When Freddie Highmore first stepped into the role of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a brilliant surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, he had no idea just how profoundly the character would change his own life. Now, after years of portraying Shaun on The Good Doctor, the British actor is opening up about the impact the role has had on him personally, professionally, and emotionally.

In a recent interview, Highmore didn’t hold back. “Playing Shaun Murphy changed the way I see the world,” he admitted. “It made me more compassionate, more observant, and more aware of the invisible struggles people live with every day.”

At first glance, Highmore seemed like an unlikely choice for the part. Known for his child roles in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and later for his chilling portrayal of Norman Bates in Bates Motel, he had built a career on complex characters. But Shaun was different. Shaun required not just acting, but understanding—deep, nuanced, and ongoing.

The Early Challenge

Freddie Highmore has never been one to approach a role casually. When he joined The Good Doctor in 2017, he immersed himself in research. He met with individuals on the autism spectrum, read books, and consulted with experts to ensure that his portrayal would be respectful and grounded in reality.

“It wasn’t about doing an impression of autism,” he explained. “It was about capturing the authenticity of Shaun’s emotional world. He’s not defined by a diagnosis—he’s defined by his humanity.”

Highmore also took on the role of producer for the show, a move that allowed him to have a say in how Shaun’s story was told. He worked closely with the writers to make sure Shaun wasn’t reduced to a stereotype or a plot device. Instead, Shaun became the heart of the show—a symbol of resilience, integrity, and hope.

A Mirror to Society

Through Shaun, Highmore discovered just how much society underestimates neurodivergent individuals. The show never shied away from portraying the discrimination and condescension Shaun faced, even within the medical field. But it also highlighted his extraordinary talents and his capacity to connect with patients in ways others couldn’t.

“For me, playing Shaun opened my eyes to the daily challenges that people with autism face, not because of their condition, but because of how society reacts to it,” Highmore said. “There’s a tendency to underestimate or isolate people who think or behave differently. And that’s something we all need to work on.”

Highmore believes that the character of Shaun helped start important conversations in homes, schools, and workplaces around the world. Parents of autistic children wrote to thank him for giving their kids a hero on television. Adults on the spectrum said they finally felt seen.

“That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a role,” he said. “It was a responsibility.”

Personal Growth

Over the course of multiple seasons, Freddie Highmore’s connection to Shaun deepened. “In many ways, Shaun helped me grow up,” he reflected. “He taught me patience. He taught me empathy. And he taught me that sometimes silence speaks louder than words.”

Playing Shaun also made him question his own behavior in everyday life. “I started noticing the way people talk over each other in conversations, the assumptions we make about what someone is feeling, and how often we judge without knowing the full story,” he said. “Shaun sees the world in a very pure, unfiltered way. And that’s something I admire.”

From Actor to Advocate

Highmore’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. He received critical acclaim and award nominations, but more importantly, he earned the respect of the autism community. He made it a point to never speak over autistic voices but instead to amplify them.

“I’ve always said that while I’m proud of what we’ve done with The Good Doctor, it’s vital to remember that I’m a neurotypical actor playing a neurodivergent role,” Highmore said. “That means I have a platform that I should use to elevate real voices—voices that deserve to be heard far beyond the boundaries of our show.”

To that end, Highmore has supported organizations that promote autism awareness, inclusion, and education. He’s also spoken out about the need for more neurodivergent actors to be cast in authentic roles, not just as background characters, but as leads.

A Bittersweet Goodbye?

As The Good Doctor enters its final chapters, fans are wondering how Shaun’s journey will end—and what comes next for Freddie Highmore. While he hasn’t ruled out future seasons or spinoffs, Highmore is clear about one thing: Shaun Murphy will always be a part of him.

“I don’t think you ever say goodbye to a character like Shaun,” he said. “He stays with you. He challenges you to be better. And I hope that even after the show ends, his message continues.”

That message—one of acceptance, perseverance, and love—has resonated far beyond the screen. And for Highmore, it’s a reminder of why storytelling matters.

“At the end of the day, if someone watches The Good Doctor and walks away with a little more compassion, a little more curiosity, then we’ve done our job,” he said. “And I’ll always be grateful that I got to be a part of that.”

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