Hugh Laurie in Blackadder documentary

Hugh Laurie being interviewed on the House set about his role on Blackadder. Taken from a Blackadder documentary. Includes enough of each clip to put whatever Hugh says in his short interview in context.

[@3isnotaletter]

I always find it odd that laurie plays and idiot in most of his british roles but send him across the pond and he's suddenly the smartest man in the room

[@ddaryldd]

It is my understanding that the British do not idolize anyone as Americans do, they just simply like to poke fun at themselves and others no matter their status or authority.

[@colonyofrats4193]

R4- P17 nah the humours just different

[@SrikanthPAS]

tells you a lot about the people across the pond, doesn't it?

[@nemod3338]

To play an idiot in British comedies one must be very smart. Because British humour is smart and deep.

[@TheOldBlackShuckyDog]

Says something, does it not 😂

[@TheTruthKiwi]

Imagine going for a beer with Hugh, Fry, Rowan, Tony, Tim, Ben and the rest of the crew when they were making Blackadder. I think you'd be lucky to make it through the night and not dying from laughter.

[@listertr2756]

Rik would have been great

[@eclaire_x88x]

Stephen talks in his biography about having them all round for Christmas once, must've been a hell of a Christmas!

[@rogermckay8447]

Best sitcom ever, and Stephen Fry as General Melchitt was the best supporting character ever. Fantastic cast and writing.

[@supafuckinmingster]

I'd argue Fawlty Towers as best sitcom, and Ballard Berkely as the Major as best supporting character ever. But I respect your opinion. Blackadder was and still is simply brilliant.

[@rogermckay8447]

supafuckinmingster No. Not even close. Fawlty Towers was a one-trick pony Every episode was Basil cowering from his wife and abusing Manuel. The Major was a very pale and faceless character. John Cleese is a fantastic performer, but Fawlty Towers was far beneath his talent. A hugely over-rated show.

[@supafuckinmingster]

We'll agree to disagree. Consensus is on my side though.

[@VHMR1974]

It is debatable how to define "the best". As a fan of Blackadder, i can't claim that it was better then, for the sake of argument, Yes Minister/Prime Minister. Different, surely, but both extraordinary.

[@rogermckay8447]

VHMR1974 Now THAT is a defensible argument.

[@highjaws]

This was my dads favorite show. I never understood it growing up but i’m in my 20s now and I will always thank him for the introduction to this show.

[@scalabekbek5681]

If i remember correctly the actor who played the one who wrote the dictionary was in fact the same actor who played Hagrid

[@ruinnaimperii4686]

Blackadder is perhaps the epitome of british comedy. And Stephen Fry’s performance was just superb.

[@GanonGhidorah]

When I first started watching House MD, seeing Hugh Laurie playing a depressed, serious-minded, sarcastic doctor...I would always remember him as Lt George from Series 4, wearing a dress saying, "I feel FantASTIC!" It was a great disservice to the entire world that Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry did not do a guest-cameo on House...maybe as some old rival Doctors from Medical School; just to have a little reunion of the cast. Though the astute fan might remember that Hugh's time on Blackadder - while not official until series 3 - actually began in Series 2 with two smaller single-episode roles. He first appeared as Simon Partridge (Farters Parters/Mr. Ostrich) from the episode "Beer". He then had a much more prominent and antagonistic role as Prince Ludwig the Indestructible in "Chains."

[@lukabenic]

Great show with legendary actors

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

MELCHETT - BLOODY BRILLIANT

[@bartcolen]

While Series Two was probably the funniest, it felt like Series Three was the Blackadder concept at its most well-defined, in part because the main cast was much smaller and also because Blackadder had an idiot on either side of him on the social ladder. And it certainly did not hurt that Rowan and Hugh were at their best in Series Three, as well.

[@SD78]

Rik Mayall as Superintendent Flashheart.

[@Mrblancnoir]

Blackadder goes forth is very very very underrated. I think there is a depth to it that makes it different from the other Blackadders. I love them all though.

