For nearly two decades, Freddie Highmore has been one of the most fascinating actors of his generation. He began his career as a child star in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, later proving his darker range in Bates Motel. But when The Good Doctor premiered in 2017, it wasn’t just another role for him—it became a turning point that reshaped both his career and his personal life. By the time the series concluded, Highmore himself admitted he was no longer the same person who had stepped into Dr. Shaun Murphy’s shoes.
A Role That Required More Than Acting
Shaun Murphy was never designed to be a stereotypical character with autism; he was a fully developed individual with unique quirks, fears, and strengths. Highmore approached the role with profound respect, working with specialists and advocates to ensure authenticity. The experience demanded not only skill but also empathy. Playing Shaun changed the way he saw human interaction, communication, and vulnerability.
Expanding Beyond the Screen
Highmore wasn’t just the star of The Good Doctor. Over the course of seven seasons, he evolved into one of its creative forces—serving as a writer, director, and executive producer. These responsibilities broadened his perspective, allowing him to shape storylines, mentor cast members, and explore television from every angle. The show transformed him from a talented actor into a multi-dimensional storyteller.
Building Bonds During Hard Times
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the production of countless series, but for The Good Doctor, it forged a tight-knit community. Highmore spoke about how filming in a “little bubble” in Vancouver helped him and his co-stars find stability when the world felt uncertain. The bonds he formed with his cast and crew went beyond professional—they became family. That sense of connection left a permanent impact on him.
Carrying Shaun’s Optimism Into Real Life
Perhaps the most profound change was personal. Highmore has said that parts of Shaun Murphy—his optimism, belief in people, and relentless drive—have stayed with him. Embodying the character for so many years influenced his worldview, making him more hopeful and compassionate. For an actor who once leaned toward darker roles, Shaun left him with light.
A Career Turning Point
By the time The Good Doctor ended, Highmore wasn’t just closing a chapter; he was launching a new era. He founded his production company, Alfresco Pictures, to champion meaningful stories. He also stepped into new projects like the upcoming thriller The Assassin. None of these moves would feel as purposeful had he not grown through the challenges and triumphs of The Good Doctor.
A Goodbye That Wasn’t Easy
Saying farewell was difficult. Highmore admitted it was “just hard to think about the end,” and fans could feel his emotion in the finale. The storyline, which saw Shaun experience heartbreaking loss while stepping fully into fatherhood, mirrored the actor’s own growth—a journey from uncertainty to maturity, from student to leader. Freddie Highmore will always be remembered as Dr. Shaun Murphy, but more importantly, The Good Doctor reshaped who he is as an artist and as a person. It gave him creative freedom, lifelong relationships, and a renewed sense of empathy. He may step into many new roles in the years to come, but one thing is clear: after The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore was never the same—and neither were we, the viewers who followed his journey.
