Hugh Laurie did nothing... and liked it

Hugh Laurie of House is a funny guy. But you probably knew that already, especially if you are a fan of either his current show or his classic Brit-com Jeeves and Wooster. What I happen to like about him is that he has no problem playing a character that, on the surface seems like an unlikable crank, and in the process infuses the character with depth and humanity. There have been very few actors in the history of TV who have been able to take unlikable characters and make them likable; Laurie, Carroll O'Connor, John Larroquette, and Ricky Gervais are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head.

From the first episode of House, Laurie projected that there was more to Dr. Gregory House than a penchant for withering -- but funny -- insults and a Vicodin addiction. By the time the season ended, in two very engrossing episodes with Sela Ward (hubba hubba) as House's ex, you knew that there was a rich vein of storylines for the writers to explore next season. I personally am looking forward to it, especially because Ward will be along for the ride, at least at the beginning of the season.

Anyway, I was reminded of Laurie's myriad talents while reading his "in depth" interview with James Brady in this week's Parade (Yes, I have the reading habits of a 62-year old grandmother, even though I'm single and 34. Must be my upbringing). In it, Laurie makes his way though Brady's gauntlet with his usual dry wit. "An Englishman pretending to be an American - it seems to be doing rather well," is his response as to whether his role would be accepted in his native UK. Brady, who I remember used to give very fawning and uninteresting interviews on the local 5 PM newscasts on Ch. 2 in New York, reports that quote as if Laurie said it without a trace of irony, which is doubtful.

Unfortunately, the rest of the interview doesn't really communicate any of the humor that people are used to seeing in Laurie. Well, except for a quote on how he spent his hiatus. "The rest of the cast were extraordinarily busy, climbing Everest or something like that. I did absolutely nothing. A big fat nothing."

House's second season starts Sept. 13.