Hugh was born in Oxford, England on June 11, 1959. He was educated at Eton and Cambridge. Son of an Olympic gold medalist in the sport, he rowed for the England youth team (1977) and for Cambridge (1980). He met Emma Thompson at Cambridge in 1978 when both joined "Footlights" and was introduced to Stephen Fry by Emma in 1980. Hugh is married and lives in London with his wife and three children. Besides acting and comedy, he has written the best-selling thriller, "The Gun Seller", also has done a screenplay for the film version, and has a second novel called "The Paper Soldier" being published on 27 September 2007.
Achieved a third-class degree in anthropology & archaeology at Selwyn College, Cambridge University. Bought an all-black Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, a replica of the '60s British model, in Los Angeles, upon getting the role in House M.D., but he was always an avid motorcyclist, even in England. He enjoys the anonymity the motorcycle helmet gives him. Attended the Dragon School, a renowned British "public" college preparatory school located in Oxford, England. Also attended by actress Emma Watson and tennis player Tim Henman. Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, originally wanted him to play Arthur Dent for the film adaptation. A deal was almost in place to have Hugh play Dent, along with Jim Carrey as Zaphod and Jay Roach directing, before Adams's untimely death. Won the 1977 National Junior Championship for rowing (coxed pair). In the same year, he and his rowing partner represented England in the World Junior Championship for rowing where they finished fourth place. He lives in a West Hollywood apartment rental while working on House M.D., but flies home to London to be with his family whenever he has a break in filming. He has said that he will move his whole family to America to be with him if the second season looks to be equally successful as the first. Plays the husband opposite Imelda Staunton's characters in two films: Sense and Sensibility and Peter's Friends. His father, William George Ranald Mundell Laurie (known as Ran), and mother, Patricia, are both of Scottish descent. Is the youngest of four children, by six years. He has a brother, Charles, who works as a lawyer/shepherd in Scotland, and two sisters. His father won an Olympic gold medal for coxless pairs in the 1948 Games. Hugh also had a promising career as an oarsman, but he was forced to give it up while at Cambridge when he contracted glandular fever (mononucleosis). His brother was also an oarsman. He is an accomplished piano player. Entered the 1980 Silver Goblets and Nicklass Cup with his Eton rowing partner J.S. Palmer at the Henley Royal Regatta, becoming the only British crew to reach the final that year. They finished in second place behind the favored American crew. Was first cast in the role of Perry White in Superman Returns. However, the popularity of his TV show House M.D. caused schedule conflicts. Frank Langella was then cast. Auditioned for the part of Rimmer in Red Dwarf. Others to audition for the part were Norman Lovett, Lee Cornes, Alfred Molina, Alan Rickman, and Craig Ferguson. The role went to Chris Barrie. He was a house captain (senior prefect) in his last year at Eton College. He also played percussion for the school's orchestra and was a "wet bob" - a member of Eton's prestigious rowing team. He received his first motorcycle when he was 16 as a present from his father. The same year he owned his first guitar, a Yamaha. Although his first name is James, he has never been called that. His third name, Calum, is an old Scottish variant of the name Malcolm. His brother's full name is Charles Alexander Lyon Mundell Laurie. He took up diving a few years ago. He's a big fan of Clint Eastwood. Was a member of Cambridge Footlights throughout his university years, serving as a writer and cast member for two years (1978-1980) and president during his last year (1980-1981). Emma Thompson was the vice president. He is a member of the Leander Club, one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world. His father once served as the club's president. His son Bill auditioned for a role in a Harry Potter film but was told he was too young. His daughter Rebecca Laurie starred in the film Wit as Emma Thompson's character aged five. He is a member of the celebrity band 16:9 with Greg Grunberg of Alias and Felicity, James Denton of Desperate Housewives, Bob Guiney of The Bachelor, and other special guests. Plays keyboard in the band Poor White Thrash with Lenny Henry, Shade Adejumo, Kate McKenzie, Sophie Elton (wife of Ben Elton), 'Ken Bowley' , Andy Gangadeen, John Thirkell, and Phil Smith. He has three children: Charles Laurie (b. 1988), William (Bill) Laurie (b. 1990), and Rebecca Laurie (b. 1992). Directed some scenes of his film Maybe Baby when Ben Elton had to go to hospital for the birth of his children. He is a big fan of Steve McQueen. He was a member of the Cambridge Footlights and in 1981, along with Stephen Fry, Tony Slattery, Emma Thompson, Paul Dwyer and Paul Shearer, he became the winner of the first ever Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Stephen Fry is godfather of his three children. Is a published author (The Gun Seller - 1997). He has another book due in 2007. He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2007 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to drama. Is very good friends with House M.D. co-star Robert Sean Leonard.