Fiona Gubelmann – The Good Doctor

By starrymag | November 16, 2020

By: Talya

 

 

Q) What can the audience expect to see this coming season from Dr. Reznick?

A) Last season we saw Morgan make a huge sacrifice to save a patient. And that sacrifice caused Morgan to lose the necessary dexterity for her to continue being a surgeon. So, this season we will see Morgan’s journey as she picks herself up and has to figure out what she wants to do with her life. It’s going to be interesting to see her struggle with the loss of her dream and how she handles these new obstacles as she rebuilds her life. We will also get to see more of Morgan’s personal side as the show dives into her personal relationships.

 

Q) Dr. Reznick is known for being very focused and unemotional. Do you think this makes her a better doctor and why do you feel that way?

A) [laughs] That’s the constant question on the show. Morgan prefers to remain emotionally detached from her patients because she feels it will allow her to make a more objective decisions regarding their care. But as we’ve learned over the course of the first three seasons, sometimes she can’t help but become emotionally attached. And sometimes being emotionally invested to a case makes her a better doctor. I think it’s a bit of both honestly. I think it’s important to allow yourself to remain objective, but there are times when empathy is an extremely powerful tool for a doctor. And it can push you to possibly work harder or come up with a solution you might not have otherwise.

 

Q) Are there any aspects of your own personality that you put into Dr. Reznick?

A) Yes…sort of. [laughs] My acting teacher said you pour yourself through the filter of your character. So, you are being you, but in the circumstances and behaviors of the character you’re playing. So, there are pieces of me in Morgan, but they’re rather heightened. Personally, I am driven and competitive, but more so with myself than others. And I am extremely hard working and can sometimes be a bit too dry with my advice.

 

Q) How much of a say have you had when it comes to Dr. Reznick’s character development?

A) Not too much. Our writers and showrunner are brilliant and give me so much fantastic stuff with Morgan. I would say they write for my strengths and see what I bring to what they write and sometimes it inspires them to write more. But that’s about it. They’re extremely talented and I’m excited every time I read a script to see what treasures I get to play within the next episode.

 

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing scenes this season with someone(s) in particular?

A) I always love working with Antonia [Thomas] because she’s a dear friend. I loved the playful banter I had with Will [Yun Lee] last season, so I am excited for us to have more of that this season. I also loved the beautiful mentorship that Morgan and Dr. Andrews (Hill Harper) developed last season, culminating in the beautiful scene we shared in the finale. I hope that continues as well.

 

Q) Dr. Reznick is such a strong female character. Why do you feel it is necessary to showcase strong females in TV and movies?

A) Again, this is in thanks to our incredible showrunner David Shore and writing staff. David has created a show full of strong, brilliant, diverse women. Our roles are not defined by beauty, age, romance or how we can support the male leads. Instead, we are multi-faceted complex characters that are each powerful in our unique way. It’s important for people to see this because when young women look at TV and see themselves depicted in this manner, it normalizes it and allows women to believe that they themselves can be this way. I wish that I grew up seeing women like this on TV and I’m so grateful that for the last few years this is growing more commonplace.

 

Q) At the end of the season we saw Dr. Morgan Reznick, who you play, perform a surgery after she had recently had surgery herself. Dr. Andrews felt that Morgan had done damage to her hands. If Dr. Reznick can’t perform surgeries anymore what would you like to see her do?

A) I think Morgan should run the hospital. [laughs] Seriously, I’m interested to see how she creates a new space for herself in the hospital and finds a new passion.

 

Q) With Dr. Melandez’s passing, how do you think this will change the dynamics of St. Bonaventure Hospital?

A) I think that it will allow the residents to further develop their relationship with Dr. Andrews. He’s such a fascinating actor and I always love working with Hill Harper.

 

Q) The show “The Good Doctor” deals with a major character who has a disability. Why do you think shows like this needed to be made?

A) Our show provides hope and inspiration to many people. And not just people who are affected personally by autism, but for anyone who’s had to overcome struggles in their life. Seeing someone work hard to overcome their challenges helps to motivate us to continue on, especially when it’s hardest. I have met so many amazing people and heard their beautiful stories about how “The Good Doctor” has helped them. But beyond that, as I mentioned early in regards to the importance of strong female characters, it’s also important to for shows to have diversity extend beyond just ethnicity, sexuality and gender, but to include people with different abilities and disabilities, making sure they’re not generic stereotypes. The way to do that is to make sure that the people making the shows also reflect that makeup. Our writers and producers are a diverse group of talented people and led by David Shore who believes in not just diversity, but in inclusivity. That’s why you see such a broad spectrum of stories and casting on our series. And when that’s on the screen, it allows people who can connect to those characters to believe that they have a place in our world.

Q) You often take on dramatic roles. What is it about this genre that continues to draw you to it?

A) I always wanted to be a dramatic actress, but for most of my career I’ve worked in comedy. It’s been quite a fun challenge to be on a medical drama. I really love it because I’m constantly learning new things and challenging myself.

 

Q) Do you have any other upcoming projects you would like to let your fans know about?

A) I’m producing a film with Hallmark and have a few other projects in the work as well.

 

Q) What would like to say to the people who support you and your projects?

A) Thank you so much for all your love and support! You guys are why I do it!!!!