The Good Doctor is one of the many shows that is currently continuing through production in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit very close to home, as two of the show’s stars – Richard Schiff and Sheila Kelley – were both diagnosed with COVID-19. The co-stars and real-life husband and wife previously revealed (via social media) that they had been diagnosed and were in quarantine. Now, Schiff has provided an update on how he and his wife are doing.
Richard Schiff sent out a Twitter post in which he thanked his fans and colleagues for their love and support for both him and Sheila Kelly. He also explained that he’s currently in the hospital and showing gradual improvement, while Kelley is feeling somewhat better but still recovering:
Covid update. Thank you all for so much love and support. You’re making it so much easier for Sheila Kelley and me. I am in the hospital on Remdesivir, O2 and steroids showing some improvement every day. Sheila is home and doing better but still fairly ill. Love you all.
The outpouring of support for Richard Schiff and Sheila Kelley was great to see, and it’s good to hear that they’re slowly but surely improving. It’s also good that the two are staying upbeat in the midst of the situation.
While Kelley plays the recurring role of Debbie Wexler, Schiff plays one of the leading characters, Dr. Aaron Glassman. Initial reports, however, indicated that Schiff’s absence from the set wouldn’t have a major effect on The Good Doctor’s production schedule.
The Good Doctor is far from the only show that’s dealt with COVID-related situations during continued production. Just a few months ago, fellow ABC show For Life was forced to shut down briefly due to potential positive COVID tests. And on CBS, Chicago Fire recently suspended production due to multiple tests.
Despite the troubles that shows may be facing behind the scenes, many of them aren’t hesitating to tackle COVID-19 head-on in their respective new seasons. Grey’s Anatomy and Chicago Med are among the shows that will have their characters dealing with the effects of the pandemic. The Good Doctor’s season premiere also dove into COVID and effectively set the standard for the way medical dramas will likely handle it moving forward. The show won’t be covering it too long though, as it will be moving away from the subject now that the two-part season premiere is done.
The direction of The Good Doctor is one thing, but the health and well-being of Richard Schiff and Sheila Kelley greatly outweigh that. Hopefully, the two will take the time they need to rest and recover before making their return to set. Our thoughts are with them during this time of recovery.
The Good Doctor's latest episode – “Newbies” – airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.
