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House Star Laurie: "Depression" Prompted Getaway
Hugh Laurie by Art Streiber/Fox
The demands of playing doctor on one of TV's biggest hits is taking its toll on Hugh Laurie, and in part prompted him to abruptly duck out of production last week and hop across the pond to his home. As the actor shares with Sydney's Daily Telegraph, "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 thought I'd be here three and a half years later."
Though Laurie says he and his wife and kids in the U.K. visit each other "as much as possible," the expanses of time they do spend apart has landed him in "a minor depression," leaving him "drained."
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Oct 31, 2007 8:57 AM
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Well, that makes sense. His support team is back in England. It can't be a cakewalk for his wife, either, being a single parent for the most part. Maybe he should move them here.
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Oct 31, 2007 9:17 AM
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It's understandable that he'd miss his family, but he's on a hit TV show that has little chance of being canceled any time soon. Why can't his family move to the States? I know it would be an adjustment, but it's important for families to be together if possible.
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Oct 31, 2007 10:20 AM
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Sure, it seems logical to say that his family should just move to the States, but you know what? I bet that things would be HARDER on everyone except Hugh. You have to realize that working on a one hour drama requires 15-16 hour days. If Hugh's family were here, his wife would still be a single mom...only in LA, she wouldn't have the same support system she has in place in England. There she no doubt has family and friends nearby to help out whenever she needs it. People that she trusts completely. If they were to move, her support system would likely consist only of hired help.
I admire Hugh for doing what's best for his family as a whole and sacrificing the way that he has for them. It's certainly understandable that it will take a toll. I'm glad the show has supported him by allowing him to take some time off, rather than simply told him to get back to work and move his family to LA in the meantime.
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Oct 31, 2007 11:32 AM
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I figured that he was depression and worked, that's why I said he deserved the time off. I'm sure he enjoys his job, but he misses his family. I read a small part of an article he did where he discusses how lonely he was. 
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Posted by
Guest
Oct 31, 2007 12:07 PM
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When he was being interviewed by Leno, he stated some of his children were in school in England. He came across as a very caring parent who wouldn't dream of yanking them out of school to bring over here. Being the star of a hit show, it must be very difficult to get some time away. From everything I have read, he is a very professional actor--so for him to ask for a quick break must have been very difficult for him--I hope it helped.
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Oct 31, 2007 3:00 PM
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I feel for him. People think actors are all about money and excess, but its a hard job. Of course he shouldn't move his family away from their lives and support network unless it's what they really want. The show should build the time in for him to go home more often.
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Oct 31, 2007 3:21 PM
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Sorry! I can't feel bad for anyone with millions of dollars! Not Hugh or even Britney!
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Oct 31, 2007 3:56 PM
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That's a lousy attitude. And Hugh wasn't asking for your pity, dude. He's quite capable of dealing with his problems on his own. YOU aren't involved in his life. And never will be.
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Oct 31, 2007 4:09 PM
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I feel for him as well and I hope they do work something out where by they can schedule more frequent breaks (of course, if the writers strike tomorrow, that won't be a problem this year).
The only thing is, its been a hit show for quite a while, so to still be talking about it not lasting is far fetched to say the least.
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Oct 31, 2007 4:35 PM
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Well, I have to agree that I do not feel sorry for someone who has won the lottery. Being the lead in a hit show in the US in the equivalent of hitting the lottery. Yes - you work 14 hours a day for 9 months. But - hey - he's not working in the fields or in a factory or risking his life as a cop. He is making a TV show. And with the money he is making he will never have to work again after this show. Ever! He has what every actor in LA dreams of....
And he could have TURNED IT DOWN. He is a Brit - if he wanted to be with his family - take a lead role on a show in the UK. There they only do 6-12 episodes a season. Very easy workload - but oh yeah - you don't make the same kind of money. Hence LA being over run with Brits, Australians, Canadians. I have been saying this for years - all US shows should be cast with US actors. There are hundreds of thousands of actors is the US wanting their break.
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Oct 31, 2007 5:11 PM
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To say dont feel sorry for somebody because they have money is just plain nasty. Depression is an illness which can effect anybody, of any income bracket. Acting is his trade, and way of making a living. He auditioned for the role like no doubt many american actors, he was just the best one. Which he shows us week after week. I can not think of anybody, who could play that role as well as he does.
Plus, why are the press saying he went to the UK because of depression That interview was done weeks ago, and its not new news. Hugh has said before how depression has affected him for many years, even before House. It was said he went home due to a family emergency, reasons not being disclosed, and quite rightly so, we tend to pry too much into the private lives of stars. I guess because Hugh is not playing around, or getting DUI's like most of Hollywood appear to be doing, this is the best the press can come up with! He attempts to live his life quietly, and I admire him all the more for it. I wish nothing but the best for Hugh and his family.
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Oct 31, 2007 6:09 PM
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actingup:
People in L.A. don't mind that there are people from other countries here. It's one of the reasons I love this town.
Look, no one is asking you to pity Hugh Laurie. Least of all him! I don't feel sorry for him. I just wish him well. Why not do something simple like that?
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Oct 31, 2007 6:52 PM
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OK, I read the original story, which was published last Sunday (10/28), and didn't see any mention that he left work last Thursday due to depression. As a matter of fact, they interviewed him on the set, and since it was published on Sunday, he had to have been interviewed before last Thursday.
Laurie does talk about depression in this interview, but it's nothing he hasn't said many times before, including on Leno.
The parts that I found most interesting in the interview are:
On paper, Laurie's words read as those of an extreme pessimist but each sentence is punctuated by a wry smile.
and
On the subject of his family, he describes the distance dividing them as an ongoing struggle..."But I do go back and forth as much as possible, as do my wife and kids.''
As if sensing that his words are morose, Laurie quickly restates his enjoyment in the title role.
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Oct 31, 2007 11:46 PM
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As a long time fan and supporter of Mr. Laurie's work I wish him and his family well.
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Nov 1, 2007 6:15 AM
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