Inspired by a South Korean series of the same name, “The Good Doctor” is a medical drama that focuses on Dr. Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon. After escaping a troubled past in Wyoming, Shaun moves to California to pursue a job as a surgical resident at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Despite his obvious talent and distinctive ability to visualize his patient’s ailments, Shaun initially faces scrutiny because of both his youth and his unique methods.
Similar to other hospital dramas, the series features a talented ensemble cast that includes Hill Harper, Christina Chang, Paige Spara, Noah Galvin, Richard Schiff, Will Yun Lee, Fiona Gubelmann, and Bria Samoné Henderson. Executive producer Daniel Dae Kim, who actually appears on the show as Dr. Jackson Han, is the person who initially thought to make an American version of the show (via Deadline).
If you’ve ever wondered why the actor who plays Shaun looks so familiar, then you’re not alone. Without further ado, here are some of his most notable projects besides his starring role on “The Good Doctor.”
Freddie Highmore played Peter in Finding Neverland
Freddie Highmore is the actor who plays Dr. Shaun Murphy on “The Good Doctor,” and “Finding Neverland” was one of the first projects he appeared in. Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, the film is inspired by the true story of how the character Peter Pan was created.
Depp portrays J.M. Barrie, a playwright suffering from writer’s block after the failure of his previous production. One day, Barrie meets a widow named Sylvia (Winslet) and her sons George (Nick Roud), Jack (Joe Prospero), Peter (Highmore), and Michael (Luke Spill). Barrie begins to bond with the family, although he has a hard time connecting with young Peter, who is still deeply upset by the death of his father. Peter sees Barrie’s presence as an intrusion and worries that the writer is trying to take his father’s place. At such a young age, Highmore is able to skillfully convey Peter’s innocence and grief, especially towards the end of the film when his mother dies.
Inspired by his time with Peter and his brothers, Barrie writes the play “Peter Pan.” With a little “faith, trust, and pixie dust,” Barrie and Peter are able to settle their differences and accept one another. The film is a touching, whimsical tale about the magic of storytelling, loss, and the connections forged in the wake of tragedy. Highmore is a delight in “Finding Neverland,” and his emotional journey throughout the film is central to the plot.
Freddie Highmore was in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Freddie Highmore once again starred alongside Johnny Depp a few years later in the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The English actor played Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who lives with his family near the Wonka chocolate factory. After finding a golden ticket in one of Wonka’s candy bars, Charlie and his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly) win the chance to tour Wonka’s mysterious factory. After their arrival, Charlie and Grandpa Joe meet a variety of interesting characters, including the eccentric Willy Wonka (Depp) himself.
Directed by Tim Burton, the film also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, AnnaSophia Robb, Deep Roy, and Christopher Lee. Highmore brings his A-game to the role of Charlie, paying homage to the iconic children’s book character in this modern retelling. Once again, Highmore’s performance in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” provides audiences with a showcase of his veritable acting skills.
Freddie Highmore starred in August Rush
Freddie Highmore appeared alongside Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Robin Williams in “August Rush.” The movie tells the story of a young boy named Evan Taylor, a musical prodigy who has spent his entire life in an orphanage. Convinced that his parents are alive and waiting for him somewhere, Evan runs away to New York City in hopes of finding them.
In order to portray Evan, Highmore learned how to speak with an American accent and how to play the guitar. “The most important thing with the guitar was to get it to look right so that it always appeared that I was playing it,” Highmore told The Georgia Straight. “I learned all the songs I had to play so it wouldn’t just look like I was faking it, and most of the time what you hear was the song I played.”
