**Congratulations on all of the success of The Good Doctor. What have you loved the most about your character Lea Dilallo’s evolution since you started playing her?**

Thank you! She has gone through so many growing pains on the show when it comes to self-growth. I’ve honestly loved portraying them all especially when Shaun and her go on little adventures to let loose. Currently, I love that we are exploring what it means to be a mom to Lea, as well as trying to conceive throughout all the complications that arise in doing so. I feel very honored I get to explore that part of womanhood.

Can you share any hints on what viewers can expect from season six?

You’ll see Shaun and Lea navigate marriage, how they navigate mistakes in the workplace and home life, as well as trying to conceive again.

The series has broken down many boundaries since the main Dr. Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Highmore, is a successful surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. What have people told you and the cast about the impact of the show?

The biggest compliments I receive are from parents who have children on the spectrum and from people that are on the spectrum. They say how much this show provides them hope in terms of their goals and personal relationships.

Now to start at the beginning, how did you find your way into the acting field?

Honestly as cheesy as this sounds, it’s the only extracurricular activity I didn’t quit as a child. I have always been obsessed with films and tv shows. I was a chronic daydreamer as a kid and I found community theater and community when it came to theater kids. It was the first time I ever felt accepted and inspired; I just never wanted to do anything but acting so I kept going.

How would you describe the road to where you are now?

I put blinders on. I fell in love with working towards my dream. I went to college for performing arts in Pittsburgh then transferred to a liberal arts college in Manhattan. I usually worked three to four jobs throughout college to support myself while auditioning. I failed loads of college courses but I never gave up and I genuinely just loved living for my dream as corny as that sounds. A commercial I had booked for Forevermark Diamonds got the attention of my manager, Genevieve Penn, who I am still with today; she wanted to see if I could transition to tv and film roles. I moved to LA six days after meeting her. I did more acting classes for the camera and then two years later got my first real acting job for ABC Family’s Kevin From Work and two years after that, I booked The Good Doctor. So, it was a lot of moving, constantly asking for help, trying my best to observe and learn, and a lot of fearless, yes, I can do that, and then learning as I go. Plus, a lot of RuPaul, to keep my mind happy, sane, and fearless.

Is there anything you have been surprised to learn about yourself as your career has blossomed since you started?

I’m honestly surprised at my ability to pull myself out of depressive waves. When it comes to rejection, body image, or self-worth from relationships and this industry, I’m really proud of myself for still coming home to me at the end of the day and trying again.

Do you have a motto that you apply to your life?

Acceptance. I try to apply acceptance daily, which allows me to love, live, forgive, and evolve as authentically as I can for myself and others.

Since you film ten months out of the year, how do you recharge so you can put your best foot forward?

I journal to take care of my brain, travel, stay in touch with my loved ones, read, cook, my dog Sally, practice forgiveness and gratitude daily, and RuPaul.

A Few Moments With Paige Spara