The absolute best books by Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie has established himself as one of the greatest comedians of our time. In addition to his comedy work, Laurie has had several prominent dramatic roles, the latest one being in the 2020 BBC miniseries Roadkill.

Besides his acting career, Laurie achieved moderate success as a musician and an author. This article will look at his best books and other contributions to literature.

Who is Hugh Laurie?

Some fans of the hit medical drama House M.D. may be surprised to discover that Laurie isn’t American, despite his near-flawless accent in the show. Laurie was born in Oxford, England, and studied at Eton and Selwyn Colleges in Cambridge.

During his time in Cambridge, Laurie joined a comedy club called Footlights, which marked the start of his acting career. He met Stephen Fry during a tour with the club, and the two comedians began collaborating soon after.

Laurie and Fry wrote and starred in a TV sketch-comedy show called Alfresco. Laurie’s performance in the show led him to get a prominent role in Blackadder, starring alongside Rowan Atkinson. This comedy series would become a staple of British television, launching Laurie’s career further.

While working on Blackadder, Laurie continued his long-term projects with Stephen Fry. They created A Bit of Fry and Laurie, which lasted eight years, and Jeeves and Wooster, which ran for three seasons.

Laurie’s roles weren’t limited to TV shows. One of his earliest movie appearances was in the adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Emma Thompson, Laurie’s friend from the Footlights days, scripted and starred in the motion picture. Laurie continued to expand his movie credits list with titles like 101 Dalmatians, Cousin Bette, and Stewart Little.

The role of the rude yet charismatic Dr. Gregory House was undoubtedly a milestone in Laurie’s career. The wildly successful Fox Network show solidified the actor’s international career, especially in comedy TV shows, while his big-screen acting remained primarily limited to supporting roles.

Following the success of House, Laurie co-starred with Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep. He would later segue into drama with The Night Manager, a spy mystery based on a novel by John Le Carré. Laurie’s prominent roles won him numerous award nominations and laureates, including:

• 10 Prime Time Emmy nominations
• 4 Golden Globe nominations, and 3 awards

• 7 Screen Actors Guild nominations, and 2 awards
• 3 Television Critics Association nominations, and 2 awards

Hugh Laurie’s best books

Hugh Laurie’s comedic talent and charm easily transitioned to written pages. Here are the best titles the actor has authored in the span of over three decades:

The Gun Seller

Laurie’s first novel, The Gun Seller, is a spy comedy about Thomas Lang, a hired gun who’s too kind to do the dirty work that falls within his job description. When hired for an assassination, Lang instead opts to warn his target, starting a chain of dangerous—and hilarious—events.

A Bit of Fry and Laurie

A Bit of Fry and Laurie represents a selection of the best sketches from the eponymous comedy show. The book showcases how talented the duo is, as the jokes land perfectly even on paper—without Fry’s and Laurie’s impeccable comedic performances.

A Bit More Fry and Laurie

The next book in the A Bit of Fry and Laurie series, this title brings the laughs that the audience has learned to expect from the two master comedians. The series would have two more entries, proving that, indeed, you can’t have too much of a good thing.

House M.D.—The Official Guide to the Medical Drama

Although the official guide to the House M.D. show wasn’t penned by Laurie (Ian Jackman is the author), the book still deserves a place on this list. First, Laurie did write an inspired foreword to the title. And second, the guide takes us behind the scenes of the show, which owes much of its success to Laurie’s acting prowess.

Audiobooks narrated by Hugh Laurie

Besides writing, Laurie contributed to the literary scene as an audiobook narrator. Here’s a selection of titles delivered in the actor’s authentic voice and style:

• The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse
• Fantastic Mr. Fox and Other Animal Stories, Unabridged by Roald Dahl
• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
• Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome

Laugh out loud with comedic audiobooks from Speechify Audiobooks

If you’re a fan of Hugh Laurie, you probably can’t get enough of great comedy. Luckily, you can experience the best literary works from the genre and get plenty of laughs with titles from Speechify Audiobooks.

Speechify has a vast library of fiction and nonfiction titles, from classics and New York Times bestsellers to new releases by upcoming authors. Whether you want to add to your wishlist of novels, self-help titles, memoirs, or comedies in Fry and Laurie style, thousands of audiobooks are available.

Setting up your Speechify account is quick and effortless. You can sign up in minutes and download the free app to start listening on the go. Better yet, your first audiobook will come at no charge.

If all this sounds interesting, don’t hesitate to check out Speechify’s official website and pick your next great listen today.

FAQ

What is Hugh Laurie best known for?

Hugh Laurie had many memorable roles in beloved TV shows and movies. He’s arguably most renowned for the titular role in House M.D.

Are Fry and Laurie still friends?

Laurie’s friendship with Stephen Fry has been career-long and continues today.

Who is Hugh Laurie’s wife?

Hugh Laurie’s wife is named Jo Green, a former theater administrator.

What is Hugh Laurie’s age?

Hugh Laurie was born in June 1959, making him 63 at the time of this article.

How long has Hugh Laurie been married?

Laurie and his wife Jo Green have been married for over 30 years.

What is the name of Hugh Laurie’s first book?

The first book that Laurie published was the first volume of A Bit of Fry and Laurie, although he coauthored the title with Stephen Fry. Laurie’s first book as a single author was The Gun Seller.