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Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie, actor and musician, is interviewed by Kirsty Young.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the actor, Hugh Laurie.

If life were straightforward he'd be marooned on the island because of his achievements as an Olympic rower. But his early promise on the water was scuppered by a bout of glandular fever - so he's had to make do instead with life as a worldwide entertainment superstar.

Very British comedy, very big budget movies, very successful syndicated TV drama - his 30 year career has taken him from A Little Bit of Fry & Laurie to a big bit of broadcasting history: his role in the U.S. show House ran for 8 series and had a global audience of 81 million. So why now does he feel the need to risk his stellar reputation by making music too?

He says, "as soon as I acknowledge to myself that something is frightening and carries the risk of public humiliation I feel like I have to do it."

Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 28 Jun 2013 09:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Clip

Music Played

  • Joe Cocker

    The Letter

    • Joe Cocker Live.
    • Capitol Records.

  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    My Journey to the Sky

    • Global Roots: Gospel CD2.
    • Gaither.

  • Randy Newman

    Louisiana 1927

    • Randy Newman Songbook Vol.1.
    • NONESUCH.

  • Son House

    Grinnin’ in your face

    • The Original Delta Blues.
    • COLUMBIA / LEGACY.

  • Professor Longhair

    Go to the Mardi Gras

    • City Of Dreams.
    • ROUNDER.

  • Nina Simone

    I wish I knew how it would be to be free

    • The Best of Nina Simone.
    • RCA.

  • Lester Young-Buddy Rich Trio

    I Cover the Waterfront –

    • The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions on Verve.
    • VERVE.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Van Morrison

      Brown Eyed Girl

      • The Very Best Of Van Morrison.
      • POLYDOR.

  • Book Choice

    • An encyclopedia

  • Luxury Choice

    • A double set of throwing knives

Credits

Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Hugh Laurie

Broadcasts

  • Sun 23 Jun 2013 11:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
  • Fri 28 Jun 2013 09:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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