INTERVIEW

Mira Sorvino Chats About Her Upcoming Role on House and Hugh Laurie

Written by Barbara Barnett
Published January 28, 2008
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Hugh Laurie Frozen courtesy FOXOne scene requires Cate to examine herself over the webcam, and under House’s watchful eye. The scene has more than the usual tension, suggested Sorvino, as House observes her “from the comfort of his living room with a roaring fire going on and he starts playing ‘Let’s Get It On’. But it’s kind of odd because she’s looking for cancer.”

In fact, there might be some opportunity for that tension to be revisited in the future. Sorvino would love to return to the House set “for a more intense relationship, perhaps romance, to grow between them.” Perhaps a multi-episode story arc. And Cate has to come back from the Antarctic sometime. House and a psychiatrist! Now that would make for a few sparks. [Author’s note: Yes. I know we’ve heard this sort of talk before, but I sort of like the notion that a smart, tough, professional woman would make for a great love interest for House. On the other hand, I haven’t yet seen the episode, so more about that when I write my review of the episode.]

One might speculate that a psychiatrist would have a field day with the troubled and tormented Gregory House, unable to resist the urge to psychoanalyze him. But, shared Ms. Sorvino, this is not really the case. Yes, they spar; and at one point she reads off a litany of his issues. Accustomed to everyone from his colleagues to his staff, and yes, his patients, trying to “fix” him, House then suggests, of course, that Cate, particularly being a shrink, will want to take her best shot at him too. Cate surprises House by telling him: "I never said you needed to be fixed."

Sorvino suggested that “everybody else is always trying to change him and they’re always moralizing. I feel like Wilson is always missing the fact that House is actually a good guy.” If Sorvino sounds like a fan of the series, you are not mistaken. In fact, she admitted, she’s an addict!

Admitting that she is a “geeky” House fan, she said that it was her favorite series. “I became absolutely addicted to House and just thought it was so intelligent — and thought Hugh is so fantastic (as well as) the writing and the other characters.”

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Barbara Barnett grew up on politics and pop culture. Her professional life has been ecclectic and eccentric, having acquired university degrees in biology, Political Science and Public Policy. Her real passions are writing, music, reading sad novels and spy novels, and discussing House MD, and its star Hugh Laurie.
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Mira Sorvino Chats About Her Upcoming Role on House and Hugh Laurie
Published: January 28, 2008
Type: Interview
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Television, Video: Drama, Interviews
Part of a feature: Welcome to the End of the Thought Process: House MD
Writer: Barbara Barnett
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#1 — January 28, 2008 @ 22:47PM — hl_lover

Nicely written, Barbara!
How fantastic to be offered a guest role on your favorite show, appearing with one of your favorite actors. Mira's enthusiasm really shows, and I hope the show lives up to not only the post-Super Bowl-slot hype, but also to the teases and spoiler-bits that have been given us. Her insight into Dr. House's psyche should give her performance added punch.
Am looking forward to this episode more than the SB commercials!

#2 — January 28, 2008 @ 22:52PM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

Mira was delightful to speak with. I felt that when I was talking to her it really was "fan-to-fan" as much as interviewer to star.

I am completely psyched about this Sunday's episode (and of course tomorrow night's as well)

barbara

#3 — January 29, 2008 @ 00:12AM — sdemar

Good job, Sasmom. After reading the TV Guide, I don't get the feeling that these two had any sort of relationship other than just knowing each other.

#4 — January 29, 2008 @ 08:00AM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

I didn't get the impression either that they had been "involved". But I did get the impression that the characters had perhaps known each other from the hospital (and was maybe why she called on House). But I have no idea, other than guessing.

#5 — January 30, 2008 @ 00:52AM — Susanne

Nicely written. I liked it.

But oh dear, more sexual chemistry as if we don't have enough of that already and her unstanding of him better than anyone else? Pick a number and stand in line with the rest of us, the list goes for 3 1/2 years long. Afer reading the tv guide me stomach just feels sick, are these women nothing but love interests for House? Surely there has to be more to them then that. How is cuddy an cameron strong this season? Between cam's bumbling speech to both the camera and the locker room and cuddy being degraded to a walking doormat and sex objecct I'm thinking what has happened?
The "Lets get it on" scene creeps me out a bit, I hope that it is better than it sounds I don't want to think that House is a dirty old man.
But other than that she seems sweet.