[@bangtwister]

Thanks for uploading :)

[@patricksiuathkbuses]

@riebit -- It IS on the newest edition of Blackadder DVDs. And somewhere on it a shot is made about Mr Laurie saying had to go because of the House set calling him on.

[@distance5000]

When he speaks, his voice always reminds me of Lt. George

[@babicu86]

the best series

[@kkwillsaveus]

I loathe the whole thing about how in 2002 when Laurie was on Friends Rachel Green is nobody, now Hugh is amazing because he is House. Blackadder was on before friends, and wholly superior to in, in 2002 Hugh Laurie was superior to Anniston in every way. Love Baldrick not being thick.

[@sarniatownreggae]

In the late eighties, American cable network A&E showed all four Blackadder series, albiet edited for American audiences. However, they never showed the episode from the second series where Edmond was trying to curry favor with his wealthy fanatical Puritan relatives while hosting a party of drunken rowdies at the same time (for which Laurie was casted as one of the drunkards, ironically enough). This was when A&E was a network that showed quality programs instead of the crap they have on now.

[@lordhosseinlh]

You know it took me 5 years to find out (just now) that doctor house is the prince.

[@sas2300]

The last series was the best, general melchett and lieutenant George were both brilliant and of course blackadder and baldrick were always great.

[@randommishaps]

Bring back Blackadder

[@AllisterCaine]

@dkupke i totally support this idea! adding some hints at blackadder in house would be great.. i know of one where house is disguised as george(?)

[@aa4285]

@76juno As an American I can proudly say that Blackadder, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, are just some of the funniest comdey series ever produced. let's not leave out Fry and Laurie, Jeeves and Wooster, The Two Ronnies Benny Hill. I can go on and on. Americans have finally got to wake up and realize that so much of our "classic" comedies were directly stolen from our friends across the big pond. Long Live British Comedy!!

[@Meekerextreme]

@Domzdream Yep, Blackadder Goes Forth is my favorite....I own them all.

[@dkupke]

Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson so need to be guests on House one day

[@ImperialGuard9001]

I actualy like him more in Blackadder series than in Dr.House

[@carrjammin]

The dimensions of this are way off. Is there a better version of this?

[@SocksMacguffin]

@76juno It's probably because of the very british humour. Monty Python itself had to be forced down americas throat and that was without the many years of english history. But I do agree, Blackadder is one of the greatest comedys of all time, It made comedy out of tradgedy. Completely, completely amazing.

[@anakinuzamakihatake5366]

I had no ideas Hugh Laurie was Goerge

[@bramsrockhopper3377]

Much though I love House the show and the character, it’s a bit of a shame that although gorgeous Hugh spent more than a decade being the sexiest man alive - he spent most of that time over the pond! Although he was playing an amazing character and acting his socks off. Bless him.

[@Psychorror]

Indeed. His whole life as an English person, actually.

[@Kotten84]

He has to get Baldrick as well! And the fourth one would probably be Alan Davies.

[@tinkageorgewilliam871]

3:31 Bouldrick for sure :D

[@Commandos12]

@riebit can u give me the link of it? :D

[@E101ification]

Behhhhh!

[@JHawke1]

@dkupke Stephen has been said to be threatening Hugh to appear as House's cleverer older brother.

[@FBWL-u1r]

@crusader8463 With me it was the other way around I was used to seeing him in Blackadder and it took me about 2 or 3 episodes of House before I realized it was him and even then I could hardly believe it =D

[@plorex]

beeehh

[@denisp.2308]

I clearly remember watching last episode of Black Adder and Hugh saying: "Sir.. I'm scared, Sir".. and I had tears in my eyes

[@whataheapofpish]

Me too pal, me too

[@lema4198]

Why would you remind me of that??? ‪ㅠ ㅠ‬

[@brontewcat]

I think it was one of the endings to a TV series that shocked me the most.

[@THE-BUNKEN-DRUM]

That bit when Baldrick says "I have a cunning plan" I remember, for that brief moment, being so relieved, thinking something comedic, was going to happen to them, until....well, you know the rest.

[@fatty_owls]

That hurt me so much it felt like a punch in the face. The delivery was perfect.

