After bidding an emotional farewell to The Good Doctor, acclaimed actor Richard Schiff is taking time to reflect on his journey—both on-screen and off. Known for his commanding presence as Dr. Aaron Glassman on the hit medical drama and as Toby Ziegler on the iconic political series The West Wing, Schiff has long been a quiet force in television, delivering powerful performances grounded in realism, vulnerability, and moral weight. Now, as he closes a chapter in one of ABC’s most beloved series, he opens up about his departure, the lasting influence of The West Wing, and his recent involvement with the North Fork TV Festival, where he’s championing the next generation of storytellers.
Schiff’s role as Dr. Aaron Glassman, the tough but tender mentor to Freddie Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy, has been central to the emotional arc of The Good Doctor since its premiere. Their on-screen dynamic captured hearts from the very beginning—a father-son relationship rooted in empathy, struggle, and mutual growth. Over seven seasons, Glassman evolved from a distant authority figure to a vulnerable, deeply human character who shared some of the series’ most profound moments. Reflecting on his farewell, Schiff called the experience “bittersweet but honest,” emphasizing how rare it is in television to be given such a complete and satisfying character arc.
Dr. Glassman’s storyline, particularly in the later seasons, dealt with serious topics such as cancer recurrence and cognitive decline—narratives that demanded nuance and grace. Schiff, never one to shy away from complex material, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. He expressed gratitude to the writers for trusting him with emotionally difficult scenes and for crafting a role that allowed him to explore both strength and fragility. “Glassman was flawed, often stubborn, but he loved Shaun like a son,” Schiff shared. “That love drove everything he did, even when he couldn’t express it clearly. Playing that kind of layered humanity was a gift.”
While The Good Doctor marked a significant chapter in Schiff’s recent career, his legacy is forever intertwined with The West Wing, where he portrayed White House Communications Director Toby Ziegler. The show, which aired from 1999 to 2006, redefined political television with its rapid dialogue, idealistic tone, and rich character development. Toby, with his sardonic wit and unwavering moral compass, stood out as one of the show’s most principled characters. Schiff won an Emmy for his performance and to this day is still asked about Toby Ziegler wherever he goes.
Looking back, Schiff sees his time on The West Wing as foundational, not just in terms of career success, but as a meaningful exploration of integrity in leadership. “Toby wasn’t always likable, and that was important,” he said. “He was messy, self-righteous, but never compromised when it came to doing what he believed was right.” He believes the show’s relevance has only grown in a world where the line between truth and politics feels more blurred than ever. He also noted the enduring fan base and the emotional connection people continue to have with the show, describing it as humbling and deeply fulfilling.
As Schiff steps back from weekly network television, he’s stepping into a new role—as a mentor and advocate for up-and-coming voices in the TV industry. This year, he partnered with the North Fork TV Festival, a platform dedicated to celebrating independent television pilots and supporting emerging creators. Schiff served as both a juror and speaker, lending his expertise to the next wave of storytellers eager to break through in a rapidly evolving media landscape. He described the experience as refreshing and inspiring, a return to the artistic roots of storytelling.
“There’s a purity in the work you see at festivals like North Fork,” Schiff said. “These are people telling stories not because they have a big studio backing them, but because they have something urgent to say. It reminds you of why you started in this business.” The festival featured stories across genres—from socially driven dramas to intimate character studies—and Schiff found himself drawn to narratives that were emotionally bold and thematically rich. He believes these grassroots initiatives are essential to keeping the industry fresh and reflective of real human experience.
Beyond his festival involvement, Schiff is already looking toward his next creative endeavors. He hinted at his interest in directing and producing, particularly stories that explore intergenerational trauma, mental health, and moral complexity—recurring themes in much of his work. He also revealed that he’s in early talks to develop a limited series based on real historical events, though details remain under wraps. While acting will always be at the heart of his career, Schiff is clearly ready to embrace new challenges behind the camera as well.
Throughout his career, Schiff has been known for his preference for subtlety over spectacle, depth over drama. Whether portraying a senior political strategist or a grieving widower-turned-doctor, he brings a gravity and realism to his characters that resonate with audiences long after the episode ends. His quiet intensity and thoughtful choices have earned him a reputation as one of television’s most respected performers. But to Schiff, the accolades matter less than the impact. “The point is never to impress,” he said. “It’s to connect. If someone sees a bit of themselves in what I do, then I’ve done my job.”
As the curtain closes on his time as Dr. Glassman, fans are left with a body of work that speaks volumes about compassion, resilience, and moral complexity. Schiff’s characters are never flashy, but they are unforgettable. They linger, they provoke, and most importantly, they feel real. In an age where content is endless but authenticity is rare, that kind of storytelling matters more than ever.
In parting, Schiff offered a message to the fans who’ve supported him through every role: “Thank you for letting me be part of your world—for letting these characters into your homes and your hearts. I may be moving on from The Good Doctor, but the journey is far from over.”
