Hugh Laurie Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Birthday to Hugh

Hugh was born on June 11, in 1959, making this his fortieth birthday. [In 2005, his 45th birthday-Ed.] Strictly in a spirit of fun, we ran his date and place of birth through some on-line astrology sources, to see what his astrological chart looked like. With apologies to Stephen Fry (who disdains such nonsense), here's what the stars say about him. (If you're of a like mind to Stephen, best scroll down to the next section.)

Sun sign: Gemini
Moon, Venus and Mars: in Leo
Ascendant: Pisces (using noon as time of birth, by default)
Ruling Planet: Mercury
General Personality Traits of Gemini:
The Good: Intellectual, Adaptable, Versatile, Witty, Amusing, Youthful and Lively
The Not-So-Good: Nervous and Tense, Superficial and Inconsistent
General Compatibility: Libra, Aquarius
Color: Yellow
Rules: Hands, arms, shoulders, lungs

From Astrology.net

"[Gemini is], in many ways, an eternal child.His mind is bright, alert, curious, flexible, playful, and always eager for new experiences - and his attention span is often quite brief. He grasps ideas quickly and once his initial curiosity has been satisfied, he wants to go on to something else. He craves frequent change, variety, meeting new situations and people.

"It may be hard for him to decide just where his talents and true vocation lies, for he has a multitude of interests and is loathe to limit himself by concentrating on just one.He is easily distracted by all of the other fascinating possibilities. His curiosity and restlessness propel him into many different experiences in life, and he is willing to taste or try anything once. Doing the same thing over and over again, even it is something he does well, is real drudgery for him.

"He lives in his head a great deal - reading, observing, thinking, spinning ideas around - and needs mental stimulation every bit as much as he needs food and drink. In fact, if he had to choose between a good book or movie and a good lunch, he would very likely choose the former. He has a creative mind and often lives by his wits.

"He is also a very social creature, with a strong need to communicate and to interact with people. He enjoys using and playing with words and has a real flair for getting his ideas across in a clever, interesting, articulate manner. Writing or
speaking are areas he has talent for.

"He also has a rather light and mischievous sense of humor, and often does not take anything too seriously. Though he craves emotional involvement, it is hard for him to achieve it, for he is frequently unwilling to commit himself to anything, to take responsibility, or to limit his personal freedom and mobility.

"His happiness lies in using his creativity and his language skills to communicate something meaningful, to teach, inspire, or bring people together. He has an unbiased mind and can usually offer a fresh, clear, uncluttered perspective. His faults are his lack of constancy and persistence, and his tendency to overlook or ignore deep emotional issues and other people's feelings.

"He has an extremely active, lively and versatile mind with a multitude of interests and an inexhaustible curiosity about life. He is quick to grasp new concepts and equally quick to lose interest in an idea or project once his curiosity has been satisfied. He likes to taste a little bit of everything -concentration and disciplined study are not his strong points. Mentally restless, he may change jobs or locations frequently, or do work that involves movement, travel, and variety.

"He has a flair for language, playing with words, speaking, writing, or teaching in an entertaining and informative way. He enjoys meeting new people, conversing and learning a little bit about them, and he works well with the public.

"Sales, advertising, communications, journalism, or public relations are good areas for him. His ability to be articulate and to communicate well is one of his greatest strengths."

A few snippets from other charts:

Modest, unobtrusive, and often rather quiet or shy, you are a person who is content to be in the background or to serve as an assistant, in the supporting role rather than in the lead. You are quite humble in your own assessment of yourself and you have a very strong perfectionistic attitude, with a tendency to be overly self-critical. No matter how well you do something, you always see the flaws in it and how it could be improved. Often you will simply refuse to attempt something because you feel you cannot meet your own high standards. - astrology.com, 2007

He gets great pleasure out of working with his hands. Known for talking with his hands, making expressive movements to add to his already descriptive way with words.

A creative and outgoing individual who enjoys being in the spotlight. Competitive in all that he does. Needs to practice the power of positive thought to make life a little easier for himself. Wants everything to be perfect.

Attracts a great deal of attention from potential partners because he is fun to be with. Likes to operate as a couple rather than go it alone. Both business and emotional partnerships will be to his advantage.

Becomes strongly attached to his friends and usually sticks to the same people throughout his life. Generous, frank and outgoing. Friends have a strong influence on him.

Tends to work in partnerships rather then going it alone.

Has strong willpower and creativity in the arts.

Amateur acting may bring him great joy. (!)

Born with the art of persuasion...lively, energetic and humanistic.

The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young.

Physical characteristics of Gemini: Tall, slim, with long legs, arms and neck.
Their chest is narrow and movements restless. They have beautiful eyes, and a face that always looks somehow younger than their age.

And, to cover all bases, here's a Chinese horoscope:

From Chinese Astrology:

[June 1959 was the year of the Boar.]

"The Boar is honest...without artifice or pretense, and dislikes forcing himself on others or being the center of attention. Chivalrous, gallant, obliging, scrupulous to a fault, the Boar is naive, innocent, confident, and defenseless....a splendid companion...doesn't say much, but when he does decide to speak, nothing can stop him until the subject's exhausted. Reads a lot, but widely rather than deeply.
"Sensitive, caring, and indulgent...intelligent and cultured...has a streak of bawdiness and earthiness. Practical, logical and down to earth. Blessed with composure and self-control. Makes friends easily and also seems to hang on to them for life. Extremely considerate of the chosen few who do merit his affection. Untiring worker, successful in his careers. Honest, decent, generous, supportive, loyal to his friends, and thoroughly trustworthy."

A few more tidbits about the date June 11:

Others born on this date include alchemist Sir Kenelm Digby (by an odd coincidence, Stephen Fry will be playing him in a film called Longitude), the painter John Constable, composer Richard Strauss, Jacques Cousteau, and Gene Wilder. At one time, before the present calendar was adopted, June 11 was the summer solstice. In Hawaii, this is Kamehameha Day, in honor of the king who united all the islands in the 18th century.

We'll wrap up this section by wishing a very happy birthday to Hugh, and hoping that the next forty-nine years will surpass the first ones.

To see this article in its original context, visit The Laurieate June 1999

More:

Gemini, the Twins, on Astrology on the Web
June 11 at Answers.com
James Randi debunking astrology with Hugh and Stephen (video)
Hugh Laurie Chart
Astrology: HUGH LAURIE

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