More on Why Hugh Left - Hugh Laurie Interview
It’s been a few days and rumors are still circulating as to why Hugh left the set so unexpectedly the other day. I found a link to an interview over at Dr. Greg House.com that may help us understand why Hugh felt the need to take a quick, well-deserved vacation.
“I can’t switch off. I’m always thinking about the show. I’m too neurotic and anal and too convinced we’re going to fail to relax. Every show we do is a disaster, I’m convinced of it. I go home and my head is full of all the mistakes I’ve made.”
Hugh has been very honest about his battle with depression, but he feels that depression has nothing to do with his being a perfectionist. Instead, he feels strongly about not taking his gifts for granted.
“I don’t believe in God, but I have this idea that if there were a God, or destiny of some kind looking down on us, that if he saw you taking anything for granted he’d take it away. So he’ll be like: ‘You think this is going pretty well?’ Then he’ll go and send down some big disaster.”
It is so funny to me that he said this, because this is exactly how both my husband and I feel. We worry that if we don’t appreciate our children enough, they might be taken away. In this aspect, I understand exactly where Hugh is coming from.
The interview explains that, while he’s one of the highest paid actors on television, earning a bit more than $300,000 an episode, he works 14 hour days and truly earns his money. He lives in his apartment in L.A., while the rest of his family resides in London. Hugh admits, in the interview, that he never expected to be in this situation.
“It wasn’t a massive move when I first considered (doing House). What usually happens is you do a pilot and of the very few picked up, only about a quarter go to a second year. So I thought I’ll have three fun weeks. I never dreamt I’d be here three-and-a-half-years later.”
The busy actor did say that he flies back and forth “across the pond” as much as he possibly can, but I can imagine that it would be enough to strain a family relationship.
For the full interview, click here
October 29th, 2007 at 7:37 am
I feel sorry for Hugh Laurie. It sounds as if he truly misses his family and I’m sure he is very tired because of the grueling hours he works on HOUSE. Having said that, I’m getting a little tired of hearing successful stars complain about the hours they put in. Many people work 12-14 hour days and they don’t make anywhere near the money that TV celebs do. And they don’t win awards. Hollywood needs to get a little perspective.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Thanks.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:30 am
yeah i feel sorry for hugh laurie too…wait,i thought he was a Presbyterian?