[@lazylank]

The Black Adder was one of the most underrated British comedies ever, at least here in North America. Very few people have even heard of the show, let alone watched any of it, which is a shame, because it was highly brilliant, and an absolute gem!

[@ashchaya7676]

Underrated by America maybe. The rest of us fucking loved it.

[@drunkensailor112]

Here in Netherlands Blackadder was huge. It's very Dutch kind of humor as well. Very dark.

[@MrDaiseymay]

@@ashchaya7676 I THINK HE WAS SAYING THAT BECAUSE THE SHOW HAD VERY LITTLE EXPOSURE, FEW PEOPLE KNEW OF IT, AND IT DIN'T GET TALKED ABOUT

[@MrDaiseymay]

@@drunkensailor112 GUD

[@ashchaya7676]

@@MrDaiseymay HI PHIL!! YEAH I THINK THAT'S WHAT HE'S SAYING TOO!! THAT'S WHY I POINTED OUT THAT HE'S WRONG!! CHEERS MATE!!

[@Ben-wk4je]

Blackadder = My favourite series of all time

[@globalcombattv]

+Elwood Blues What about Only Fools and Horses?

[@Ben-wk4je]

I like that too, but nothing can touch Blackadder for me. It's just genius.....

[@j0hnn13K]

as is the blues brothers ;)

[@Saucyakld]

Mine too !!!!

[@jcdlovetron]

Agreed. Best show ever!

[@Monkofmagnesia]

@dkupke, I always wanted Tony Robinson to be a guest as another doctor, and turn to House and say, "I have a cunning plan"

[@tabathasheffroth7981]

LMAO picturing that

[@kaymuldoon3575]

OMG that would have been PERFECT.

[@Visplight]

Or a patient who comes in with some sort of injury and when House goes "how did you get that," he goes "I had a cunning plan."

[@eclaire_x88x]

Cameron said it once, I cracked up 😂 dont think it was meant to be funny but 🤷‍♀️

[@hollyb6885]

One scene on House shows what shows House TIVO’d. One of them was Blackadder. LOVED THAT! 😂

[@pheenix42]

"Are you Private Baldrick?" "No!" "But you are Captain Blackadder's batman?" "No!" "Come on, Baldrick, help me out here a bit, it's me!" "No, he is not!"

[@keepdancingmaria]

The first time I saw that scene, Catpain Blackudder saying to Baldrick before Baldrick takes the witness box... Baldrick giving that decisive nod and literally denying everything made me pee. I was embarrassed because I was not alone in the room, but I could not stop laughing. All the seasons of that sitcom had an episode that was my absolute favorite. That episode was it ffor Blackadder goes Forth.

[@justinian-the-great]

One of best scenes in all seasons of Blackadder!

[@Victor83113]

Last line should be "no it isn't"

[@Catinkontti]

Deny everything Baldrick!

[@isdrevenge8764]

Uuuhhhh *thud* Sir, I must protest. Quite right. We don't need your kind here Private get out

[@MrThundermouth]

Americans seem to know this guy from some American series. I am european so I know this guy as George.

[@Widdekuu91]

+wadawaddah Well, I watched House a few times and the House name is Gregory. Which is close to George. So I started confusing him with Hugh Grant (because they both start with Hugh and that name I'd heared more often) and after that it became George Hugh or Hugh Gregory. So now it's just; the guy from House.' Or George xD

[@michelvanderlinden8363]

+wadawaddah he was kind of the star in a medical show called House. Its a very good show btw.

[@michelvanderlinden8363]

***** he is mostly known for his comedy sketches with Stephen Fry tbh.

[@whnook]

He is Greek. What else is there to live for?

[@achloist]

I think of him as Bertie Wilberforce Wooster, both he and Stephen were brilliant as that pair.

[@lite4919]

Prince George " I'm a gay bachelor, a roarer a rodgerer a gorgerer and a puker"

[@fabulousmyriad267]

Rewatching Blackadder goes Forth on the 100th Anniversary of the Somme..I liked the loving tribute to the soldiers depicted by George and Baldrick, even when they were being ridiculous you felt sympathy for those young men who lost their lives on mere seconds on the battlefield.

