FANTASTIC FREDDIE HIGHMORE
Is There a Doctor or Psycho in the House?
If TV had blockbusters, Freddie Highmore would be its leading actor — and not only because he went from film to television. Highmore, who currently plays Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC’s The Good Doctor, is always captivating audiences and pushing boundaries.
On The Good Doctor, Highmore’s character has autism. The show supplements how his brain works with on-screen images, creating a multi-dimensional take on the procedural hospital drama. Highmore himself is not autistic, but he did extensive research and utilized feedback to develop Shaun realistically as the series enters its fourth season.
“I’m constantly learning,” he told Digital Spy. “Aside from continual research, or working with the consultant that we have, I’m also talking to people who feel that they have a personal connection to the show through autism, and are pleased or thankful that the show is seeking to raise awareness in that way.”
Before his role on The Good Doctor, Highmore starred as Norman Bates on Bates Motel. Talk about showing range. The FX series ran for a whopping five seasons with Vera Farmiga playing his mother, Norma. The contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is sexy, twisting, and oh-so-intriguing.
But Highmore wasn’t always the TV god he is now. But, he was a leading child actor. Perhaps you remember him from Finding Neverland, August Rush, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He’s played the “It Boy” for many years, and now he’s using his skills to develop projects.
Though he won’t be playing the title character in Leonardo — yes, it’s about da Vinci — Highmore will play Stefano Giraldi. But his biggest upcoming project is a dramedy with Scrubs producer Matt Tarses called Why You Will Marry The Wrong Person, based on the novel of the same name. Highmore will serve as a producer, and we assume he will also star. The series will follow soon-to-be-wed couples in parallel universes on the eve of their weddings. Based on the title, it seems Highmore will show yet another side of his talents. We can’t wait!
