James Wilson (House)

James Evan Wilson, M.D., is a fictional character on the Fox medical drama House. He is played by Robert Sean Leonard. The character first appears in the show's pilot episode when he introduces a medical case to Dr. Gregory House, the protagonist of the show. Wilson is Dr. House's only true friend, and frequently provides him with consultations and aid. Wilson is the head of the Department of Oncology at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. During the show's run, the characters of Dr. House and Dr. Wilson have been compared to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Wilson's portrayer, Robert Sean Leonard, has stated that his character and Dr. House were originally supposed to play these roles, but Dr. House's diagnostic team has taken over Dr. Wilson's part since the show's premiere. Leonard also read the script of the pilot episode of CBS' Numb3rs and was planning to audition for the part, but auditioned for House because he felt he would more enjoy playing the character that House went to for help and because he liked the "Odd Couple" dynamic of the relationship. The character was positively received.