After seven remarkable seasons, The Good Doctor has come to an end — and while fans around the world are still processing the bittersweet farewell, so too is the cast. From the moment Dr. Shaun Murphy walked into San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, viewers were taken on a heartfelt, high-stakes journey filled with surgical triumphs, emotional growth, and life-altering choices. Now, as the curtain closes, the actors who brought these characters to life are opening up about what the experience has meant to them.
For Freddie Highmore, who portrayed Dr. Shaun Murphy, the series was more than just a role — it was a responsibility. “I feel incredibly honored to have played Shaun,” he said in a farewell interview. “It was never about portraying a character with autism perfectly — it was about honoring his humanity.”
Highmore, who also served as a producer on the show, became deeply involved in shaping Shaun’s journey. From awkward hospital introductions to fatherhood and surgical leadership, Shaun’s story evolved into one of growth, perseverance, and empathy. “Shaun changed me,” Highmore admitted. “I’ll always carry him with me.” Paige Spara, who played Lea Dilallo, Shaun’s love interest and later wife, described the role as the most transformative of her career. “Lea went from being a free spirit to a mother, a partner, a woman who truly understood love through acceptance,” she reflected.
Their on-screen relationship — marked by vulnerability, conflict, and eventual marriage and parenthood — was a fan favorite. “Playing opposite Freddie was always a gift,” she said. “Our chemistry was rooted in deep respect, and that made the emotional scenes hit even harder.” Richard Schiff, the Emmy-winning actor behind Dr. Aaron Glassman, brought gravitas and warmth to the series from the very beginning. His character, a father figure to Shaun, navigated cancer, career shifts, and personal loss — all while trying to remain a grounding force.
“Glassman was always trying to figure out how to be there for Shaun without controlling him,” Schiff said. “I think that’s what made their relationship so real — it wasn’t perfect, but it was full of love.” In the final season, Glassman’s health declined again, offering one of the most heartbreaking storylines. “Those scenes were hard,” Schiff admitted. “But they were honest. And I think that honesty is what made the show resonate.”
The rest of the ensemble — including Will Yun Lee (Dr. Alex Park), Fiona Gubelmann (Dr. Morgan Reznick), Noah Galvin (Dr. Asher Wolke), and Bria Samoné Henderson (Dr. Jordan Allen) — also shared their thoughts.
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Will Yun Lee: “What I’ll miss most is the camaraderie. This wasn’t just a show — it was a family.”
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Bria Henderson: “Playing Jordan was empowering. She was fearless and flawed, and I loved every second.”
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Noah Galvin: “I’m proud that our show didn’t shy away from talking about identity, faith, and acceptance.”
The cast members expressed deep gratitude to the crew, the writers, and most importantly — the fans who followed the show across all seven seasons.
Even behind the camera, The Good Doctor was a deeply collaborative project. Directors, writers, and medical consultants all worked closely to ensure authenticity. Over the years, the cast formed tight bonds — gathering for birthdays, weddings, and support during the toughest times. “It felt like a second home,” said Fiona Gubelmann. “The medical jargon was tough at first, but the emotional layers were what kept us grounded.” As the final episode aired, the cast took to social media to share their gratitude. Freddie Highmore wrote, “Thank you for trusting Shaun’s story. I hope he made you feel seen.” Paige Spara added, “I’ll miss Lea, but more than that, I’ll miss growing with her.”
ABC aired a tribute segment featuring highlights from the past seven years, behind-the-scenes footage, and goodbye messages. One moment that stood out? The entire cast gathering around the original hospital set one last time, embracing each other in silence — a fitting end to a show built on empathy. The Good Doctor wasn’t just a medical drama — it was a story about humanity, acceptance, and healing. As the cast reflects on the emotional highs and lows of the past seven seasons, one thing is clear: this show left a mark not just on television, but on hearts around the world.
