Many expected the young, English actor to become a regular on the big screen.
By 15, Freddie Highmore had several films to his name, including roles in Finding Neverland and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory alongside Hollywood megastar Johnny Depp.
At his rate, he could’ve watched the jobs roll in. But Freddie had other plans.
He insisted on being like everyone else his age and decided to head off to university and live overseas for a year. He based himself far from the lights of Tinseltown at a law firm in Madrid, Spain. But why stop just when he got started?
“I think it was a necessary break,” Freddie, now 26, explains to TV WEEK.
“I didn’t want to continue acting without it being an active decision to do so.”
“It’s good to have real-life experiences to draw information,” Freddie explains.
Freddie also credits his upbringing for ensuring his ego didn’t soar too high.
“Growing up in London helped – I was away from LA where you’re defined as an actor,” he says.
“In many ways, I had a normal upbringing. Acting enhanced it, but it was never the focus.”
While he might prefer a life away from the spotlight, as we chat to Freddie at his Sydney hotel, the focus is all on him.
In 2005, he played Charlie alongside Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and David Kelly as Grandpa Joe in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
The actor made his way Down Under following his incredible work on US drama The Good Doctor. The hit show has seen huge success here on Channel Seven.
Freddie reveals being in the skin of the show’s autistic doctor, Shaun Murphy, has been one of his biggest and most fulfilling roles yet.
“I hope his optimism has rubbed off on me,” the actor smiles.
“I’m naturally optimistic. But there’s a British cynicism that always creeps in – and he [his character] has none of that.”
But Freddie hopes we all learn from Dr Murphy in one way or another.
“He asks questions which make you think and view the world differently,” he explains.
In 2004, Freddie joined Johnny in Finding Neverland the story of playwright J M Barrie’s life.
Fans of the show know the character has a phenomenal skill set. And the doctor’s recall of medical knowledge impresses his colleagues week after week.
Learning this vast amount of dialogue is a challenge for any actor. But Freddie says he loves putting his skills to the test.
“The episode where he’s drunk on tequila is still my favourite,” he laughs.
“I hope we can do it again.”
