Freddie Highmore: That’s a question that requires thought… How do I answer? It’s been a beautiful journey that will have lasted seven years, and that makes me incredibly nostalgic at the moment, as we finished filming the last season. One thing I’ve known since the beginning of the series is that Shaun is an incorrigible optimist, someone who always sees the good in people. I’m a much more cynical person… Sometimes. (Laughs) In that, we diverge. But I think that Shaun’s optimism and positivity have ended up infusing my own personality.
In the first episode of this final season (aired tonight), we see a lot of babies. I wondered if they made good playmates?
I know they always say, “Avoid babies and animals as on-screen partners!” But from our perspective, it went pretty well. Or maybe they were very well chosen. We had twins on set, which also allowed us to alternate scenes. There are always magical moments with children. It’s like there’s something in the air. It was also easier to get into the skin of our characters, Shaun and his partner, Lea (Paige Spara), who became parents at the end of last season.
In that same episode, Shaun Murphy tries to put a child to sleep. Did that work in real life on set? And did you try to time yourself to do like your character?
It worked! As I said, we were lucky to have exceptional babies, not only were they happy, but they also fell asleep very easily. Actually, what was difficult was the scenes where babies were angry. We sometimes had to add screams in post-synchronization to make it look real.
Did you keep anything from the series as a souvenir after the end of the last episode?
Yes, I kept several objects, including Shaun’s lab coat, with his name written on it. I don’t think I’ll wear it again, but knowing that it’s in one of my closets will be a nice souvenir. I also kept the surgical scalpel that Shaun has been using since the beginning of the series, because the object had a lot of meaning for the character, and, by extension, for me. And I borrowed a few doctor’s coats, which could serve as pajamas in case I needed them. You never know.
Before playing the good doctor, you played a serial killer in the fictional Bates Motel, for five seasons. Do you plan to play a bad guy again to continue the alternation of roles?
I don’t know. (Laughs) Right now, I’m savoring the moment. I feel a bit like when you’ve taken and passed an exam. I’ll let it come. I’d just like to spend a bit more time in Europe, maybe even in France, and practice my French. I’d like to play in your language.