[@georgehelliar]

Tafami and I think this is why it works. They said here that for all the ridiculousness of the characters, they were trying to be sympathetic to the real stories. The way they juxtapose the foolishness of the characters with the foolishness if the situation they found themselves in makes it especially powerful. They may be idiots, but they're not bad people, yet bad things happened to them. That final episode though. Jesse fuck that's powerful TV, as strong as any documentary or drama.

[@georgehelliar]

Tafami Yes, and I think this is why it works. They said here that for all the ridiculousness of the characters, they were trying to be sympathetic to the real stories. The way they juxtapose the foolishness of the characters with the foolishness of the situation they found themselves in makes it especially powerful. They may be idiots, but they're not bad people, yet bad things happened to them. That final episode though. Jesus fuck that's powerful TV, as strong as any documentary or drama.

[@schizoidboy]

Has anyone imagined what it might be if George met Dr. House?

[@simonepagnotta5112]

House would probably clobber him with his walking stick.

[@keepdancingmaria]

They so should have put that in one of the clinic scenes...Hugh Laurie playing double roles...

[@FireurchinProductionsByzantium]

House is the George that crossed the Atlantic

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

Thats his grampa

[@lesiamoore673]

I remember him first as Birtie Wooster.

[@keepdancingmaria]

Ohh, I LOVED Jeeves and Wooster!

[@michaelandrews4403]

If ever there was a more genius piece of casting than Fry and Laurie as Jeeves and Wooster; I've never seen it!

[@ingriddubbel8468]

Bertram 'Bertie' Wooster

[@hollyb6885]

I’m binging Jeeves and Wooster again now.

[@adventureswithaurora]

Same! Truly one of the best. 😁

[@thomasbower7727]

The final scene of "Good-byee" always chokes me up. Did just now thinking about it.

[@slemsvamp]

Blackadder is such an awesome series. I'm a sucker for Brittish comedy, but it's just filled with awesome actors and it has such black/dark humor at times.

[@nghakabeita3198]

British got comedy right with their sense of sarcasm and their theatrics.

[@bigrigjoe5130]

He was also in Blackadder 2 a few times. As a monk obsessed with things being Rude and Ludwig the indestructable master of disguise

[@Shakes-Off-Fear]

BAAA!!

[@georgehelliar]

BAàaa

[@Vee_Macdonald84]

Shane Fell its all down to shouting! Baaaahhhhh!!!!

[@avinotion]

It's an extraordinary gift

[@DartfordTown]

I think I read somewhere that Martin Scorsese was a big fan of this.

[@the_dutch_kiwi7054]

General Melchett looked old regardless because Stephen Fry looks far older than he actually is. He was 32 in 1989 and could easily pass for someone in his mid 40s.

[@76juno33]

The Blackadder series (excluding the first series) was the funniest thing on TV ever. Nothing else comes close. On a separate point, why do the English sound so sophisticated? That accent!!

[@whnook]

I agree. Even Baldrick sounds sophisticated.

[@nikoneznanovic353]

So you would like to live under sharia law? As most muslim countries do. Very idiotic of you Tom.

[@tomhartland818]

Racism is racism. Try justify it however you want.

[@apropercuppa8612]

Tom Hartland Muslims aren’t a race, Arabs are. In fact, there are many non-Muslim Arabs that live and suffer under Sharia Law / Islam. You might want to seriously think reevaluate what you’re saying..

[@peggedyourdad9560]

dXb I think that might be due to our population being 10 times bigger than most European countries.

[@theundead1600]

great actor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JAY-lo3sx]

Huge was absolutely fantastic as Prince George. The first episode is my absolute favourite of all time. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watch it and it still has me in fits Of laughter. As for Rowan Atkinson. Absolute genius. ( Isn’t that right Bob ) 🇬🇧

[@izzardclips9350]

I read some of the older comments in this comment section, and it was... well, amusing. There were several comments about how mindblowing it is to see Laurie being silly and dim, what with him being Dr. House in House. Yeah, certainly the stuff mind=blown is made of. It's almost like he adapts to the character traits of the fictional character he plays... I think there's a word for that. Is it called atcing or something like that?

