The Good Doctor pays tribute to Paul Lukaitis through the introduction of a new character and a dedication

The Good Doctor's final season premiered on Feb. 20 with the episode "Baby, Baby, Baby." It was a special season opener not only because it marks the show's last but also because the team behind the series dedicated the premiere to Paul Lukaitis. The beloved member of The Good Doctor family had been Unit Manager on the series and had worked on the show since its first season into its sixth.

According to Lukaitis' obituary, he passed on Oct. 26, 2023. He'd been diagnosed with cancer the year prior. Lukaitis found his way to film later in life than some. Before he went to Vancouver Film School when he was 32, he'd been a logger and then moved onto construction, working on high-rise building projects. But the entertainment field was where his heart and passion lied.

Lukaitis met his wife, Margaret, while working in film. The two were not only life partners but best friends. His daughter, Eva, is said to be the light of his life. As he's lovingly depicted in his obituary Lukaitis was a "dedicated and devoted husband and father, his energy and passion for life were admirable and a pillar of strength for his family that will be profoundly missed."

For 23 years, Lukaitis worked at Brightlight Pictures, a Canadian film and television company that produces The Good Doctor. He's described as having been loyal, tenacious, kind, and determined with a grit and willingness to answer any question as he considered them to be free. When you're working day in and day out for long hours with the same crew of people, it's important to cultivate a rapport and for Lukaitis that meant fostering a sense of family among the team.

Aside from the memoriam dedicated to Lukaitis in the premiere, the series also introduced a new character who bears the honor of his last name. Charlene "Charlie" Lukaitis, played by Kayla Cromer, is a third year medical student. Her hero is Shaun because, like him, she has Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has admired Shaun since the video of him saving a child's life in an airport went viral. She, too, wants to make a name for herself in the field of surgery.

Charlie is a part of Paul Lukaitis' legacy with The Good Doctor which has been indelibly touched by his work and heart.