Scots hunk heads historical drama’s homegrown cast
BOASTING a string of British stars, Outlander’s everevolving cast portray characters living in the 18th Century, 1940s and through to the 1960s. Taking the lead as hero Jamie Fraser is Scots actor Sam Heughan, the first cast member to join the show. He studied drama at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow before getting his first break in a Second World War mini-series, Island at War. His character endures numerous trials as he faces off against his enemy, the villainous Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall (Tobias Menzies). Helping him is Caitriona Balfe as leading lady Claire Randall, a nurse who must juggle her love for her husband Frank – Black Jack’s descendant, also played by Menzies – with her growing feelings for Jamie after she is thrust back in time. Born in Dublin and raised in County Monaghan, Balfe pursued modelling before acting. She has starred in thrillers Money Monster alongside George Clooney and Now You See Me with Michael Caine.
In his incredible double role, Menzies tackles both Frank and his devilish ancestor.
The Londoner – a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts – was a tennis enthusiast before taking up acting and roles have included Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and The Night Manager.
A host of Scots are in the cast, including Glaswegians Graham McTavish and Gary Lewis, who play MacKenzie brothers Dougal and Colum.
McTavish started acting in 1976 and has appeared in everything from the billiondollar Hobbit trilogy to action film Rambo.
Lewis – who worked as a road sweeper, postman and in his local library in his younger years – found his own success in films such as Billy Elliot and Gangs of New York.