Early life
James Hugh Calum Laurie was born on June 11, 1959, the youngest son of general practitioner and former Olympic rowing champion William and his wife Patricia, both of Scottish descent. Growing up in Oxford alongside a brother and two sisters, Hugh enjoyed a classic public school education, attending the prestigious Dragon prep school in Oxford followed by Eton.
Earl success
In 1978, Hugh began studying archaeology and anthropology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he also got involved in rowing. His aim was to become an Olympic rower like his father, however illness led to him having to abandon the sport while still at university. He later joined the Cambridge Footlights comedy and drama club which was already famous for producing comedic and dramatic talents such as Monty Python's John Cleese, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman.
It was in the Footlights that Hugh met his future comedy partner Stephen Fry, whom he was introduced to by his then romantic partner and still good friend Emma Thompson. After university, A Bit of Fry & Laurie fame followed, and then his success alongside Stephen again in Jeeves and Wooster. He also became known for his roles in Blackadder. Hugh later starred in several successful films of the 90s such as Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility and the live-action 101 Dalmatians.
Global fame
Hugh's success across the pond was cemented when he took the role of Dr Gregory House in the eponymously titled medical series House, M.D. in 2004. The American accent which he donned for the role even led to him being mistaken for being an American on many an occasion.
Since House, Hugh has starred in several more acclaimed roles including as Richard Onslow Roper in BBC's The Night Manager, Peter Laurence in Roadkill, and as Dr James Nicholson in Why Didn't They Ask Evans?, which he also wrote and directed.
Personal life
Hugh has also always enjoyed a life long passion for music, and released a Blues album: Let Them Talk, in 2011. He released a second album, Didn't It Rain in 2013.
The popular actor is married to Jo Green. They married in 1989 and have three children: Charlie, Bill and Rebecca.
For all the latest on Hugh, click here.
