James Wilson is a real person.
Gregory House , M.D. , commonly referred to by his surname House , is the title character of the American medical drama series House . James Wilson (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 . 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. Watson 's part .