For nearly a decade, Freddie Highmore has convinced millions of viewers worldwide that he knows his way around a hospital. As Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC’s hit medical drama The Good Doctor, Highmore has performed countless life-saving procedures, rattled off complex diagnoses, and carried the emotional weight of being both a surgeon and a man navigating life on the autism spectrum. But off-screen, the British actor is the first to admit that his medical expertise begins and ends with the scripts.
“I’d be completely useless in any real medical situation,” Highmore confessed in a recent interview. “It’s one thing to memorize lines and look convincing on camera, but I don’t think anyone should be trusting me with a scalpel in real life.”
It’s a refreshing dose of humility from an actor whose performances often feel so authentic that fans forget he isn’t a trained doctor. Since The Good Doctor premiered in 2017, Highmore has been praised for his meticulous preparation and nuanced portrayal. He consults with medical advisors, rehearses technical movements, and ensures the show reflects both the precision of surgery and the humanity of its characters.
Still, Highmore insists the credit goes to the real professionals. “We have brilliant consultants on set who guide us through every detail,” he explained. “They’re the ones who make sure what you see on screen is accurate. My job is just to follow their lead and make it believable.”
The actor’s candor underscores a broader truth about television: the line between performance and reality is often blurred. For many fans, Highmore’s Dr. Murphy has become a trusted figure, someone who embodies both clinical brilliance and deep compassion. But as Highmore points out, the magic lies in storytelling, not in his own medical abilities.
Interestingly, his admission mirrors comments from other actors in long-running medical dramas. Stars of Grey’s Anatomy, ER, and House have often laughed about being mistaken for real doctors. Highmore, who also produces The Good Doctor, takes it as a compliment to the show’s authenticity but stresses that his real skills are strictly in acting.
Away from the operating room set, Highmore is known for his low-key lifestyle and thoughtful approach to fame. A former child star who first rose to prominence in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he has successfully transitioned into adult roles without the turbulence that often accompanies young Hollywood careers.
As The Good Doctor continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Highmore remains grateful but grounded. “It’s wonderful that people connect with the character and the stories we tell,” he said. “But if there’s ever an emergency, please—don’t call me.”
Highmore’s self-deprecating humor only adds to his charm, reminding fans that while television can inspire and even educate, it ultimately remains fiction. And as much as viewers may love seeing Dr. Shaun Murphy in the OR, Freddie Highmore is happiest when he leaves the scalpel behind on set.
