For seven seasons, Freddie Highmore has masterfully portrayed Dr. Shaun Murphy, a gifted surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, on The Good Doctor. His performance has been widely praised for its depth, authenticity, and emotional nuance. But what many fans don’t realize is that Highmore has been “practicing” medicine much longer than the show’s 2017 premiere.
Surprised? You’re not alone. While Highmore isn’t a doctor in real life, his journey into playing medical professionals began years before The Good Doctor even existed. Let’s take a closer look at how this talented actor had an unexpected head start in preparing for one of the most demanding roles of his career.
Before Shaun Murphy: Highmore’s First ‘Medical’ Role
Long before stepping into the operating room at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, Freddie Highmore played a very different kind of doctor—one with far fewer responsibilities and much less pressure.
In 2013, he guest-starred in an episode of Almost Friends, a lesser-known comedy-drama where he portrayed a young man training to become a doctor. Though the role was brief and lighthearted compared to The Good Doctor, it served as an early glimpse into his ability to play an aspiring medical professional.
However, his real preparation for playing Dr. Shaun Murphy didn’t just come from acting experience—it came from meticulous research, behind-the-scenes training, and even learning from real doctors.
The Intense Preparation Behind His Performance
Freddie Highmore is known for his commitment to authenticity. When he took on the role of Shaun Murphy, he didn’t just rely on scripts or surface-level understanding—he immersed himself in the medical world.
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Studying Medical Terminology: Highmore worked with consultants and medical professionals to learn the terminology and procedures that doctors use daily. This helped him deliver lines with confidence and make complex surgical scenes feel real.
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Shadowing Surgeons: To prepare for his role, he observed real doctors at work, paying attention to how they move, communicate, and handle high-stress situations in an operating room.
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Perfecting Shaun’s Unique Traits: Since his character is both a surgical genius and someone on the autism spectrum, Highmore studied autism and consulted experts to ensure his portrayal was respectful and accurate.
The result? A performance so convincing that even medical professionals have praised Highmore for his realistic depiction of a surgeon.
More Than Just a TV Doctor—Highmore’s Evolution on The Good Doctor
When The Good Doctor first premiered, Shaun Murphy was a surgical resident, fresh out of med school and struggling to earn the respect of his colleagues. Over the years, we’ve watched him grow into a skilled and respected surgeon, proving that he belongs in the operating room despite the biases he faces.
But here’s the interesting part—just as Shaun has evolved on-screen, Freddie Highmore has evolved behind the scenes.
Highmore, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, has gained an incredible understanding of medical dramas, storytelling, and even the technical aspects of television production. His involvement goes beyond just acting—he’s had a hand in shaping The Good Doctor into one of the most compelling medical dramas of the decade.
How The Good Doctor Has Changed Highmore’s Perspective on Medicine
Spending years playing a surgeon has given Highmore a newfound appreciation for real doctors. In interviews, he has often expressed admiration for the dedication and skill required in the medical profession.
“After all these years, I know a lot of medical terms, but I don’t think anyone would want me operating on them,” Highmore once joked. “I have so much respect for the real doctors who do this every day.”
Still, his portrayal has resonated deeply with medical professionals, many of whom have shared that Shaun Murphy’s journey reflects real-life experiences of doctors on the autism spectrum or those overcoming personal challenges in their careers.
The End of an Era—But Not the End of Highmore’s Medical Legacy
With The Good Doctor coming to an end, fans are preparing to say goodbye to Dr. Shaun Murphy. But Highmore’s time “practicing medicine” has left a lasting impact—not just on audiences, but on medical TV storytelling as a whole.
From his early, lesser-known medical roles to his deep commitment to playing Shaun Murphy with authenticity, Freddie Highmore has been preparing for this role longer than we realized. And while he won’t be scrubbing into surgeries in real life anytime soon, his performance will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
