After years of portraying Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore has opened up about the profound personal impact the role has had on him — as well as a few “small regrets” along the way. In a candid conversation with TheWrap, the actor revealed that while his time filming in Vancouver was deeply fulfilling professionally, he wishes he had taken more time to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and vibrant local culture.
“I suppose one small regret is that I didn’t make the most of everything Vancouver has to offer,” Highmore admitted with his trademark humility. “It’s such a beautiful place — the mountains, the ocean, the people — and sometimes, between filming and long days on set, you forget to look around and take it all in.”
The confession feels strikingly human coming from an actor known for his precision and professionalism. For someone who has spent years embodying one of television’s most emotionally complex characters, that longing for balance between work and personal experience seems only natural.
Yet beyond the minor regrets, Highmore emphasized how deeply The Good Doctor has shaped his perspective on life. Playing Dr. Shaun Murphy — a brilliant surgeon on the autism spectrum — challenged him not only as an actor but also as a person.
“Shaun has taught me a lot,” he reflected. “Not just about acting or medicine, but about empathy — about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. I think the role has changed the way I view people, and even the way I view myself.”
Throughout the series, Highmore’s portrayal has been praised for its nuance, warmth, and authenticity. But behind the scenes, it also seems to have left a lasting impression on him personally. He credits the experience with helping him grow, both emotionally and intellectually.
“The show reminded me that everyone has their own way of expressing themselves, their own rhythm,” he said. “Shaun approaches the world differently, but that difference is what makes him remarkable. I think that’s something I’ve tried to carry with me.”
As The Good Doctor concluded its celebrated run, Highmore’s reflections serve as a reminder that even the most dedicated professionals can find meaning — and lessons — in their work beyond the screen. His “small regrets” about not exploring more of Vancouver may be fleeting, but the personal evolution sparked by Shaun Murphy’s character will likely stay with him for life.
