Why was Hugh Laurie credited as a Guest star in Friends?
I recently watched the episode The One with Ross's Wedding: Part Two of Friends, in which Hugh Laurie has a minor role. I noticed that he is mentioned in the credits as a Guest star.
As a French person, I only know Hugh Laurie from House MD or Stuart Little, which are both subsequent to the Friends episode. Can someone tell me why in this episode, Hugh Laurie is considered a Guest Star more than a simple background actor?
Best Answer
Hugh Laurie has been well known in the UK since the 1980s, appearing in such popular TV shows as:
- The Young Ones
- A Bit of Fry and Laurie
- Blackadder (series 2 - 4)
- Jeeves and Wooster
And parts in the films:
- Peter's Friends
- 101 Dalmations
- Spice World
Before 1998 when these episodes were made.
As these episodes were set in the UK, a well known (and quite loved) British actor is likely to be credited as a guest star rather than just an extra.
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Why was Hugh Laurie in Friends?
Hugh Laurie went one-on-one with Jennifer Aniston on FriendsIn order to let Rachel know he's tired of hearing her talk, the gentleman puts on headphones and ignores her for most of the flight.Did Hugh Laurie ever appear in Friends?
Number of episodes Hugh Laurie plays the man on the plane sitting next to Rachel who's memorable closing remark is "oh and by the way, it's clear you were on a break" in "The One With Ross' Wedding, Part 2". Laurie is also mentioned by Zach Miller in "Joey and the Big Break" as "the dude that plays Dr. House".Did House appear on Friends?
Gregory House in Fox's House. Kristin Davis dropped by Friends for "The One with Ross's Library Book" in 2000. In the episode, she plays Erin, a woman who dates Joey and hits it off with him pretty well. Of course, the relationship doesn't last...How many languages can Hugh Laurie speak?
EnglishSpanishFrenchGermanHouse MD on Friends - Behind the Scene
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Answer 2
The general principle is that a "guest star" is someone who has been invited to undertake a role in the film or TV show. They aren't a star because of their major role in the production, they're a guest who happens to be a star.
Where they also have a large role, they might be credited as "Guest Starring".
Since it's highly unlikely Hugh Laurie (or Fergie) would have been expected to audition, that makes them guests.
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