Without Wooster, there might not have been House. And without Jeeves, there very well might not have been a Wooster. Golden Globe-nominated British actor Stephen Fry played dutiful valet Reginald Jeeves to Golden Globe-winner Hugh Laurie’s lovably spineless upper-class twit, Bergie Wooster, in this 1920s and ‘30s-based comedy that ran from 1990 until 1993. Based on the popular novels by PG Wodehouse, the hour-long series followed the unlikely pair through misadventures, many of which featured Jeeves saving Wooster’s posh behind. Its eccentric characters, quick dialog, lavish production, and great on-screen chemistry between Fry and Laurie made the show a treat to watch as well as made it a memorable show that has retained its charm. Well-dressed, well-off, and well-manned, Bertie was the young playboy who had been hopelessly softened by the pampered lifestyle he was accustomed to. Although he was independently wealthy thanks to an inheritance, Bertie was still manipulated by his overbearing Aunt Agatha (Mary Wimbush and Elizabeth Spriggs), who was determined to hunt down a suitable woman in order to marry off her idle rich nephew. Many episodes involved Bertie being overwhelmed by requests from Agatha, friends, and even random casual acquaintances. When Bertie’s inevitably caught in the thick of a complication, Jeeves comes to the rescue with a vast knowledge, sharp intelligence, and flawless logic, thus allowing Bertie to continue appeasing his demanding well-to-do family and friends. Although largely loyal to the novels, the series did give Bertie a little bonus. The writers incorporated Laurie’s talent for piano-playing and Bertie and Jeeves often shared a song while Bertie tickled the ivories. The show often airs in reruns on PBS. Laurie went on to become the critically-acclaimed star of the wildly popular U.S. drama, House M.D. playing a character that is just about Bertie’s polar opposite. He and Fry had starred together before Jeeves And Wooster in the classic British comedy, Blackadder. In that program, Laurie had also played a foppish and slightly thick character. Fry has since appeared on TV and in film, including award-nominated roles as Oscar Wilde in 1997’s Wilde, and in Gosford Park.
