Freddie Highmore has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and his multifaceted role on The Good Doctor is a testament to his incredible talent and dedication. Beyond portraying the beloved character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, Highmore has taken on the roles of writer, producer, and director, seamlessly transitioning between creative responsibilities behind the camera and his critically acclaimed performance in front of it. In a recent interview, Highmore opened up about how he manages to juggle these demanding responsibilities, the lessons he’s learned, and how his involvement in the production process has deepened his connection to the hit medical drama.
Wearing Many Hats
When The Good Doctor premiered in 2017, Freddie Highmore immediately won hearts with his portrayal of Shaun, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Over the years, his performance has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, making him a standout in the crowded field of television drama. However, Highmore’s contributions to the show extend far beyond acting. As an executive producer, Highmore is deeply involved in the creative direction of the series, ensuring that the storytelling remains compelling and true to the characters. He has also written episodes, including the critically acclaimed Season 2 episode “Hello,” which explored Shaun’s first experience with loss and grief.
Adding to his impressive resume, Highmore has directed multiple episodes of The Good Doctor, including emotionally charged installments that required a delicate balance between technical precision and heartfelt storytelling. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to contribute to The Good Doctor in so many ways,” Highmore said. “It’s rare to be given the opportunity to have a voice both in front of and behind the camera, and I’m grateful to the team for trusting me to take on these responsibilities.”
The Challenges of Balancing Multiple Roles
Highmore admitted that balancing acting, writing, producing, and directing is no easy feat. Each role comes with its own unique set of challenges, and transitioning between them can be daunting. “When you’re acting, your primary focus is on the character and the emotions of the moment,” he explained. “But as a director or producer, you’re thinking about the bigger picture—how the scene fits into the episode, how it serves the overall story, and how to guide the other actors and crew to bring it to life.” Highmore shared that directing himself as Shaun is particularly tricky. “When I’m directing an episode, I often rely on playback to review my own scenes and ensure that I’m delivering what’s needed for the story,” he said. “It’s a strange experience, but I’ve learned to compartmentalize and switch between the roles as needed.”
Growing as a Filmmaker
Highmore’s involvement behind the scenes has allowed him to grow as a filmmaker, honing skills that he hopes to carry into future projects. “I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it’s through acting, writing, or directing,” he said. “Working on The Good Doctor has given me the opportunity to explore all these aspects of filmmaking and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process.” He credited the collaborative environment on set for making it possible to balance his various responsibilities. “We have an amazing team on The Good Doctor,” Highmore said. “From the writers and producers to the cast and crew, everyone is incredibly supportive and passionate about what we’re creating. It’s a privilege to work with such talented people.”
Staying True to Shaun
Despite his many roles on the show, Highmore emphasized that his priority remains delivering an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of Shaun. “At the end of the day, everything I do—whether it’s acting, writing, or directing—is in service of telling Shaun’s story in the best way possible,” he said. Highmore also spoke about the responsibility of representing a character with autism. “It’s important to me that Shaun’s journey feels real and honest,” he said. “We work closely with consultants and advocacy groups to ensure that the portrayal is respectful and accurate, and I’m constantly learning from their guidance.”
Looking Ahead
As The Good Doctor continues to captivate audiences, Freddie Highmore remains at the heart of its success. His ability to seamlessly navigate the demands of acting, writing, producing, and directing has not only elevated the show but also established him as one of the most versatile and talented figures in television today. Looking ahead, Highmore hinted at even bigger ambitions, both on and off the screen. “I’m excited to continue exploring new challenges and telling stories that resonate with people,” he said. “There’s so much more to learn and so many stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.” As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter of The Good Doctor, one thing is clear: Freddie Highmore’s commitment to his craft and his passion for storytelling ensure that the show—and his career—will only continue to thrive.
