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Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ (Interview)

The second season of ABC’s The Good Doctor continues to enthrall viewers with its high drama medical cases and pure-hearted storylines. Fans can’t get enough of the hit television series.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with newly-promoted series regular Christina Chang who plays Dr. Audrey Lim. She spoke with us about joining the cast of The Good Doctor, what it means to her to be playing one of the few women on the series in a leadership position, what’s in store for Dr. Lim in season 2 and much more!

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: ABC/Bettina Strauss

Denise Caputo: Congratulations on your season 2 promotion to series regular! Before we talk about season 2, tell me a little about what it was like first landing your role on The Good Doctor?

Christina Chang: Thank you so much! I really enjoy being a part of this show. I originally went in to audition for Dr. Lim as a recur; she was created to come on as the doctor to handle a mass casualty in an earlier episode. Walking onto set was like walking into a real ER, it was impressive! I have to say I was a little nervous because I had to dive right in and make it look like I knew what I was doing with cracking open a chest and massaging a heart! Of course, everyone from cast to crew was so welcoming, and I felt very comfortable right off the bat.

DC: I’m a huge fan of the show and have been since day 1. Viewers fell in love with The Good Doctor almost immediately, and the series has quite a strong fandom. What do you think about the incredible and positive reception that viewers/fans have displayed over the show?

CC: Again, thank you, that’s so appreciated! It’s really been fantastic to have such support from all the viewers! You never know, no matter how good of an experience working on a show can be, what the audience will think or feel about it. For fans to be so positive about our stories and characters is encouraging and energizing! So, thanks to everyone out there. It’s so encouraging!

DC: How does it feel to be a part of a series that is inspiring its audience, starting conversations around acceptance, and changing lives?

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: ABC/Bettina Strauss

CC: It doesn’t get better than this, does it? To be a part of a show that has the ability to inspire people to open their hearts and start conversations about difficult topics which can ultimately change lives? That’s a win for me. Just so gratifying, honestly.

DC: It’s clear to see that the cast has a special chemistry and a close bond both on and off the set and also with the show’s fanbase through social media. How much fun is it working with such a talented group of actors/crew members and also interacting with fans each week while live-tweeting?

CC: I cannot tell you how grateful I am to not only get to do a job I feel passionate about but to also work with people that I like, respect and enjoy hanging with outside of work! Interacting with fans is also fun! It’s amazing to see how invested they are! I love how closely they pay attention to certain lines and looks passed between the characters. It makes doing our jobs so much more satisfying to see and hear the feedback!

DC: Now, we’ll fast forward to season 2. We’ve already gotten to learn a little more about Dr. Audrey Lim, which is fantastic! She’s one of the few females in a leadership position on the series, and in a recent episode, we see her risking her career while making a judgment call on a case. She puts the patient before her own career, which is both admirable and dangerous. Tell me a little bit about what it’s like/what it means to you to be playing such a strong and successful female role, and what does that potentially career-ending decision say about the character?

CC: To be playing a woman who is smart, brave, compassionate and in a leadership position is a dream. I think she’s driven by her sense of justice, her commitment to treating all equally that need help. This may be seen as dangerous for her career, but is an asset to her patients. The fact that she’s written as an Asian American woman is also very gratifying and heartening. I’ve been doing this acting thing for a few years now, and getting to play a woman in a leadership position is so important to me as a mom, I’m glad my daughter gets to see more faces like hers on television. I’m also proud to represent female surgeons, who only make up 19% of the surgeons in this country.

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: ABC/Eike Schroter

DC: When I spoke with Nicholas Gonzalez ahead of the season 2 premiere, he teased a little bit about a healthy competition this season between Dr. Melendez and Dr. Lim for the Chief of Surgery role. Without divulging any spoilers, what can you tease about Dr. Lim’s story arch this season or just about the upcoming season in general?

CC: Oh yes, there’s definitely some healthy competition between Dr. Melendez and Dr. Lim! As already evidenced through certain episodes this season, they have a history of mutual respect and fondness for one another, but they are also both very real candidates for Andrews to choose between. The question of who will make Chief of Surgery will be resolved this season, and you’ll definitely get another little peek at Dr. Lim outside of the hospital. That’s all I can say for now!

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: Jeff Weddell/ABC

DC: What has been your favorite part about playing Dr. Audrey Lim?

CC: There are so many things I love about getting to play Dr. Lim, where do I start? She’s a trauma surgeon with a sarcastic sense of humor, rides motorcycles and absolutely digs being in the ER. And is really good at her job. I love how brave she is – she’s an adrenaline junky, which I am not!

DC: Season 2, so far, is incredible! I love how the focus has shifted slightly away from Dr. Murphy’s autism and more towards the lives of each character. So far, the season is off to a great start. What are you most excited for viewers to see (or to take away from) this season?

CC: It’s true, the audience is getting to glimpse at other characters lives a little bit more. I can’t say there’s any one thing that stands out as more exciting than another as we all get to engage a bit in our backstories while continuing to explore our current relationships, whether they be professional or personal.

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: ABC/Bettina Strauss

DC: At Fan Fest News, we celebrate fandoms of things that we love and that we’re fans of in pop culture whether it’s music, film, television, books, etc. Right now, in today’s pop culture, what are some things that you fangirl over? What do you love about today’s pop culture?

CC: I’m watching so many shows right now I can’t keep count! I’m fangirling over any Phoebe-Waller Bridge show; I just think she is fantastic. I also love Sharon Horgan. These two women are great actresses but also smart writers and creators; I watch all their shows. I absolutely dig The Man In the High Castle, Altered Carbon, and Game of Thrones because I like to get lost in these gigantic worlds of fantasy or sci-fi. I also watch Handmaid’s Tale, Homeland, Billions, House of Cards, Counterpart, Ozark, Schitt’s Creek, and lots of stand up on Netflix. I’m a fan of Hannah Gadsby and Hasan Minhaj.

DC: In addition to The Good Doctor, are there any other upcoming projects that you are working on and that you’d like to share with our readers?

CC: I’m currently working with my writing partner on a half hour show, stay tuned!

DC: Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans and viewers of The Good Doctor?

CC: Thank you so much for watching! It’s been an honor to be a part of this show, and I hope the rest of Season 2 continues to delight, surprise, and move you! Please keep watching; it’s very encouraging to know you’re supporting us. We wouldn’t be on the air without you so thank you!

Christina Chang Talks Playing Dr. Audrey Lim on ABC's 'The Good Doctor' (Interview)
CR: ABC/Jack Rowand

Sending a super big thank you to Christina Chang for taking time out of her incredibly busy filming schedule to chat with us. We can’t wait to see more of Dr. Audrey Lim on The Good Doctor.

Make sure you follow Christina on her social media pages! You can follow her on Twitter at @_ChristinaChang and on Instagram at @thechristinachang_.

In addition to Chang, the series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neil Melendez, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Tamlyn Tomita as Allegra Aoki, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park and Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo. The series is created by David Shore who also serves executive producer along with Daniel Dae Kim, David Kim, and Sebastian Lee.

Make sure you tune in on Monday nights at 10/9 central for all-new episodes of ABC’s The Good Doctor.

What do you think about season two of The Good Doctor so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.