The Good Doctor approaches what could be its final chapter, Freddie Highmore is taking a moment to reflect on a role that has not only defined a major part of his career but also profoundly shaped him as a person. After seven emotional, challenging, and rewarding seasons portraying Dr. Shaun Murphy—a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome—Highmore admits that this character did far more than just stretch his acting abilities. It changed him forever.
When Highmore first stepped into the role in 2017, he was already a well-known name in the industry, having delivered powerful performances in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Bates Motel. But playing Shaun Murphy required something entirely different. It wasn’t just about mastering medical jargon or delivering emotionally intense scenes—it was about embodying a character whose worldview, behavior, and emotional responses were often unlike anything audiences had seen in a primetime medical drama. The responsibility to get it right weighed heavily on him, and from day one, he approached the role with care, research, and deep empathy.
Speaking recently in an interview, Highmore said, “I knew from the beginning that playing Shaun wasn’t just another job. It was a responsibility. I was telling the story of a man on the spectrum, and it was important that it felt real, that it felt respectful. I didn’t want to play a caricature or simplify who Shaun was. And in doing that, I had to challenge my own perspective on communication, emotion, and connection.”
Over the course of the show, fans have watched Shaun grow from a socially awkward surgical resident into a respected, confident doctor, husband, and father. That evolution has mirrored Highmore’s own transformation—not just as an actor but as a person. He credits the role with opening his mind to new ways of seeing the world, especially in terms of empathy and emotional expression.
“There’s a tendency in the world to misunderstand people who think differently,” Highmore reflected. “Shaun helped me understand how much strength and brilliance can exist in someone who may not always express themselves in the most conventional ways. That changed how I interact with people offscreen too. It’s made me a better listener, and honestly, a more patient human being.”
The role wasn’t without its challenges. Highmore has spoken about the intense preparation behind each episode, particularly when it came to portraying Shaun’s specific mannerisms and medical expertise accurately. He worked closely with consultants, medical advisors, and autism advocates to ensure that Shaun’s experiences felt genuine. Each season brought new emotional depths to explore—from Shaun’s difficult childhood and the death of his brother to the loss of friends, heartbreak, and eventually, the joys and fears of parenthood.
“It was never about making Shaun perfect,” Highmore said. “It was about showing that someone can be brilliant and flawed, kind and stubborn, vulnerable and strong—all at the same time. I think that’s what people connected with.”
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Highmore’s journey with The Good Doctor was how the role evolved alongside the times. As the global conversation around neurodiversity expanded, so did the show’s commitment to honest representation. Shaun Murphy became more than a character—he became a symbol for visibility and acceptance. Highmore acknowledges that many fans reached out over the years to share how much the show meant to them or to someone they loved. Those stories, he said, are what he’ll carry with him long after the final credits roll.
“I’ve received letters from families, from young people on the spectrum, from doctors and med students who said they saw a piece of themselves in Shaun. That kind of feedback is overwhelming in the best way. It reminds you that storytelling can have real-world impact.”
As for whether he was ready to say goodbye to the character, Highmore was candid but thoughtful. “It’s hard. Shaun has been a part of my life for seven years. We’ve been through so much together. In many ways, he’s taught me more than I ever expected. If this is the end, I’ll be proud of what we created. But it will be emotional.”
He also noted how much he’s grown behind the scenes. Beyond acting, Highmore has served as a writer, producer, and director on several episodes of the series. That experience, he says, has prepared him for the next phase of his career, which may include more work behind the camera. Still, he’s in no rush to close this chapter. “It’s rare to be part of a show that not only runs for this long but maintains its heart the entire way. I’m grateful for every moment.”
