Freddie Highmore may play Dr. Shaun Murphy, a brilliant surgeon on The Good Doctor, but in real life, he’s far from a medical professional.
Highmore’s portrayal of the gifted and compassionate surgeon with autism has impressed fans worldwide, often making them forget he’s simply an actor following a script. However, Highmore, as talented as he is, doesn’t have a medical degree, and he’s the first to remind fans not to confuse him with his character when it comes to medical advice.
Freddie Highmore has dedicated himself to Shaun’s role, but his background is rooted in acting, not medicine. Before The Good Doctor, Highmore starred in Bates Motel, and he’s brought that same commitment and skill to his role as Dr. Murphy. While he studied extensively to understand autism and spent time with medical professionals to learn about the operating room, Highmore’s role on the show is based on scripted scenarios. His medical knowledge is limited to what’s necessary for the character, and he’s been clear about knowing his boundaries when it comes to real-life medicine.
In the show, Dr. Shaun Murphy impresses his colleagues with his remarkable memory and surgical skills, often coming up with diagnoses and treatments that save lives. For fans watching from home, it’s easy to get caught up in the realism of Highmore’s performance. Medical consultants help make every surgery and diagnosis look authentic, but for Highmore, it’s all about creating the illusion of mastery. He’s trained to perform movements and deliver medical terminology convincingly, but none of it qualifies him to diagnose or treat anyone.
Though not a doctor, Highmore approaches the role with incredible attention to detail and empathy. He’s invested in making Shaun’s character real, from understanding how an autistic individual might approach different situations to perfecting the surgical procedures that are so central to the show. To achieve this, he works closely with autism experts and medical consultants, ensuring his portrayal is respectful and authentic. But this immersion is strictly for his performance, not actual practice, and he leaves the real medical expertise to the professionals.
Actors, especially those portraying specific professions, often face public misconceptions about their real-life abilities. Like Highmore, many actors find that viewers conflate their on-screen roles with their real identities. Despite performing surgery scenes and diagnosing fictional patients, Highmore has repeatedly reminded fans that he’s not a doctor and that they should seek medical advice from real healthcare professionals.
Highmore’s performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy serves as a reminder of the line between fiction and reality. While fans may feel connected to Shaun and inspired by his medical triumphs, it’s essential to remember that these achievements exist within a scripted, carefully constructed environment. Highmore’s talent as an actor lies in making Shaun feel real, but he’s not equipped to bring that expertise into the real world.
The Good Doctor has been a source of inspiration for many viewers, sparking conversations about autism, neurodiversity, and inclusion in the medical field. Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Shaun has undoubtedly made a positive impact, helping to destigmatize autism and portray the challenges and triumphs of individuals on the spectrum. But Highmore’s job is to act, not to practice medicine, and as fans, it’s essential to keep that distinction clear.
