Freddie Highmore on Bates Motel, The Good Doctor & Living in Spain

TL;DR

The actor shares insights about his character and experiences before starting "The Good Doctor."

Transcript

Jimmy: THANKS FOR COMING. YOU KNOW, A LOT OF PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY KNOW YOU FROM "BATES MOTEL." HOW MUCH TIME BETWEEN THAT ONE AND THIS NEW SHOW? >> THREE DAYS. >> Jimmy: THREE DAYS? >> THREE DAYS AFTER I FINISHED. >> Jimmy: IT SEEMED LIKE THAT SHOW JUST CONCLUDED AND NOW YOU'RE ON THIS SHOW. >> SORRY, I KNOW, I CAME BACK TOO SOON. >> Jimmy: IT... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 The actor transitioned swiftly from "Bates Motel" to "The Good Doctor," demonstrating adaptability in his career.
• 😷 His character in "The Good Doctor" is not only a medical professional but also represents individuals with autism, sparking important societal conversations.
• 🧑‍🏭 He balanced a traditional education with acting, showcasing the duality of his experiences in law and languages.
• 😷 Preparing for the role included immersive learning about medical jargon, enhancing realism in his performance.
• 🗺️ His comedic approach to discussing his travels and background reflects a lighthearted personality amidst serious subject matter.
• 😀 The actor’s strategy to connect with the Spanish locals illustrates the cultural challenges faced by foreign nationals.
• 🔉 Insights into his character's unique traits underline a broader discussion on representation and diversity in media.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated the actor to switch from "Bates Motel" to "The Good Doctor" so quickly?

The actor emphasized a seamless transition, mentioning it was only three days after finishing filming "Bates Motel" that he began his new role. He expressed excitement about the new character who is a young surgeon, which presented a fresh and unique challenge.

Q: How does the character he plays in "The Good Doctor" differ from his previous roles?

The actor portrays a young surgeon on the autism spectrum, which is a departure from his previous roles. This character, Sean, faces unique challenges, especially regarding societal perceptions about hiring someone with autism in a medical setting, adding depth and complexity to his portrayal.

Q: What personal experiences did the actor draw from to portray his character effectively?

While the actor humorously mentioned his background in law and languages, he focused on understanding autism to accurately depict his character. His preparation included engaging with jargon associated with medicine, which he found both educational and valuable for immersive acting.

Q: What has he learned about medicine while preparing for the role?

The actor revealed his learning process included understanding certain medical terms and procedures, like echocardiograms and endoscopic techniques. This immersion into medical terminology not only enhances his performance but also gives him practical knowledge he enjoys sharing.

Q: How did the actor balance work and studies while filming abroad?

During his time in Spain, he managed to work at a law firm while also filming "Bates Motel." His experience there allowed him to practice his Spanish, making a unique blend of work and education that he enjoyed while connecting with the culture.

Q: What challenges did he face when integrating into Spanish culture during his stay?

The actor experienced the challenge of fitting in while maintaining a British persona. To connect better with locals, he created a backstory about having a Spanish grandmother, helping him feel accepted and participate in social activities like cheering for local football teams.

Q: What are the actor's feelings about his studies in languages?

He acknowledged that his studies in Arabic and Spanish were both unique and beneficial, leading to enjoyable experiences abroad. While admitting he might not utilize those skills in acting directly, he valued the knowledge and cultural insights gained from his education.

Q: Does he anticipate a future career in law if acting doesn’t pan out?

The actor humorously noted that if his acting career doesn't succeed, he may consider law, especially since he studied European law, which he amusingly pointed out has become somewhat obsolete due to current events like Brexit.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The actor, known for "Bates Motel," transitions quickly into his new role as a young surgeon with autism in "The Good Doctor," showcasing a unique perspective on medicine.

• He reflects on his schooling, mentioning his studies in Arabic and Spanish while humorously admitting that his acting background often overshadowed his academic endeavors.

• The conversation touches on the character's unusual traits and the challenges of portraying someone with autism, as well as the actor's experiences working abroad and blending in with the locals.