Freddie Highmore may be one of the most recognizable faces on television today thanks to his acclaimed performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, but long before he became an international star, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. And, interestingly, his mother played a major role in guiding the career of one of the most iconic actors from the Harry Potter franchise.
A Father in Film and Television: Edward Highmore
Freddie’s father, Edward Highmore, is a British actor best known for his work in several popular series during the 1980s and 1990s. He appeared in BBC dramas such as Howard’s Way and had roles across British television for more than two decades. Although not as globally known as his son, Edward’s calm professionalism and steady presence in the industry helped shape Freddie’s early exposure to acting.
Growing up, Freddie often mentioned that his parents never pushed him into the profession. Instead, they encouraged him to enjoy acting as a creative experience rather than a job. Still, having a father who understood the challenges of the industry clearly helped Freddie navigate fame at a young age — especially after his breakout performances in Finding Neverland (2004) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).
The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes: Sue Latimer
Freddie’s mother, Sue Latimer, is a highly respected talent agent in the United Kingdom — and one of the most influential figures in his career. But she is also famously known for representing Daniel Radcliffe, the beloved actor behind Harry Potter.
Latimer played a crucial role in guiding Radcliffe’s path from child star to globally recognized young actor. She helped negotiate many of his early career steps and was deeply involved in the management of his publicity, scheduling, and long-term strategy during the height of the franchise’s fame. Her close professional relationship with Radcliffe is well-documented in the British entertainment industry.
This connection has often surprised fans of Freddie Highmore, especially because both Freddie and Daniel were two of the biggest young British stars of the 2000s — and their careers were, in some ways, developing in parallel.
A Family That Protects Privacy
Despite their industry experience, both Edward and Sue have always prioritized Freddie’s privacy. They kept him grounded throughout his childhood roles and continued to support his work as he transitioned into adult acting, including Bates Motel and later his award-nominated performance in The Good Doctor.
Freddie himself remains private about his personal life, rarely speaking about his family. But his calm, thoughtful demeanor — and his ability to avoid the pressures often associated with child stardom — are frequently credited to his parents’ steady guidance.
A Legacy of Talent
Between his father’s background in acting and his mother’s strategic influence in representing some of the biggest names in British film, it’s clear that Freddie Highmore’s rise is rooted in a family that understands both the art and the business of storytelling.
And while The Good Doctor may have made him a worldwide icon, Freddie’s success is also a testament to the behind-the-scenes support of parents who have shaped some of the most recognizable faces in modern entertainment — including a wizard from Hogwarts.
