10 Celebrities You Didn't Remember Appeared in House

The medical drama House had a plethora of incredible guest stars during its eight-season run, making it easy to overlook the numerous celebrities who made appearances on the show. While the focus was mainly on the challenges faced by the brilliant yet troubled medical professional Dr. Gregory House, the procedural format of the series provided ample opportunities for well-known names to appear as patients, family members, or even hospital staff. As House tackled addiction issues and unraveled perplexing medical cases, viewers were always in for a surprise with each famous face that graced the screen for a brief cameo or recurring role.

Looking back at the various actors who made guest appearances on House, one thing was certain - the show boasted a diverse array of talent from various backgrounds. From lesser-known talents who have risen to stardom in the entertainment industry to comedic actors who later found success as sitcom stars in their own television series, the guest stars on House were truly a mix of versatility and skill. Despite the absence of Hugh Laurie's old comedic partner Stephen Fry on the show, there was no shortage of other renowned actors who made their mark at the Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.

Amanda Seyfried

Season 1, Episode 11, “Detox”

Amanda Seyfried Season 1, Episode 11, “Detox”

Just a year after her breakout role in Mean Girls, Amanda Seyfried made a guest appearance on House as Pam. In the episode, Pam's boyfriend was experiencing severe bleeding after a car accident. Meanwhile, Dr. House was dealing with withdrawal symptoms from Vicodin, affecting his decision-making. Seyfried's role was minor, as she had not yet taken on her most famous roles in Mean Girls and Veronica Mars.

John Cho

Season 1, Episode 20, “Love Hurts”

John Cho on House Season 1, Episode 20, “Love Hurts”

John Cho, known for his role in Harold and Kumar, made a guest appearance in the first season of House as a patient named Harvey Park. Harvey's mysterious health condition, characterized by constant teeth grinding and a subsequent stroke, puzzled Dr. House and his team. Cho also had guest roles in other medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy and Childrens Hospital.

Elle Fanning

Season 2, Episode 11, “Need to Know”

Elle Fanning as Stella Dalton on House - Season 2, Episode 11, “Need to Know”

Elle Fanning, a prominent child star in the early 2000s, made her mark at just 8 years old on the second season of House. She portrayed Stella Dalton, the daughter of a woman struggling with uncontrollable muscle spasms. In her small yet impactful role, Fanning portrayed the heartbreak of a child witnessing her parent's sudden illness. When her mother unexpectedly lashed out at her, it served as a crucial clue for House and his team, revealing that the issues at hand were both physical and psychological.

Jeremy Renner

Season 4, Episode 9 “Games”

Jeremy Renner on House Season 4, Episode 9 “Games”

House became extremely popular during its fourth season, especially as it started featuring well-known guest stars. One of the notable appearances was by Jeremy Renner, who played Jimmy Quidd in Episode 9 titled “Games.” Renner portrayed a punk musician who started coughing up blood during a performance and collapsed. As House tried to diagnose his illness, he was forced to confront his own drug addiction and similarities with the rebellious musician who didn't care about his own life. Renner's performance was raw and intense, showcasing his talent years before he became known as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Evan Peters

Season 5, Episode 9, “Last Resort”

Evan Peters as a hostage on House Season 5, Episode 9, “Last Resort”

Evan Peters, known for his roles in popular TV shows like American Horror Story and WandaVision, also made a guest appearance on House. In the Season 5 episode "Last Resort", he played the character of Oliver, a teenage clinic patient who gets caught up in a hostage situation along with five others. Peters later worked alongside House star Olivia Wilde in the 2015 movie The Lazarus Effect.

Meat Loaf

Season 5, Episode 20, “Simple Explanation”

Meat Loaf on House Season 5, Episode 20, “Simple Explanation”

In the season five House episode "Simple Explanation," the iconic rock 'n' roll figure Meat Loaf made a special appearance as Eddie Novak, a man facing a terminal illness. His character's wife and caregiver suddenly experienced respiratory failure, adding to the mystery and suspense of the episode. Meat Loaf's compelling performance showcased his talent beyond music, bringing depth to the storyline. Additionally, the episode shocked viewers with the unexpected death of Dr. Kutner, played by Kal Penn, who bid farewell to House in a dramatic exit.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Season 6, Episode 1, “Broken” and Episode 20, “Baggage”

Lin-Manuel Miranda as Juan "Alvie" Alvarez on House season 6 - Season 6, Episode 1, “Broken” and Episode 20, “Baggage”

In the sixth season premiere of House, we saw Dr. Gregory House at the Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital finally confronting his dangerous Vicodin addiction. During his stay, he crossed paths with Juan Alvarez, a fellow patient portrayed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who played House's bipolar roommate. At that time, Miranda was known for his musical In the Heights but had not yet reached the widespread fame he would later achieve with his hit Broadway show Hamilton. Later in the season, Miranda returned as Alvarez, and House assisted him in faking a DNA test to prove his American citizenship amidst accusations.

Andre Braugher

Appeared throughout Season 6

Andre Braugher Dr. Daryl Nolan on Season 6 of House - Appeared throughout Season 6

Before he became Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the late Andre Braugher took on the role of Dr. Daryl Nolan in the sixth season of House. Playing House's treating physician during his addiction treatment at the Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital, Braugher portrayed a formidable opponent to House as he grappled with his struggles. Dr. Nolan's character was so impactful that he even made a return in the final episode of House, helping Wilson in his search for the missing House.

James Earl Jones

Season 6, Episode 3, “The Tyrant”

James Earl Jones on House Season 6, Episode 3, “The Tyrant”

James Early Jones, known for his role as Darth Vader, made a guest appearance in House's sixth season. He portrayed President Dibala, a controversial African leader accused of crimes against humanity. House and his team were challenged to provide medical care to the dictator despite his unjust actions. Jones' performance added depth and star quality to the character of President Dibala, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors in providing care to all individuals, even those they may despise.

Michael B. Jordan

Season 8, Episode 14, “Love is Blind”

Michael B. Jordan on House Season 8, Episode 14, “Love is Blind”

Before becoming known for his roles in Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan portrayed Will Westwood, a blind man with a mysterious illness, in an episode of House during Season 8. With previous roles in All My Children, The Wire, and a guest spot on The Sopranos, Jordan was already a familiar face on TV. His performance in the heartfelt episode highlighted the struggles faced by individuals with visual impairment and the challenges they face.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a fascinating glimpse into the impressive array of guest stars that graced the medical drama House. From seasoned actors like James Earl Jones and Andre Braugher to rising stars such as Amanda Seyfried and Michael B. Jordan, the show's guest appearances showcased a diverse range of talent. It is a testament to the show's enduring popularity that it was able to attract such a caliber of actors, each bringing their unique skills and star power to the screen.

The inclusion of these guest stars not only added star power to the show but also enriched the storylines by introducing complex and compelling characters. Their performances brought depth and emotional resonance to the medical cases, highlighting the human element behind the complex medical conditions. The article serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that these guest appearances had on the show, making House not just a medical drama but a showcase of exceptional acting talent.