BEVERLY HILLS: Freddie Highmore sees his move from “Bates Motel” to “The Good Doctor” as a refreshing change.
“It’s nice to save people after years of killing them,” Highmore said, dryly, of the surgeon he plays in the upcoming ABC drama. He portrayed an adolescent Norman Bates On “Bates Motel,” A&E’s prequel to the classic thriller “Psycho.”
Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy, who has autism and savant syndrome, joins a hospital’s prestigious surgical unit despite staff bias and skepticism. Richard Schiff (“The West Wing“) co-stars as his advocate and mentor.
The series is from David Shore, who produced the medical drama “House,” and actor Daniel Dae Kim of “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
During a Q&A with TV critics Sunday, Shore acknowledged past speculation about whether Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, was on the autism spectrum.
But the cynical House and the innocent Murphy couldn’t be more different, Shore said. Both question the status quo, he said, asking, “Why do we do the things we do?”
Kim, who has added producing to his career portfolio, said he may make an appearance on “The Good Doctor,” a show he decided to bring to American TV after seeing the South Korean version. For now, he’s content being behind the scenes and observing a cast that he said inspires him.
His seven seasons as Chin Ho Kelly on “Hawaii Five-O” ended after a contract dispute. In a Facebook post in July, the South Korean-born Kim said that the “path to equality is rarely easy,” without elaborating.
Asked about the circumstances of his exit Sunday, he called the crime drama an important part of his life and expressed gratitude to CBS.
“That said, it’s possible to be grateful for the opportunity, and respectful of the colleagues and the people that I worked with, and still maintain a steadfast sense of your self-worth,” Kim added. “And all good things come to an end.”
During a CBS panel with the Television Critics Association last week, CBS Entertainment executive Kelly Kahl said the exit of Kim and co-star Grace Park represented a “business transaction,” with the actors seeking bigger contracts than the network was offering.
The pair reportedly sought parity with stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan.
Actor makes shift from TV’s Norman Bates to ‘Good Doctor’
Actor makes shift from TV’s Norman Bates to ‘Good Doctor’
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
