A Look at Hugh Laurie’s Childhood and Early Career
James Hugh Laurie was born on June 11, 1959, in Oxford, England. Laurie’s father, William, was a medical doctor. His mother, Patricia was a writer. Laurie has two older sisters and an older brother.
In his early teens Laurie entered a prep academy in Oxford, England. He fought depression, smoked cigarettes and “cheated on French tests.” In spite of his lack luster grades in school, Laurie followed in his father’s footsteps and excelled as an amateur rower. This made it possible for him to switch to the influential Eton school for boys during high school.
Laurie briefly thought about becoming doctor, like his father. Instead he entered Selwyn College, in 1978 only wanting to continue rowing. At Selwyn Laurie’s rowing career came to an abrupt end, when a horrendous case of mono kept him off the team.
On a fluke he auditioned for Footlights, the university’s famous dramatic club, known for debuting famous actors such as John Cleese, Douglas Adams and Sasha Baron Cohen. The decision made a monumental change in Hugh Laurie’s future well being.
At Footlights Laurie met student Emma Thompson, and the two began a romantic relationship. Emma was a good friend of playwright and actor, Stephen Fry. Laurie was awed by Fry’s play Latin! He was adamant Thompson introduce the two. In 1983 the triad wrote The Cellar Tapes and was entered in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
After graduation in 1981, the three friends received the Perrier Comedy Award for their Fringe submission. The upshot of the award was a tour through England and Australia. A made-for-TV movie of their work was made and called Cambridge Footlights Review. In the early 80s the three continued working on TV projects which included There’s Nothing to Worry About!, The Crystal Cube, and Alfresco. And, the rest is history!