Hugh Laurie, the legendary actor known for his role as House’s renowned doctor, recently opened up about his feelings of being a fraud. Despite earning a staggering $700,000 per episode in the show’s final season, Laurie admitted that he regrets not pursuing his father’s dream of becoming a real doctor.

Born into a family of distinguished achievers, Laurie’s father was not only a doctor but also a gold medalist in coxless pairs rowing in the 1948 Olympics. Following in his father’s footsteps, Laurie attended Cambridge University, where he aspired to row in the Olympics before pursuing a medical career.

However, fate had other plans for Laurie. One fateful day, he stumbled upon a theatrical club called the Cambridge Footlights. It was there that he crossed paths with fellow actors Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry. Thompson, known for her role in “The Remains of the Day,” and Fry, who had a supporting role in the 1997 film “Wilde,” sparked Laurie’s interest in the world of acting.

Although Laurie initially intended to follow in his father’s footsteps, his encounter with Thompson and Fry ignited a passion for acting that he couldn’t ignore. Despite the disappointment his father may have felt, Laurie made the bold decision to pursue a career in acting instead of medicine.

Reflecting on his choice, Laurie expressed his regret for portraying a fictional doctor in the popular TV series “House.” He acknowledged that his father would have disapproved of his expedited path to success. However, Laurie’s talent and dedication to his craft have made him a household name in the entertainment industry.

Laurie’s unexpected career path serves as a reminder that life often takes us on unexpected journeys. While it’s natural to wonder what could have been, sometimes the road less traveled leads to remarkable achievements and personal fulfillment.