Outlander is one of the most popular TV shows currently airing. Based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows Claire, a woman from the 20th Century who accidentally travels back in time to Scotland in the 1700s, falling in love with a handsome Scotsman named Jamie Fraser in the process. The series balances historical events with romance and fantasy elements, creating one of the most unique and steamy shows of all time. Due to the historical setting of the show, fans are often surprised to see what the actors and actresses in Outlander look in real life, with many appearing almost unrecognizable.
This article will compare photos of the actors in costume and in real life.
Geillis Duncan - Lotte Verbeek
Geillis Duncan is one of the most mysterious characters on the show. We first meet her in season one, when she is put on trial for witchcraft at the same time as Claire. While the show heavily implies that she dies at the hands of the witch hunters, she survives and meets Claire and Jamie in the New World, though her role is far more villainous.
Geillis Duncan is portrayed by Dutch actress Lotte Verbeek who, aside from Outlander, is known for her role in alongside Jeremy Irons in The Borgias.
Ian Murray - John Bell
Ian Murray is one of several characters that we've seen grow up on the show. We first meet Young Ian on the day of his birth, with Jamie Fraser, then in hiding, coming to Lallybroch to witness the birth of his nephew. Young Ian would go on to join his uncle on several adventures, most notably across the USA.
Young Ian is portrayed by the young Scottish actor John Bell, who has also starred in Wrath of the Titans, The Hobbit, and T2 Trainspotting.
Black Jack Randall - Tobias Menzies
Black Jack Randall was the show's first primary antagonist, with the first two seasons of Outlander focussing heavily around the damage Randall inflicts on both Claire and Jaime Fraser. Fortunately, the character was killed by Jaime during the Battle of Culloden in season 2.
Black Jack Randall is played by Tobias Menzies, a British actor who has had roles in Casino Royale, Game of Thrones, and currently plays Prince Phillip in The Crown.
Fergus Fraser - Cesar Domboy
In a similar vein to Young Ian Murray, Fergus is another character that we have seen age from child to adult during the run of the show. Fergus was found by Jamie Fraser in a French brothel and then brought to Scotland as Fraser's ward. The character, however, would lose his hand during an exchange with Red Coats.
Currently, the Fergus character is played by French actor Cesar Domboy who, like Lotte Verbeek, starred in The Borgias with Jeremy Irons.
Murtagh - Duncan Lacroix
Murtagh is one of the most loved characters in Outlander. As the godfather to Jamie Fraser, he is also one of the few parental figures that we see interacting with Jamie, giving the character an interesting and unique relationship with the red-headed Scotsman.
Duncan Lacroix is the actor that portrays Murtagh in Outlander, while the role of Murtagh may be his biggest role, Lacroix has also had roles in Game of Thrones, Primeval, and Outlaw King.
Brianna - Sophie Skelton
Brianna is the daughter of Claire and Jamie. While she was conceived in the 1700s, she was born in the 20th Century after Claire returned to her time after Jamie fought at the Battle of Culloden. Brianna would eventually travel to Scotland and travel through the stones to reunite with her mother and meet her father.
Brianna is portrayed by Sophie Skelton, a British actress who, aside from Outlander, is best known for her roles in Another Mother's Son and #211.
Roger - Richard Rankin
Roger is one of the most frustrating characters in Outlander. While the character can be one of the sweetest and funniest characters in the show, he can also be incredibly controlling and misogynistic, with his mid-20th Century character shining clear in his personality.
Roger is brilliantly portrayed by Scottish actor Richard Rankin who, aside from Outlander, has starred in The Last Kingdom, Thirteen, and Midsommer Murders.
Lord John - David Berry
Lord John Grey is one of the most loved characters in the show. The English lord is one of the few Red Coats to be an actual understanding and nice man. Much of Lord John Grey's character in the show revolves around his closeted homosexuality and his unrequited love for Jamie.
Lord John Grey is portrayed by Australian actor David Berry in the show, an actor who is best known for his roles in Australian TV shows such as A Place to Call Home and Home and Away.
Jaime Fraser - Sam Heughan
Jamie Fraser is one of the two main characters in the show, with Jamie fulfilling many of the classic 'action hero' archetypes, such as bravery, fighting ability, and good looks. What makes Jamie such a compelling character, though, is his intense love for his family and his desire to accept the differences between his time and Claire's time.
Jamie Fraser is portrayed by Sam Heughan, a Scottish actor whose stock has risen incredibly since he appeared in Outlander, with the actor appearing in movies such as The Spy Who Dumped Me, Bloodshot, and When the Starlight Ends.
Claire Fraser - Caitriona Balfe
Claire Fraser is the second main character in Outlander, with the series beginning with her and following the character through the stones and into 18th Century Scotland. Claire is one of the strongest and most compelling characters in the show, with Claire using her wits and medical talents to save lives and change some sexist stereotypes those in the 1700s would hold.
A former runway model who's worked for Dolce and Gabbana, Max Mara, and Oscar de la Renta, Balfe has become a fantastic actress since leaving the modeling world, with the Irish actress starring in Ford V. Ferrari, The Beauty Inside, and Crush.