Hugh Laurie evokes “Dirty Harry” in role as “House”

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By Stone Martindale Sep 4, 2006, 20:50 GMT

British thespian Hugh Laurie, who has a generic American accent down cold as Dr. Gregory House, the contentious and loveable Doctor, has revealed he fashioned House’s persona on Clint Eastwood's iconic "Dirty Harry" character. Laurie became infatuated with Clint Eastwood while at University. Laurie states he has tried to work Eastwood's iconic cop into parts he has played."I was taught English at Eton by a teacher who also ran a film-study group... One of the most peculiar and adorable characteristics about him was that he revered Clint Eastwood more than any other single figure in our culture…He introduced his flock of neophyte students to the world of Dirty Harry and it stuck. He really did open my eyes to a fascinating mythic character, and it's stayed with me ever since."I do, in my own feeble way, see an element of Dirty Harry in House... In some way, everyone is trying to mimic, consciously or not, that great 70s archetype Dirty Harry - the lone, righteous man." Wikipedia lists that Laurie was born and raised in Oxford, where he attended the Dragon School, a prestigious preparatory school. He later went on to Eton and then to Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he achieved a Third-Class Honors degree in Anthropology & Archaeology. His father had won an Olympic gold medal in rowing at the 1948 Games, and Laurie himself was a rower at school and university, taking part in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race of 1980.

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Lydia FrenchJan 27th, 2007 - 08:12:27

Hugh Laurie is as sparklingly charming and sharp witted as he is modest; and that is truly saying something! I hope the powers that be offer him a strong leading man role very soon. Hollywood is sorely needing a leading man with Hugh Laurie's talent, grace and unique attraction.

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Hugh Laurie evokes “Dirty Harry” in role as “House”

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