Hugh Laurie has certainly made a new name for himself playing
cantankerous Dr Gregory House because recent contract negotiations have
supposedly upped his salary most dramatically.
Upon starting his role in the medical drama, House, Laurie was said
to be earning something in the mid 5-figure mark. Now, as the Fox series rumbles
through the production of its third season (and after Laurie nabbed himself a
Golden Globe for his troubles) it has been said that he will earn around
£300,000 an episode. This ranks him as one of the highest paid drama actors on
TV.
Maybe the failure to get an Emmy nomination will make producers
re-renegotiate.
Also, as part of the new contract, Laurie has had an extra year added for his
good bad behaviour which would ensure him at least a fourth season.
Despite the show's dramatic leaning, Laurie's comedy experience has held him
in good stead and is probably the key factor to his character's popularity. The
show's creator, David Shore, said, "Hugh's comic timing absolutely fuels the
show. We can give him the most outrageous things to say and he says them and
somehow they're dark but they're also very, very funny."