[@AverageAlien]

His character on black adder is the opposite of his character on House

[@blossom7928]

Average alien, You look below average

[@AverageAlien]

@@foobarmaximus3506 Thanks man

[@blindlobster]

I never watched House so I couldn't tell you about his (House's) character. However the Prince Regent George of the 3rd series had a different personality to Lieutenant George of the 4th series. While both are naive and have the minds of children, the Prince is self-serving who doesn't care about the world around him as long as his life remains comfortable and undemanding. George of the 4th series on the other hand, has a better character. (To rephrase, he is a better person.) He wants to make the world a better place and actually has honour. This George would die for his country, even when given a chance to weasel out of it. This George (4th) is a "good person" while the Prince is not. To theatrically conclude, Lieutenant George (4th) is a lamb while Prince George (3rd) is a pig. They have different personalities to one another. (Don't get me wrong, they are both enjoyable to watch.)

[@dominon929]

When I first watched Blackadder, the name “Hugh Laurie” popped up and I thought to myself, “Why does that name sound familiar?” Then after seeing and noticing how young he was, it blew my mind that he was Dr. House, who a lot of people would know him as.

[@rainer_uncrowned]

Thank you Darling!

[@Petter_Ulleland]

You weren't in your twenties, Stephen, you were 32. Beeeeeh!

[@pretorious700]

The Prince regent may be my all time favorite TV character. So sublimely dense, he's what the Brits affectionately call a "thicky".

[@adventureswithaurora]

Or a “thicko,” as he himself said to Dr. Johnson... XD

[@DonMeaker]

@Diggensek And don't forget Jeeves and Wooster...

[@stefang.5732]

I always disliked Laurie as an actor because of "House". Then i saw the Blackadder series and since then i'm loving and admiring his talent. Of course i then also dug out the "A bit of Fry and Laurie" scetches - awesome!

[@TheTruthKiwi]

It's a shame his House character is such an old, grumpy, boring git.

[@radiohippie]

Melchett's crazy sheep noises.

[@Sarahtonen]

I am a big fan of Hugh Laurie!! Blackadder or House. He is awesome!

[@BedsitBob]

I've been to that cemetery. Incredibly thought provoking experience.

[@Emperor.Penguin.]

I always knew Hugh as the dad from Stuart Little

[@ufotofu9]

Tamerlane I just think of him from A Bit Of Fry and Laurie.

[@keepdancingmaria]

Did you ever see Jeeves and Wooster? I loved A Bit Of Fry And Laurie, as well, but like all variety shows it had some misses as well as some hits. Jeeves only had hits as far as I was concerned. But I love P.G. Wodehouse anyway. I never saw Stuart Little, although I did enjoy the book.

[@adventureswithaurora]

@@keepdancingmariaHello, fellow Jeeves/Wodehouse fan! 👋😁

[@keepdancingmaria]

@@adventureswithaurora Dare I hope you are also a fellow Blackadder fan, where I FIRST met Hugh Laurie in the second season, and then he continued in season 3 and 4?

[@adventureswithaurora]

@@keepdancingmaria Yes!!! The laugh tracks and sitcom style took me a while to get accustomed to, but the sheer brilliance of the comedy and dialogue won me over. 🤣 I do indeed love Laurie's roles in the last two seasons as well!

[@ianowen3157]

The human league. It's called Love Action.

[@lukatore]

hugh laurie is one great actor. i loved to watch him in "jeeves and wooster" with fry :)

[@adventureswithaurora]

Same here! 💯

[@owner876]

@3isnotaletter And idiot in Britain is a genius in America :)

[@higfny]

@76juno I agree. Especially the forth series, which is a masterpiece, maybe the best collection of comedy writers and actors ever. I like House, but for me the things Laurie did together with his (probably best) friend Stephen Fry, is his best work. Jeeves & Wooster, A bit of fry and laurie, and the 4. blackadder.

