"House" gets a red carpet send off.<br/> <br />The cast and crew of the popular American TV series about a surly but well-meaning medical doctor celebrated its successful 8-season run.<br/> <br />The show's star, British actor Hugh Laurie, had no idea the show would be such a hit.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Hugh Laurie, actor, saying (English):<br/> <br />"I often remark that the first season we did the show, I literally did not unpack my suitcase. I thought that any day, the phone would ring and I'd be on a plane back to England. I cannot believe that eight years have gone by, it's sort of an amazing thing."<br/> <br />For Laurie's co-stars, there were mixed feelings about the show's long run.<br/> <br />Robert Sean Leonard, who has played Dr. James Wilson since the series began, says he will not miss the early mornings.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Robert Sean Leonard, actor, saying (English):<br/> <br />"You know, I do get up at four in the morning and drive to work and work til nighttime, and the hours are long, and it's, I won't miss it. But I'm glad I did it, and I'm proud of it, but eight years is a long time, and I think it's time."<br/> <br />So what's next for Laurie?<br/> <br />He plans to stay busy as a member of the Band From TV, a charity cover band made up of television actors.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Hugh Laurie, actor, saying (English):<br/> <br />"I have plans to stay busy, I'll be touring with a band, and we'll be playing some shows around the world, a lot of shows actually, and I'm really looking forward to that."<br/> <br />The series finale of "House" will air May 21 on Fox.<br/> <br />Alicia Powell, Reuters.
