{alltv} Is Robert Sean Leonard Leaving House?

Thursday, April 7, 2011

{alltv} Is Robert Sean Leonard Leaving House?

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Can you envision a version of House in which Dr. Crankypants doesn't rely on right-hand man Wilson? Perhaps you should start trying.

Robert Sean Leonard, who has played Dr. James Wilson, the best friend of Hugh Laurie's Dr. House since the show began in 2004, says he's not certain about returning to the show next season.

"There's also no deal for House next year because Comcast bought NBC Universal and no one has a deal," Leonard told TVLine.com. "If I do House next year it'll be under a new umbrella. But legally and contractually, I'm free after this [season]."

Leonard, who concedes that new deals for the show and the actors could still be worked out, is splitting his time now between filming House's season finale and doing previews for Born Yesterday, which opens on Broadway April 26.

"When this play first came up, I knew the only way it could work is if the show was over because the run [would overlap] with House's shooting schedule," Leonard said. "And when my contract was not renewed this season ... The long and short of it is, I don't know. I would love to make more money. Money is nice."

But he also misses living in New Jersey, acting on stage and seeing his friends. And wife Gabby misses her family. "I'm sick and tired of living in a place I don't feel at home. There are very pressing, strong things pulling us in both directions at the moment, so I really don't know what we're going to do."

If Leonard were to return next season, he would have to miss several episodes because of his Broadway commitment, he said.

"It's going to be a family decision, but it's not one we have the discomfort of making right now because we're not being offered options," Leonard said. "I assume they'll make another year of House. And I assume I will do it. But I can't say for sure."

Would you sill watch House without Leonard?