Medical drama shifts schedule to accommodate the good doctor

By Jonathan Zipper

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/26/07 – A spur of the moment trip for actor Hugh Laurie forced changes to the “House” production schedule Thursday.

The medical drama’s leading man met with producers, informing them of his intention to fly to England for an undisclosed family affair. Later that afternoon Laurie boarded a plane bound for London.

“Hugh had family obligations in England to attend to, but production is continuing in his absence,” a representative for Universal Media Studios said.

Laurie’s rep insisted his client received clearance for the departure and will be returning to set on Monday.

House calls are uncommon for British actor turned TVdoctor Laurie, as he’s lived in the United States, apart from his wife and three children since production on the show began in 2004.

He currently ranks as one of the highest paid television actors in Hollywood, receiving over $300,000 per episode.