5 Hugh Laurie roles that will floor you: From 'Roadkill' to 'House MD', here are his best works on screen
Actor Hugh Laurie needs no introduction. Most recently seen on PBS' political thriller 'Roadkill', playing the role of Peter Laurence, Laurie is wowing viewers with his portrayal of a politician. For his ardent fans, he is more than an actor though. The director, singer, musician, comedian and author is known for his versatility — be it writing 'The Gun Seller' or making jazz albums 'Let Them Talk' and 'Didn't It Rain'. But that doesn't take away from his television roles and fans will swear by that. So here's looking at some of his best performances on the screen that will give you chills.
'Roadkill'
In the four-part BBC thriller, which is now airing on PBS, Laurie plays a charming, charismatic politician popular among the people. But he might soon be seeing the end of his career. Deep-buried skeletons of his past threaten to overtake him in an enthralling thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seats. The show follows him tackling one scandal after the other all while trying to safeguard his ticket to being the Prime Minister. If you want to watch Laurie playing a conniving politician in a tense environment, 'Roadkill' should be your pick.
'House MD'
For his portrayal of Dr Gregory House on the Fox medical drama series, Laurie received two Golden Globe Awards and nominations for numerous other awards. The award-winning performance is one very close to fans, who deem it the best casting decision. Laurie morphed completely into an American actor despite being British. Laurie does complete justice to the character with his expression and body language complete with sarcasm and wit.
While his acting as a doctor was textbook, he brought new meaning to his characteristics of being a misanthrope, cynic and narcissist. Just glimpse through this list of accolades he received for the role: two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama, two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Best Actor from Drama Series, two Satellite Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama, two TCA Awards for Individual Achievement in Drama, and a total of six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
'House MD' is a show that comes highly recommended from Laurie's fans — and us — and is a must-watch if you're intrigued by his character in 'Roadkill'.
'Jeeves & Wooster'
The British comedy-drama television series starring Laurie alongside Stephen Fry is one that comes highly-recommended from British fans of the actor. Airing on ITV network from 22 April 1990 to 20 June 1993, the series stars the hit duo (from 'Saturday Live' and 'A Bit of Fry & Laurie') as men from different social backgrounds — Laurie as a rich young gentleman and Fry as his valet. Adapted by Clive Exton from PG Wodehouse's 'Jeeves' stories, the show is deemed to be the best of his works.
'The Night Manager'
Want to see Hugh Laurie as a baddie? Presenting 'The Night Manager'. One of the most gripping of Laurie's performances, the actor plays Richard Dicky Onslow Roper, a nuanced villain. He won the Golden Globe for Best Performance for a Supporting Actor. The series also stars a talented British cast including Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, David Harewood, Tom Hollander and Elizabeth Debicki.
'The Secret Policeman's Ball'
This might be a series of benefit shows staged initially in the United Kingdom to raise funds for Amnesty International, but it made brilliant use of British comedians including Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, Peter Cook, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and most importantly, Laurie, who returned for the second time in 'The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball' garnering much acclaim among fans and critics alike. The series might have focused a lot on British nationals incorporating local humour and events, which can seem daunting and unappealing, but once you see through that, you will witness Laurie in an avatar very rarely seen.