Good news for Outlander fans — the series has officially confirmed that Season 7 is currently in production! While there’s still no confirmed premiere date, many believe the new season won’t arrive until early 2023, much like Season 6.
While waiting, viewers can take the time to learn more about the talented cast behind the show. Sophie Skelton, for instance, is an English actress portraying an American character. Her on-screen mother, Caitríona Balfe, is actually Irish but plays an Englishwoman, and her TV father, Sam Heughan, is a Scotsman who, interestingly, didn’t know how to speak Gaelic before joining Outlander.
Caitríona Balfe Almost Missed Out On Playing Claire
This model-turned-actress is fluent in three languages — Gaelic, English, and French — all of which she’s showcased while portraying Claire Fraser. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Caitríona Balfe embodying the strong-willed and passionate WWII nurse, yet she nearly missed out on the role that defined her career.
In an interview with Award Chatter (at the 30:00 mark), Balfe shared that she was unemployed and struggling when her manager introduced her to a London agent who knew more about the Outlander casting. The agent encouraged her to send in another audition tape — a decision that changed everything, as she landed the role just one month before filming started.
Sam Heughan Auditioned For Game Of Thrones Seven Times
Inspired by the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, Sam Heughan launched his own whisky brand, Sassenach. Though the word is technically a Scottish slur for “outsider,” Outlander fans have come to view it affectionately thanks to the series. Beyond acting, Heughan is passionate about fitness, adventure, and healthy living.
Before rising to global fame as Jamie Fraser, Heughan appeared in numerous theater productions, a British soap opera, a Hallmark film, and several smaller projects. In an interview with Vulture, he admitted that he was so eager to join Game of Thrones that he auditioned seven times for different roles.
Tobias Menzies Has Well-Known Distant 1700s Relative
In Outlander, Tobias Menzies masterfully portrayed two contrasting roles — Frank Randall, Claire Beauchamp’s loving husband in the 1940s, and Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall, Jamie Fraser’s cruel enemy in the 1740s. Although Frank was said to be Jonathan’s distant ancestor, fans eventually discovered that their connection wasn’t direct, despite their striking physical resemblance and shared surname.
Interestingly, Menzies himself bears a notable historical connection. The London-born actor revealed to Time Out London that he is related to Archibald Menzies, an 18th-century Scottish surgeon, botanist, and naturalist who explored the world by sea. Unlike his ruthless on-screen counterpart, the real Archibald devoted his life to discovery and healing rather than harm.
Duncan Lacroix Saved His Character Due To His Performance
Although Duncan Lacroix tends to keep his personal life private, he has a passion for hiking and traveling, often sharing casual photos of Outlander cast reunions on Instagram. Originally from England, Lacroix began his career on stage, took on a series of small TV roles, and eventually found his breakout role as Murtagh Fitzgibbons, Jamie Fraser’s tough yet loyal godfather.
Fans of the show may be surprised to learn that Murtagh’s storyline was much shorter in Diana Gabaldon’s original novels. However, because the character became such a fan favorite, the TV series chose to keep him around longer, extending his arc through season 5. As executive producer Maril Davis explained to Glamour, “It just seemed like such a waste of the character [to kill him off].”
Sophie Skelton’s Social Media Posts Are Life
Sophie Skelton isn’t a natural redhead — she originally dyed her hair for the role but later switched to wearing a wig to portray Brianna Randall, Claire’s spirited daughter. The English actress was raised in a suburban village near Manchester, England, as the youngest of three siblings. Interestingly, her two older brothers are named Sam and Roger, coincidentally matching the names of the two most important men in Brianna’s life on Outlander.
On social media, Skelton is quite active, frequently posting on Twitter and Instagram about Outlander, behind-the-scenes moments, and photoshoots. Off set, she enjoys spending time with her beloved Great Dane puppy, Loka, who often makes appearances in her posts.
Richard Rankin Is A Pseudonym
Outlander introduced Roger MacKenzie in season 1 as the ward of Reverend Reginald Wakefield. After meeting the Randalls in the 1960s, Roger quickly developed feelings for Brianna.
Interestingly, “Harris” is Richard’s legal last name, but he chose to perform under “Rankin” — his mother’s maiden name — to avoid confusion with another well-known actor, according to The Herald. Using a stage name isn’t unusual in Hollywood; Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon are among many who do the same.
Beyond his role in Outlander, Rankin is also an accomplished photographer, recognized for his stunning landscape shots and striking black-and-white portraits. Off-screen, he enjoys gaming, reading, and music.
David Berry Played A Similar Role To John Grey
This Australian heartthrob quickly won over fans after joining Outlander in season 3. He first appeared as Jamie Fraser’s warden at Ardsmuir Prison and later became the adoptive father of William Ransom, Jamie’s illegitimate son — a connection that forever linked their characters.
Interestingly, David Berry portrayed a somewhat similar role in the period drama A Place to Call Home, where his character also raised a child who wasn’t biologically his. In another parallel, both Lord John Grey (Outlander) and James Bligh (A Place to Call Home) are gay men married to straight women. Unfortunately, Berry’s character in A Place to Call Home met a tragic end in the series finale — a creative decision that sparked disappointment among viewers.
John Bell Has A Long History In Showbusiness
Although Ian Murray, affectionately known as “Young Ian,” doesn’t appear as frequently as some of Outlander’s main characters, fans remember him as Jamie Fraser’s spirited and mischievous nephew. Originally living at Lallybroch, Ian’s journey takes a dramatic turn when he’s kidnapped, later rescued, and eventually relocates to America with his aunt and uncle.
John Bell, who brings the character to life, began his career as a child actor, appearing in notable productions like Doctor Who, The Hobbit, and CBBC’s Tracy Beaker Returns. More recently, he took on the lead role in the revival of the solo play The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me at Wimbledon Theatre. Off-screen, Bell enjoys horseback riding, watching films, and cooking in his downtime.
Lauren Lyle Would Have Been A Radio DJ
Unlike her Outlander character Marsali Fraser, Lauren Lyle doesn’t have a large family — in fact, the Scottish actress isn’t married. Before joining the hit series, she hadn’t landed any major roles, with most of her early work consisting of small parts in short films.
Lyle once shared on Twitter that if she weren’t acting, she’d love to be a radio DJ — a dream she partially realized in 2020 when she launched her own podcast, “She’s a Rec’.” Each episode features a female guest who discusses the music, films, and books that have shaped their lives. Beyond that, Lyle has also co-written and starred in a comedy short titled And You’re Back in the Room.
César Domboy Is Big In France
In Outlander season 2, Fergus was introduced as a clever street orphan who survived by pickpocketing wealthy men at the brothel where he lived. His life changed when he met Jamie and Claire Fraser, who quickly grew fond of the mischievous yet endearing boy. By season 3, the story jumps two decades ahead, and the role of Fergus is taken over by César Domboy, portraying him as Jamie’s officially adopted son.
Unlike many of his co-stars, Domboy primarily works in French cinema, often appearing in smaller or more unconventional supporting roles. However, he did take on a leading part in the LGBT drama Sur le départ. Outside of Outlander, Domboy has yet to achieve widespread international recognition — though his nuanced performances hint that it’s only a matter of time.
