After seven powerful seasons portraying Dr. Shaun Murphy, Freddie Highmore has officially said goodbye to The Good Doctor, and his emotional reflections are touching fans around the world. As the final episodes of the beloved medical drama unfold, Highmore opened up about the deeply moving experience of bringing Shaun to life — a role he calls the most meaningful of his career.
Since the series premiered in 2017, The Good Doctor has broken boundaries and reshaped conversations about autism, ability, and empathy. At its core was Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, whose journey captivated millions. Highmore’s portrayal was subtle, respectful, and deeply human — making Shaun not just a character, but a symbol of strength and possibility.
Highmore has been vocal about the responsibility that came with the role. “From the very beginning, I knew this was more than just a performance,” he said in a farewell interview. “Shaun represents so many people who haven’t seen themselves fully reflected on screen. I wanted to do him justice — and do right by the viewers who saw themselves in him.”
Throughout the series, Shaun’s journey has been one of incredible growth. From an unsure surgical resident struggling to connect with colleagues, to a confident surgeon, husband, and father, Shaun’s arc mirrored the show’s broader themes: acceptance, resilience, and love. Highmore admitted that stepping away from that journey was far from easy. “Shaun became part of me. Letting go has been incredibly emotional — more than I expected.”
As filming wrapped on the series, Highmore described the final days on set as “bittersweet.” The cast and crew, many of whom have worked together since Season 1, shared tears and memories. During the last table read, Highmore gave a heartfelt speech thanking the team behind the scenes and the fans who embraced the story. “This show only worked because we believed in what we were doing — and because people believed in Shaun.”
While the actor has played many memorable roles, including Norman Bates in Bates Motel and Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it’s clear that Shaun Murphy holds a unique place in his heart. “This has been the role of a lifetime,” he shared. “I’ll carry it with me forever.”
The impact of Shaun extends far beyond television. Over the years, viewers have shared stories of how The Good Doctor changed the way they see the world — or themselves. Parents of autistic children wrote to thank the show for giving them hope. Autistic viewers expressed gratitude for finally feeling represented without caricature. And countless fans praised the show’s sincerity and heart. Highmore said those responses were always the most meaningful. “People would stop me and say, ‘You helped me understand my son,’ or ‘You made me feel seen.’ That’s the highest compliment you can ever receive.”
Now that the show is coming to an end, many fans are wondering what’s next for the British actor. While he hasn’t confirmed any new acting roles, Highmore has shared his excitement about stepping more fully into writing, producing, and directing — areas he explored during The Good Doctor’s run. “This show taught me so much about storytelling, collaboration, and leadership. I’m looking forward to continuing that journey behind the camera.”
Despite the grief of parting ways with a beloved character, Highmore remains proud of how The Good Doctor is ending — with grace, purpose, and emotional authenticity. The final episodes have leaned into the emotional threads that made the series so impactful: friendship, vulnerability, loss, and growth. “We didn’t want to drag it out. We wanted to end it on our own terms, with heart.”
