Freddie Highmore has long been a familiar face to audiences, but nothing could have prepared the world for the silent takeover he executed on television. Moving from the chilling and complex Norman Bates in Bates Motel to the deeply empathetic Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, Highmore proved he is one of the most versatile and underrated actors of his generation.
Before The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore had already established himself as a talented child actor with performances in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But it was his portrayal of Norman Bates that first hinted at his extraordinary range. Playing a psychologically tormented teen on the verge of becoming a serial killer required subtlety, emotional depth, and precision—skills he later poured into Dr. Shaun Murphy.
Transitioning from such a dark role to the hopeful and morally centered Shaun Murphy was no easy task. And yet, Highmore did it seamlessly. In The Good Doctor, he creates a character who is instantly compelling, often without saying much at all. Through Shaun, Highmore conveys fear, excitement, love, confusion, and determination—sometimes all within a single scene.
Unlike many portrayals of autism in media, Shaun isn’t a caricature. He is not defined solely by his diagnosis. Instead, he’s a multi-dimensional character who feels joy, pain, desire, and frustration. Highmore captures this complexity with breathtaking authenticity. He moves with purpose, speaks with a calculated cadence, and often expresses the most with just a glance.
One of the show’s most powerful scenes comes when Shaun is criticized for being too robotic. With tears in his eyes, he says, “I do care. I care deeply. I just don’t know how to show it like everyone else does.” The vulnerability in Highmore’s delivery is heartbreaking. It’s not just acting; it’s truth.
What also stands out is Highmore’s dedication behind the scenes. Not only does he act in The Good Doctor, but he has also written and directed episodes. He helped adapt the original Korean version of the show for American audiences and serves as a producer, ensuring the story remains respectful and accurate. This level of involvement demonstrates a rare commitment to storytelling.
Over the seasons, Shaun’s journey has evolved. He’s made friends, fallen in love, faced discrimination, and proved time and again that being different doesn’t mean being less capable. And through it all, Highmore’s performance remains grounded and deeply human.
