Sometimes, the road to success is anything but glamorous, and Paige Spara’s audition story for The Good Doctor is the perfect example.
Fans of the hit medical drama may know her as Lea Dilallo, the vibrant and supportive partner of Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), but what many don’t realize is how unconventional her journey to landing the role truly was. In a candid interview, Paige Spara revealed that her audition for The Good Doctor wasn’t exactly a picture-perfect moment. At the time, she was traveling and didn’t have access to a proper setup to record her audition tape. Instead, she made do with what she had: a cramped bathroom with bad lighting. “I remember thinking, ‘This is the least ideal place to do this,’” Spara shared with a laugh. “But I was determined to give it my all, even if the setting wasn’t perfect.”
Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Spara’s talent shone through. Her raw performance captured the essence of Lea, a character who would go on to become a fan favorite on the show. Spara’s story is a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness. Rather than letting the situation deter her, she embraced the challenge, proving that passion and talent can overcome even the most unlikely obstacles. “I think it just goes to show that sometimes, it’s not about the fancy setup or perfect lighting—it’s about connecting with the material and showing who you are,” Spara said.
Her bathroom audition tape made its way to the show’s casting team, and the rest is history. Paige Spara joined the cast of The Good Doctor and quickly won over viewers with her portrayal of Lea, a character whose warmth, humor, and emotional depth have added richness to the series. Since her debut, Lea has grown into one of the most beloved characters on the show. Her dynamic relationship with Shaun Murphy, marked by both challenges and triumphs, has been a cornerstone of the series. Fans admire Lea’s strength, vulnerability, and unwavering support for Shaun, and much of that is thanks to Spara’s heartfelt performance.
Paige Spara’s audition story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and anyone chasing their dreams. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always come in ideal circumstances, and sometimes, taking a chance—no matter how imperfect the situation—can lead to incredible opportunities.
For Spara, that fateful audition from a bathroom with bad lighting was the first step toward becoming an integral part of The Good Doctor and winning the hearts of fans worldwide. Paige Spara’s journey to The Good Doctor is a story of determination, creativity, and believing in oneself. From a bathroom audition to starring in one of television’s most beloved dramas, Spara proves that with enough grit and passion, you can shine—even under the harshest lighting.
