Fans of The Good Doctor were left stunned and heartbroken after a shocking character death rocked the final stretch of the beloved medical drama. Now, the actor behind the emotional exit is speaking out — and his castmates are showing nothing but love and admiration in response.
In one of the series’ most emotional moments to date, Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) — Shaun Murphy’s longtime mentor and father figure — tragically died, marking the end of a seven-season journey that defined the heart of the show. The loss hit both viewers and the cast hard, as Glassman had been a cornerstone of The Good Doctor since its debut, guiding Shaun through both his medical career and his personal growth.
Following the episode’s airing, Schiff took to social media to share his feelings about saying goodbye to the character he has portrayed since 2017. “It’s been one of the great honors of my career to play Aaron Glassman,” he wrote. “Working with Freddie Highmore and this incredible cast has been a gift. I’m deeply grateful to the fans who have embraced Glassman’s heart, flaws, and wisdom all these years.”
The outpouring of love from his co-stars was immediate and heartfelt. Freddie Highmore, who plays Dr. Shaun Murphy, posted a touching tribute to Schiff, calling him “a mentor on and off screen.” He added, “Richard taught me so much — about acting, about grace, and about patience. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to bring this story to life.”
Paige Spara (Lea Murphy) shared her appreciation as well, writing, “Working with Richard was like taking a master class every day. His presence elevated everyone around him.” Hill Harper, Christina Chang, and Will Yun Lee also expressed admiration, describing Schiff as the “emotional compass” of the show and thanking him for his dedication and artistry.
The episode itself was a powerful farewell, balancing heartbreak with hope. Glassman’s death, while devastating, was handled with the same tenderness and honesty that The Good Doctor has always been known for. His passing served as both a moment of reflection for Shaun and a narrative reminder of how deeply the two men’s lives were intertwined.
Fans flooded social media with tributes, calling the episode “the most emotional hour of the series” and praising Schiff’s performance as “heart-wrenching and unforgettable.”
While the loss of Dr. Glassman marks the end of an era, The Good Doctor ensured his legacy will live on through Shaun — the student who became a healer, thanks to the mentor who believed in him from the start.
As the curtain falls on the show, Richard Schiff’s departure reminds fans of what made The Good Doctor special: not just the medicine or the drama, but the humanity at its core. And for those who followed Glassman’s journey from day one, his final lesson was perhaps the most profound — that love, guidance, and faith in others can change a life forever.
