"I couldn't imagine what Fox thought they were doing, contemplating such a jagged protagonist for a prime-time drama. I only knew that I wanted the role very much"
About this Quote
In this quote, Hugh Laurie assesses his initial reaction to being thought about for a role in a prime-time drama. When Laurie describes "Fox", he is discussing the Fox Broadcasting Company, a significant television network. The network was contemplating casting him as the lead in a brand-new series. Laurie is most likely referring to his ultimate role as Dr. Gregory House on the tv show "House", which aired on Fox.
Laurie describes the protagonist as "rugged", suggesting a character with a complex and perhaps abrasive personality. This indicates that the character is multi-faceted, possibly embodying a mix of luster and defects that would make him appealing yet challenging for audiences to accept and understand. In the context of prime-time television, which generally aims for broad appeal, picking a "jagged" lead character might be thought about risky. Prime-time slots are frequently reserved for shows that attract a broad audience, so featuring a lead character who defies standard norms and expectations could be viewed as unconventional or bold.
The phrase "I could not imagine what Fox believed they were doing" indicates Laurie's surprise or uncertainty that a significant network would take such a risk. This shows both his awareness of market norms and his acknowledgment of the originality of the character he was being considered to portray.
However, regardless of his initial apprehension, Laurie reveals a strong desire to play the role: "I only understood that I wanted the role quite". This desire could come from the star's acknowledgment of the depth and challenge the character would present, offering him a chance to display his abilities and check out the subtleties of an unconventional character. It suggests an intriguing mix of doubt and aspiration, capturing both the unpredictability about how the function would be viewed and Laurie's passion to engage with its challenges.
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