Q: You’re sure it wasn’t your decision to leave the show?
A: It was a very creative decision that came at exactly the right time. I truly love and am proud of this role — we really became a family behind the scenes. But there comes a point when you know it’s time to move on, and I feel like I’m leaving The Good Doctor at exactly the right moment.
Q: Can you elaborate on that?
A: I loved how we started. It felt like the show was really making a name for itself back then. We had a huge opportunity to reach into the audience’s hearts and their understanding. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of it from the very beginning. I loved working on the show, but you know, as an actor, sometimes you have to step out and take on new challenges.
Q: When did you find out that Melendez was going to die?
A: Right after New Year’s (early 2020). We had only six episodes left to film.
Q: So you basically had just a few weeks to process everything?
A: Funny, isn’t it? Filming while knowing your character is going to die.
Q: What was your first reaction when you read the script?
A: It was pretty tough because I felt it wasn’t quite there yet. It felt rushed, and I didn’t think it fully worked. But what mattered to me most was making sure that Melendez’s relationship with Lim was honored. I knew exactly what was happening between Melendez and Claire, but I wanted to make sure there was no ambiguity left between Lim and Melendez. I needed to feel the accuracy and authenticity of their relationship at that point.
Q: In the finale, you had emotional scenes with Glassman, Lim, and Claire — but no one else. Knowing it was the end, did you pay special attention to moments with Shaun?
A: I found out my character was going to die quite late, and at that point, I was the only one who knew. That made me appreciate every remaining day on set, counting down the days and cherishing the people I worked with.
Q: Still, a lot happened in those last two episodes, but I was surprised you didn’t have a scene with Shaun.
A: Freddie (who plays Shaun) was there on my last day, watching every scene and giving me his full support behind the camera.
Q: Let’s talk about your final scene with Glassman. The two of you didn’t have many moments together in Seasons 2 and 3, but that last one was powerful.
A: Glassman is a man and a doctor whom Melendez deeply respected. They both have pretty tough personalities, but they understood and respected each other. In a way, they’re like two bulls — one older, one younger — keeping a certain distance. And then, finally, they’re in that room together in that situation. There’s so much that couldn’t be said, until Glassman left him with a compliment.
Q: There was so much left unsaid between Melendez and Lim. Were you disappointed that their relationship ended so abruptly this season?
A: Yeah, I did feel something was left unfinished. There were so many memories, love, and mutual respect between them. They understood each other’s way of working, and that’s why they split. It would have been nice if they had found a way to navigate that relationship a bit longer.
Q: The last person to say goodbye to Melendez was Claire, not Lim. She confessed her feelings to you. How did you feel about that?
A: Melendez finally accepted who his feelings were truly for. At first, he forbade himself from entering into that relationship. He could think Claire was cute, intelligent, sure — but he knew he couldn’t get involved.
Q: Do you think that couple had potential? After all, you were her boss.
A: I don’t know. This idea was always pitched to me. People sensed it early on — even in the very first episode — and it was always something people talked about (regarding Melendez and Claire). They respected each other, they were mature enough to love each other, but the thought that they would have ended up together if Melendez hadn’t died actually makes me uncomfortable.
