Before Freddie Highmore became a household name as the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC’s hit series The Good Doctor, he was already a familiar face to those who grew up in the early 2000s. Highmore, once a promising child star, charmed audiences in some of Hollywood’s most beloved films—yet, for years, his transition from child actor to leading man went largely unnoticed.
Born in 1992, Highmore’s acting career began at a young age. His first breakthrough role came in 2004, when he starred as Peter in Finding Neverland alongside Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. The film, a poignant tale about the inspiration behind Peter Pan, showcased Highmore’s immense talent, earning him critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild nomination. His ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability at such a young age set him apart from his peers.
However, it was his role as Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that cemented his status as one of the most promising child actors of his generation. Starring alongside Depp once again, Highmore’s portrayal of the kind-hearted and humble Charlie endeared him to audiences worldwide. He continued to impress with standout performances in August Rush (2007), where he played a musically gifted orphan, and The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008), a fantasy adventure film that further showcased his versatility.
Despite his early success, Highmore took a step back from the Hollywood spotlight to focus on his education. He attended the prestigious University of Cambridge, studying Spanish and Arabic, a decision that likely contributed to his smooth transition into adult roles. Unlike many child actors who struggle to find their place in the industry as they grow older, Highmore carefully curated his career, choosing roles that allowed him to evolve as an actor.
His triumphant return to television came in 2013 when he took on the dark and complex role of Norman Bates in Bates Motel. This modern prequel to Psycho demonstrated a completely different side of Highmore’s acting abilities. His chilling yet sympathetic portrayal of the infamous character earned him critical praise and multiple award nominations, proving that he had successfully shed his child-star image.
Then came The Good Doctor in 2017, the role that propelled him back into mainstream recognition. As Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, Highmore once again showcased his remarkable ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters.
