What Happened to the 'House MD' Star Who Took a Long Break from Hollywood & Struggled with Depression?

Two years ago, "House MD" star Hugh Laurie shocked fans when he made a rare public appearance. Known for his role as the sharp-tongued Dr. Gregory House, Laurie's unexpected transformation sparked widespread curiosity.

After finishing his iconic role in "House MD," Hugh Laurie opted for a more subdued lifestyle, distancing himself from Hollywood's relentless spotlight. The show, which enjoyed eight highly successful seasons, established Laurie as a familiar face worldwide. However, after the series ended, Laurie slowly retreated from the limelight, focusing more on personal pursuits and smaller-scale projects.

In 2022, Laurie made a public return that surprised fans with his changed appearance. This sparked curiosity about what he had experienced in the years since the show's conclusion, leaving many to wonder if these changes were influenced by his personal life or professional path.

An Iconic TV Role That Defined an Era

Laurie's portrayal of Dr. Gregory House on "House MD" was nothing short of legendary. The show debuted in 2004, and Laurie's character, famous for his sharp wit and unorthodox approach, quickly became a fan favorite.

His portrayal delved deeply into the layers of a complicated, troubled character, which Laurie brought to life with remarkable skill. Across eight seasons, Dr. House's intelligence and difficult demeanor made him one of television's most captivating figures.

Although Laurie's success as Dr. House was undeniable, the role came with immense pressure. In nearly every scene, Laurie carried the weight of the show's success on his shoulders. Playing the same intense character for such a long period took its toll on the actor, both mentally and physically.

"It was a very consuming part, and I worked very hard to get it right," he'd later share. By the time the series ended in 2012, Laurie was ready to step away from the spotlight, admitting that the role's long hours and emotional demands had left him exhausted.

Struggles Behind the Scenes

Behind Laurie's sharp portrayal of Dr. House was a man contending with personal struggles. Laurie had faced a long-standing battle with depression, which he openly discussed in interviews both during and after "House MD." The pressures of Hollywood, combined with his naturally self-critical personality, made it challenging for him to fully enjoy the success that came with the role.

He once described his depression as more than just a feeling of sadness. It impacted his family life and relationships, leading him to rely on therapy and medication to help manage his mental health.

In 2009, he revealed that he had been seeing a therapist regularly, and had even used antidepressants during particularly dark periods. His self-deprecating humor remained part of his public image, even as he kept much of his struggle private. However, as his fame grew, so did the emotional toll.

A Change in Lifestyle

When "House MD" concluded in 2012, Laurie's career took a noticeable turn. Though he continued acting, he began to pursue other interests, especially music. In an interview with Larry King, he revealed that his love for music was greater than his love for acting.

This new focus allowed him to step away from the demanding world of television, where he had spent so many years in the grueling role. Laurie's time in Los Angeles during "House" had also been challenging.

He spent nine months each year filming, while his wife, Jo, and their three children remained in London. The long-distance arrangement contributed to his exhaustion, and Laurie was open about how the separation took its toll on his family life.

After the series ended, he finally had the chance to slow down and reconnect with his family. This quieter, more reflective lifestyle marked a clear departure from the intensity of his Hollywood career.

Though Laurie retreated from the spotlight after "House MD," he didn't stop acting. He continued to take on selective roles, balancing his love for music with smaller acting projects.

One notable appearance came in 2023, when he played a key role in the TV miniseries "All the Light We Cannot See," reminding fans that his talent on-screen was still very much intact. Despite this, Laurie's public appearances remained rare.

His focus had shifted, and his career no longer revolved around high-profile, leading roles. After years of playing one of television's most intense characters, Laurie seemed content with a more peaceful existence.

The Reaction from Internet Users

When Laurie appeared publicly in April 2022, and again in May 2022, fans were left in awe of his transformation. Known for his sharp features and clean-shaven look as Dr. Gregory House, Laurie's new appearance was strikingly different.

The familiar features fans had adored for years were gone. Instead, Laurie now had a thick gray beard and wore casual attire that highlighted the changes. On one occasion Laurie was spotted walking his dog on a Sunday, dressed in dark trousers, trainers, a navy jumper, and a matching beanie—an ensemble that kept him warm as he soaked in the spring sunshine.

His rare outings quickly generated online chatter. Social media was flooded with fan reactions to his noticeably altered look. One user remarked, "Looks about 80 rather than 62. Too much hard living, drinking, smoking, and drugs."

Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like, "I always thought he was so handsome. He's unrecognizable here," and "He looks 82." Some fans couldn't even believe it was him, with users saying, "That doesn't look like Hugh Laurie" and "Doesn't look like him."

At the time of his reemergence, fans eagerly awaited the release of his upcoming miniseries, "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?" Laurie both directed and starred as a psychologist in the series, but even with fans' anticipation, his transformation remained a hot topic.

Though the dramatic change surprised fans, it reflects a man who has evolved both personally and professionally since his days as Dr. Gregory House. While his public appearances are rare, they offer glimpses into his ongoing journey.