#6 — January 30, 2008 @ 08:03AM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

Well, Hugh Laurie has chemistry with everyone, so...

I'm not sure it's the sort of crush-y kind of sexual chemistry. I think she probably finds him interesting (she's a psychologist, so that's a given) and something strikes within him that resonates and makes him care. We know that House has a very deep reservoir of caring--and when he does care about a patient--when a patient strikes that caring-chord in him, he can be the most compassionate doctor and person on the planet. I think he keeps it tightly under wraps--or tries to--and sometimes with only limited success.

I think Cameron's being flustered in "Ugly" had more to do with her embarrassment at having said something unguardedly stupid that she no longer believes. I don't think she likes House in that way at this point. And I do think Cameron has travelled a long way since season one and her need for House's approval. (As has Chase). With Cuddy, I think that House's feelings coming more to the surface (again he would deny it) last season has had an effect on her. She and House go back a long way, and their bickering has always been part of the series. She has his number and he knows it and she knows he knows it, but lets him play anyway. In the end she usually wins (unless he has a good reason, and then she relents).

I really don't mind that House forms an attachment with this woman. it is so House to become enamoured of someone who is inaccessible. He can keep up his barrier; she doesn't even have to know that he is handicapped--makes him less (in his eyes) hunchback-of-notre-dame-ish. (and I'm a House/cuddy person, so...)

#7 — January 30, 2008 @ 08:57AM — Susanne

I agree.
This makes me feel a whole lot better. I saw afew clips it looks good. I won't be dissapointe after all.
I'm a House/cameron person but at the end of the day ships shoudn't be a huge factor on the show at least I hope they shouldn't

Thankyou for your response. I feel way better.

#8 — January 30, 2008 @ 14:16PM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

Glad to help, Susanne! I am so psyched for Sunday's episode, I'm having trouble concentrating on writing my review of last night's episode!

I saw those clips also. Love them!

#9 — January 30, 2008 @ 19:15PM — Douglas Mays [URL]

BB,

Thank you for the heads up with your article. I am a HUGE Mira Sorvino fan! In a good way (being a guy you find that you have to defend admiration for female actors as a non-sex, pro acting/personality thing)!

No matter how twisted the situation the script provides, she always maintains this down to earth, human value vibe. And she is a well educated person! And seems so personable...

Anyway, I'll have the TV focused in.

Mira fan,
DM

#10 — January 30, 2008 @ 19:31PM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

Hey Douglas! Glad you happened upon this place. Mira seemed to be so completely down to earth and unaffected. I really liked her. I've seen several of her films. Quiz Show is one of my favorite movie of all she was terrific; ralph fiennes is a particular favorite of mine; Paul Scofield. what a cast! I even liked Mimic. (Jeremy Northam is another favorite--I do have a thing for British actors, don't I?)

This will be a perfect episode for Sunday. Can't wait, and be sure to stop back to read my commentary on the episode (and I will hopefully make a House fan of you!)

Barbara

#11 — January 31, 2008 @ 17:34PM — Douglas Mays [URL]

Yes, Mira has made some interesting films. "Mighty Aphrodite" is a head spinner, yet she maintains her grace. "Mimic"? that is a tough one but she pulled it off.

You know, one I found interesting from a 'public must know' point of view is the one she did about Human Traffic-ing. Can't remember the exact title, but she plays an up and coming 'go get 'em' detective and exposes some realities in this country...

Go Mira! We love you....

best,
DM

#12 — January 31, 2008 @ 17:55PM — Barbara Barnett [URL]

Hey, Dan,

There are a couple of clips up at the FOX website you might enjoy. Do you normally watch House?
Barbara

#13 — January 31, 2008 @ 19:17PM — Douglas Mays [URL]

BB,

No, not a House addict yet. I am just a guy who is very selective about the TV nowadays. It all comes down to being 'screened out'. Between the TV, computer, cell phone toys, etc. I am just sick of looking at screens. You think I'm going to fall for the books on computer and all that stuff?

ANYWAY, the other cool thing about Mira is her alternative headspace. Anyone who was married to Quinten T has got to be OK in my book....

best,
Douglas M

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