[@woodlandsedge3456]

An awesome actor amazing in the Night Manager if you have not seen it WATCH IT !!!!!

[@kimberleysmith818]

Woodlands Edge Forest School & Spoon Carving ‘Corky!’

[@VivekSharma-ux2bl]

From Blackadder to House MD..... Laurie didn't change much in terms of how he looked except a bit of grey here and there.....

[@IrreverentFilms]

Fascinating... as is the move from comic buffoon to sharp-edged dramatic doctor with an American accent. Hugh Laurie is a great actor.

[@MissExecutive]

mind blowing to hear baldrick speak intelligently. love him

[@badmovebaker]

Love him, and all the Blackadder guys. That last episode was a heartbreaker.

[@MrStag90]

Blackadder 3 is my favorite, and it is because of Laurie as the Prince Regent.

[@judithsixkiller5586]

He was great as the evil German spy,Greasy hair Spotty -Spot,-Face,AKA "Big Sally/A Helpless Sheep"

[@oak4901]

Last WWI episode, the most tragic and emotional moment on TV!

[@Smithjones12]

Never get bored of watching Stephen fry beat up hugh Laurie 😀

[@errtuownsyou]

The always-delightful Mr. Fry couldn't be obnoxious if he was in a manic upswing and set every ounce of his energy to it. He is just too damned pleasant. He would tell House 'no', and damn it, House would be happy to take it. Anyways it turned out to be Foreman and the last season was a total bore. Stephen would have brought an almost indescribable level of class and life to the show in its final hours, but he couldn't be the boss; you can't argue with him at all.

[@hnevko]

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Probablyacowtbh]

It does make me smile seeing him doing well.

[@dr_phillmonger]

he IS English........

[@maxheadroom3839]

Abdullah Qureshi Yes

[@liamgrealy4405]

I had no idea this was him!!

[@redsquirrel1086]

British comedy is on another level to anything other countries produce.

[@DoktorKarp]

Love black adder

[@Daffy.y]

@pretorious700 You can't compare them to each other. They're both completely different TV series.

[@EdTheBadass]

Prince George was so funny. A perfect contrast to scheming and sarcastic Blackadder

[@37Dionysos]

Thank you, Leftenant Darling!

[@renegadusunidos6151]

he is not Darling, Darling was the Capt. from General Staff sir.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

* Lieutenant

[@adventureswithaurora]

@@PreservationEnthusiastYes, but that's how they pronounced it in the show.

[@saltythebear]

Stephen Fry needs to show up in House. House is basically Sherlock Holmes, MD- Stephen Fry as his new boss or something similar would a sort of Mycroft Holmes, MD. Hell, if they could be related- all the better!

[@harrybarber2518]

Non blackadder related but when Hugh was being cast for house the producer/director demanded a american actor and only found out Hugh was British at an awards evening, he also was cast via a skype call whilst in a hotel bathroom

[@captaingaster5915]

Tally Ho Pip pip And Bernard's your uncle

[@bogus7678]

lol

[@mishmishat]

lol omg i loved the end where they all went "baaaaih!" thank for the upload..

[@Chris44sun]

I love how Americans have to relate Hugh Laurie to House -_-

[@bored.in.california2111]

It's great how unique all of the characters were. There wasn't one single favorite you'd have because they all brought something amazing. I just enjoyed Hugh Laurie in the 3rd and 4th Blackadder series.

[@nicofire3]

They are available on DVD, on amazon i think... i have it and im watching this just because he's so great, i think it's sad that he's totally lost the accent but nevertheless, still my favorite actor

[@SilentlyFuming]

@3isnotaletter Isn't being able to play a multitude of character types the sign of a good actor?

[@Gruntol5]

I've tried playing Blackadder to my American wife and her brother. Neither of them liked it. Her brother loves Mr. Bean, but fell asleep during Blackadder. Go figure. I cannot. On the other hand most American comedy leaves me cold - the exceptions being Mash, Cheers, Taxi. I think there's something about self-deprecation that irks Americans. Perhaps all a question of ego, a thing that they suffer from, in spades.