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How does Hugh Laurie put on such a good American accent?

Hugh Laurie's American accent in "House" is widely praised for its authenticity. Here's how he achieved it:

* Dedication and Hard Work: Laurie is known for his dedication to his craft. He worked extensively with a dialect coach to perfect his American accent, spending hours practicing and refining his pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.

* Natural Talent: While hard work is crucial, some actors have a natural predisposition to mimicking accents. Laurie has a keen ear for language and a talent for picking up accents, which likely made the process easier for him.

* Immersion: Beyond the technical aspects, Laurie immersed himself in American culture. He listened to American music, watched American TV shows, and interacted with American actors and crew members on the set of "House." This exposure to the nuances of American speech helped him internalize the accent.

* Character Motivation: Laurie's portrayal of Dr. House is a cynical, abrasive, and often rude character. This personality type allowed Laurie to lean into the more exaggerated aspects of American speech, particularly in his use of slang and sarcasm.

* Specificity: Laurie didn't just aim for a generic American accent. He focused on a specific regional dialect, likely from the Northeast, which fits the setting of the show and the character's background.

Ultimately, Laurie's success with the American accent is a combination of talent, hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the character he was portraying.

Comedy

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