'House' star Hugh Laurie to direct

By April MacIntyre Dec 10, 2009, 15:38 GMT

Hugh Laurie - © Sophia Quach / PR Photos

Versatile actor Hugh Laurie, who serves as executive producer and lead character of FOX hit series "House" will also helm an episode of the medical mystery drama.

Marking his 'House' directorial debut, Laurie's upcoming episode of the show is scheduled to air this spring.

“I am thrilled, daunted and honoured – with a ‘u’ – by this new responsibility,” said Laurie. “House scripts are Fabergé eggs, and I will try my very hardest not to drop this one on a stone floor.”

“I’ve wanted him to direct since Season One. In fact, I can’t believe he’s actually doing it,” said House executive producer Katie Jacobs.

“There is no one more qualified to direct the show than Hugh Laurie. I’m sure this is evident to anyone who’s seen the show, but he is simply the most versatile, talented, funny actor on TV today. Add to that an impeccable feeling for the visual storytelling, and you have the makings of a great director. I don’t know how he’s going to be in two places at once, but that part we’ll just have to figure out.”

According to Jacobs, the episode Laurie is directing is “very intense and truly a director’s piece.”

Laurie has directed television programs and commercials, composed and recorded numerous original songs and written articles for London’s The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

His writing credits include the groundbreaking U.K. series he starred in with Stephen Fry, “A Bit of Fry and Laurie.” His first novel, “The Gun Seller,” was published in both the U.K. and the U.S. to critical acclaim and has been adapted into a screenplay.

Laurie’s performance as “Dr. Gregory House” has netted two Golden Globe Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. He has twice been honored by the Television Critics Association with TCA Awards for Individual Achievement in Drama.