Top 10 Hugh Laurie Moments
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A star of comedy and drama, on the big or small screen, and with a talent for music,too - is there nothing that this man can’t do? Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Hugh Laurie moments.
For this list we’re ranking the finest, funniest and most memorable moments from the British actor and comic, Hugh Laurie.
#10: Football School
“A Bit of Fry & Laurie” (1989-1995)
We start with Laurie alongside Stephen Fry, playing one half of one of the UK’s most celebrated comedy double acts. This sketch takes a satirical look at the nation’s favourite sport, as Laurie’s Mr Wilson teaches aspiring footballers only the most important things about the beautiful game - namely, how to dive and get away with it. A joke which still relates to the Premier League today, it also allows Laurie to show-off one of his many accurate accents.
#9: American & British Slang
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-)
When Laurie hit US screens with “House”, lots of people - including the show’s director - thought the actor was American. This interview on “Ellen” sets the record straight, with Hugh trading slang terms and revealing just how little he knows about American colloquialisms. The pair go back and forth trying to test each other, with neither of them doing very well. However, we probably prefer Laurie’s definitions to the real thing.
#8: Prince George & Dr. Johnson
“Blackadder the Third” (1987)
To some more witty wordplay, but this time Laurie plays the fool. Hugh stars as Prince George throughout the third series of “Blackadder”, and here he meets dictionary-writer, Dr. Johnson. However, Johnson’s vast vocabulary proves too much for George, leaving Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder to take over the conversation with some well-timed nonsense. George spends the entire season in a state of confusion, but never more so than here.
#7: A Private Word
“Veep” (2012-)
“Veep” fans know that Laurie’s Tom James and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ President Selina Meyer go way back, and their relationship reaches fever pitch in this scene. Laurie’s involvement with season six was a closely guarded secret, but this one-on-one - which is stacked with sexual tension - proved a pivotal point for the character. If you only know Laurie for his comedy roles, then this is prime example of the other side of his acting talents.
#6: The Gentleman on the Plane
“Friends” (1994-2004)
A cameo role, but a memorable moment, here’s when Hugh had his say on the Ross and Rachel story, in “Friends”. Laurie plays the easily-annoyed passenger sat next to Rachel, during her flight to London to gatecrash Ross’ wedding. Not only is he unimpressed by his fidgety flight partner, but he’s also unashamedly anti-Rachel when she tells her story to anyone who will listen. It’s not what she wanted to hear, but Laurie’s character continues his rant regardless.
#5: Nix’ Speech
“Tomorrowland” (2015)
Laurie doesn’t often play the villain, but he really nailed the bad-guy role for this film. OK, so the movie didn’t fare that well with critics, but Laurie’s final monologue is a stand-out scene. In it, he explains how he had seen the future downfall of mankind, and had tried to warn everyone - but to no avail. His speech transcends the movie itself, retaining relevance for the modern world - and it’s pretty difficult to disagree with some of his points.
#4: Lieutenant ‘Georgina’ Gets Engaged
“Blackadder Goes Forth” (1989)
We’re with “Blackadder” again, and into series four, with Laurie playing a soldier in the British army. But, when Blackadder is tasked with organising a variety show, he dresses Lieutenant George as a woman and casts him as the leading lady. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, General Melchett falls in love with “Georgina”, and proposes to her. And to make matters worse, George accepts. It’s down to Blackadder to smooth things over, in typically sardonic fashion.
#3: Hallucinating Cuddy
“House” (2004-12)
Hugh’s work on “House” proved a massive turning point in his career, with the actor moving away from previous comedy roles. In this moment, House is trying to escape his long term prescription drug addiction. So, when his boss, the woman he most admires, comes to his apartment to help him stay clean, and they end up getting together - things seem to be on the up. However, fast forward to the next episode and the following day, and House eventually realises that he’d hallucinated it all, having succumbed to his addiction once again.
#2: Let Them Talk
“Let Them Talk: A Celebration of New Orleans Blues” (2011)
Laurie’s had a gift for music since he was just six years old, and in 2010 he recorded his first blues album, “Let Them Talk”. Following that record up with this 2011 TV documentary, Hugh shows just how skilled he is. Taking a look at the New Orleans music scene, Laurie proves a passionate and knowledgeable lover of blues music, producing some moving and memorable performances of his own. It’s toe-tapping stuff.
#1: Derek Nippl-e
“A Bit of Fry & Laurie” (1989-95)
How could we not come back for a little bit more of Fry & Laurie. Choosing one winning sketch is an almost impossible task, and the beautifully written Barman scene nearly took today’s crown. But top spot goes to Derek Nippl-e, and a sketch which quickly descends into absurdity. From the name to the jig, to the slap and the cricket bat, it escalates perfectly - if a little painfully for Laurie. It’s an all-time classic.
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