Freddie Highmore Reflects on the Life Lessons He Learned About Relationships Through The Good Doctor
Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor has made him a household name, earning praise for his sensitive and nuanced performance. While Highmore’s role as a brilliant yet socially awkward surgeon has certainly captivated viewers, it has also provided him with valuable insights into human relationships—both the challenges and the rewards. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about how working on the show has taught him profound lessons about connection, empathy, and love that he now applies to his own life.
Shaun’s Journey: A Reflection of Real-Life Challenges
In The Good Doctor, Dr. Shaun Murphy faces significant challenges in building and maintaining relationships due to his autism spectrum disorder and savant syndrome. Throughout the series, viewers have witnessed Shaun’s evolution, not only as a surgeon but also as a person trying to navigate the complexities of human connection. The relationships he builds with his colleagues, mentors, and wife, Lea, have been central to the show’s emotional heart, and these dynamics have had a profound impact on Highmore himself. In his role as Shaun, Highmore has explored the intricacies of communication, vulnerability, and emotional openness, which are vital components of any meaningful relationship. Although Shaun often struggles to understand social cues and express his feelings, his relationships reveal the power of patience, understanding, and the importance of creating a space where people can be truly seen. Highmore notes that portraying a character like Shaun has taught him the value of empathy in all of his personal relationships.
Patience and Understanding: The Cornerstones of Connection
One of the most significant life lessons Highmore has learned through his time on The Good Doctor is the importance of patience in building meaningful connections. Shaun’s journey to understanding and being understood by others is marked by slow but steady progress, and Highmore believes this mirrors the way relationships develop in real life.
“As Shaun, I’ve come to appreciate how much patience is required to form meaningful relationships,” Highmore shares. “It’s not always immediate, and it can take time for people to truly understand each other. What makes those relationships worthwhile is the effort and willingness to work through misunderstandings.” This lesson, he explains, has resonated with him in his own life, as he now approaches his relationships with a greater sense of openness and willingness to invest in others.
Learning to Embrace Vulnerability
Another important lesson Highmore gained from his role is the significance of vulnerability in relationships. Throughout the series, Shaun struggles to open up to others about his fears, hopes, and desires. Yet, as the show progresses, we see how Shaun’s ability to embrace vulnerability leads to deeper, more meaningful connections. Whether it’s with his mentor, Dr. Glassman, or his romantic partner, Lea, Shaun’s growth lies in learning to trust others with his innermost feelings.
Highmore admits that portraying this vulnerability has taught him to be more open in his own personal relationships. “Shaun’s evolution has helped me understand that vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a strength. It’s about trusting people enough to let them in, to be real with them. That’s something I’ve taken away from the role,” he says For Highmore, The Good Doctor has shown that true connection often requires taking emotional risks, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. This message is a powerful one for both the character and the actor behind him, who recognizes how vital it is to allow yourself to be emotionally present with others.
The Impact of Love and Support
At the core of The Good Doctor is the relationship between Shaun and his wife, Lea. Their bond is built on mutual respect, understanding, and love, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. As Shaun navigates his way through life, Lea is there to support him and encourage him to grow emotionally, while also allowing him the space to be himself. Their relationship serves as a reminder that love doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but it is built on the foundation of acceptance and compromise.
Freddie Highmore notes that working on the relationship between Shaun and Lea has deepened his own understanding of love. “What I’ve learned is that love is about being there for each other through the highs and lows. It’s not always about grand gestures or perfection; it’s about being present and offering your unwavering support, even when things get tough,” Highmore says. This realization, he shares, has made him more attuned to the importance of nurturing the relationships in his own life, especially the ones that require patience and understanding.
Empathy in Action: Lessons That Extend Beyond the Screen
Beyond the realm of romantic relationships, Highmore has also learned valuable lessons about empathy and connection in the workplace, especially in the context of The Good Doctor’s medical setting. In every episode, the characters face life-and-death situations that require collaboration, trust, and a deep understanding of one another’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Highmore believes that the teamwork and mutual respect seen on the show are a reflection of how important it is to practice empathy in all areas of life, whether in personal relationships or professional ones.
“Shaun’s ability to empathize with his patients, even when he doesn’t always express himself in typical ways, reminds me how vital empathy is in every aspect of life,” Highmore explains. “It’s not just about understanding others; it’s about being able to see the world from their perspective, even when it’s different from your own.”
Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Connection
Freddie Highmore’s experience portraying Dr. Shaun Murphy has provided him with invaluable lessons about relationships—how they are built, how they evolve, and how to nurture them with patience, understanding, and empathy. As The Good Doctor comes to an end, Highmore reflects on how this role has not only shaped his career but also his approach to his own relationships. Through Shaun’s journey, Highmore has discovered that real connection isn’t about perfection; it’s about the willingness to understand, support, and grow together. As the final episodes of the series air, Highmore’s deep understanding of the complexities of relationships will undoubtedly resonate with viewers, making Dr. Shaun Murphy’s story even more meaningful to those who have followed his journey for years.
