isn’t just a spice that adds flavor to meals – it’s a true superfood. Used for centuries in natural medicine, eating ginger daily can have a powerful impact on your health from head to toe. Here’s what you can expect when you make this small but mighty habit part of your daily routine.
🌿 1. Your Digestion Gets a Major Boost
Ginger helps stimulate saliva and bile production, supporting smoother digestion. It can relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion, while also helping your stomach empty faster – meaning less discomfort after meals.
❄️ 2. Inflammation Starts to Go Down
Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, from joint pain to heart disease. Ginger contains gingerol, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in conditions like arthritis.
💪 3. Your Immune System Gets Stronger
Ginger is full of antioxidants that help your body fight off illness. Regular intake may reduce the frequency and severity of colds, and it can even soothe a sore throat or calm a cough naturally.
💓 4. Your Heart Health May Improve
Ginger can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve blood circulation. It may also regulate blood pressure, supporting overall cardiovascular health when paired with a balanced diet.
🌡️ 5. You May Experience Less Nausea
Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for nausea – whether from motion sickness, pregnancy, or an upset stomach. Just a small amount daily can make a big difference.
🔥 6. Your Metabolism Could Get a Gentle Boost
Some studies suggest that ginger may help increase fat burning and reduce appetite slightly, making it a helpful ally if you’re supporting a healthy weight.
🧠 7. You Stay More Focused and Energized
Thanks to its circulation-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, many people report better mental clarity and sustained energy when they include ginger regularly in their diet.
How to Add Ginger to Your Day
- Grate fresh ginger into tea or warm lemon water
- Add it to smoothies, soups, or stir-fries
- Try a small slice with honey in the morning for a natural pick-me-up
Tip: About 1–2 grams of fresh ginger per day is enough for most benefits.
Conclusion:
Eating ginger every day is a small habit with big rewards. From better digestion to clearer skin and reduced inflammation, this root has your body covered – naturally and powerfully.
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