Robert Lawrence Leonard was born on February 28, 1969, in Westwood, New Jersey. He later chose his brother’s name Sean, in lieu of his actual middle name for his Screen Actors’ Guild membership. He is a Tony Award-winning actor who began his career at the age of 14 at the Ridgewood Theater in New York. Five years later, he landed the role of Neil Perry in the highly acclaimed Dead Poets Society, where he worked with Robin Williams and Ethan Hawke. His other film credits include The Last Days of Disco, Much Ado About Nothing, The Age of Innocence, Swing Kids, Mr. & Mrs. Bridge and A Painted House.
In 2001, Leonard became part of Richard Linklater's film Tape, where he was reunited with Ethan Hawke. He also worked on the ensemble drama, Chelsea Walls. In the same year, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for his performance on The Invention of Love. Two years later, he was nominated in the same category for his worn on Long Day's Journey into Night. His other stage credits include The Violet Hour, The Music Man, Arcadia, Candida, The Speed of Darkness, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Our Town.
In 2004, Leonard landed the role of Dr. James Wilson in the FOX series, House, which stars Hugh Laurie as the central character, Dr. Gregory House. The two of them are good friends.
In talking to TV Guide about his work as an actor, Leonard said, "I ave the best job in Hollywood. I rarely work more than three days a week. I once said if I worked the way Hugh [Laurie] does, I'd put a gun in my mouth. I love being an actor, but I also really love my life and my girlfriend [Gabriella Salick] and out dogs and the new Richard Russo book [Bridge of Sighs]. Hugh [Laurie] is on set 16 hours every day. I don't think many things are worth that."
Leonard has also maintained a close relationship with Ethan Hawke, with whom he founded the theater company Malaparte. They both work with James Waterson, Steve Zahn and Frank Whaley on the project.
Westwood, New Jersey, USA
Attended the Columbia University school of General Studies and Continuing Education.
Took his brother's first name (Sean) as his middle name.
To this day, is still close with Dead Poets Society (1989) co-star Ethan Hawke.
Grew up on the same block as actor Casper Van Dien. They raced each other in go-carts.
Received the 2001 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for his portrayal as A.E. Housman in Tom Stoppard's "The Invention of Love." Nominated in the same category two other times: in 1993, for a revival of George Bernard Shaw's "Candida," and in 2003 for a revival of "Long Day's Journey into Night" by Eugene O'Neill.
He co-founded a theater company called Malaparte with Ethan Hawke, Frank Whaley, and Steve Zahn.
Is very good friends with "House M.D." (2004) co-star Hugh Laurie.
Is engaged to marry Gabriella Salick, a professional horse racer who is Executive Director of the West Coast Active Riders, in August 2008.
Was the first actor to be cast in "House M.D." (2004).
Says that when House MD (2004-) ends he hopes to move back to New York, start doing more plays and hopefully start a family.
Won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (2001) for The Invention of Love.
2001 Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for The Invention of Love
1986 The Manhattan Project Max
1988 My Best Friend Is a Vampire Jeremy Capello
1989 Dead Poets Society Neil Perry
1990 Mr. & Mrs. Bridge Douglas Bridge
1991 Married to It Chuck Bishop
1993 Swing Kids Peter Muller
Much Ado About Nothing Claudio
The Age of Innocence Ted Archer
1994 Safe Passage Alfred Singer
1996 The Boys Next Door Barry Klemper TV
Killer: A Journal of Murder Henry Lesser
I Love You, I Love You Not Angel of Death
1997 In the Gloaming Danny TV
1998 Standoff (film) Jamie Doolin
The Last Days of Disco Tom Platt
Ground Control Cruise
2001 Tape Jon Salter
A Glimpse of Hell Lt. Dan Meyer TV
Driven Demille Bly
Chelsea Walls Terry Olsen
2003 The I Inside Peter Cable
A Painted House Jesse Chandler TV
2004-present House Dr. James Wilson TV series
. didn't want to be the lead guy. That's too much work. But I thought that it might be fun to be the lead guy's friend. I'd have days off, and still get a paycheck every week. Hugh Laurie, who plays House, is remarkable. I lean in the door and say, 'Hey, what do you think about egg salad [for lunch]?' Then I have two days in a row off. It's a great gig. [on his experience acting on "House M.D." (2004)]
When I was 16, I was cast by [Stephen] Sondheim for a six-week workshop of Into the Woods. One day, Sondheim came in, with [the just-written song] 'Giants in the Sky.' He pointed to me, and said, 'This is for Bobby.' I pretty much could have died.