Hugh Laurie’s character in the medical drama “House” would probably greet Thursday’s news of an Emmy nomination with a sarcastic putdown, but Laurie himself was simply thrilled to make the cut.
“I’m still reeling. I’m still taking it all in,” said the British actor. “I’ve been doing this for 20-odd years and never really been sure that I’ve been doing the right thing, that I’ve been in the right place at the right time. It’s wonderful to feel at last that maybe I didn’t pick the wrong career, that I didn’t take a wrong turning, that maybe this is something that I ought to be doing.”
Laurie, who plays a drug-addicted American medic with an awful bedside manner but a brilliant mind, has just begun work on the Fox show’s second season. He attributed its success to the writing, and credited series creator David Shore, who also received a writing nomination.
“I think to be honest, the achievement is really his. It’s a fantastic conception and it’s brilliantly executed by him,” Laurie said.
Laurie will vie for the lead drama acting award with James Spader (“Boston Legal”), Ian McShane (“Deadwood”), Hank Azaria (“Huff”) and Kiefer Sutherland (“24”). The winner will be unveiled Sept. 18 during a ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium.