The historical romantic fantasy Outlander is, at present, going through one of its longest droughts due to the current global pandemic, which has drastically hindered the production schedules of many of our favorite shows. But, with five successful seasons under its belt, this show has catapulted its actors to stardom over the years.

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From Sam Heughan, who plays the dashing Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser, the gorgeous Caitriona Balfe, who plays Claire, and the adorable Duncan Lacroix who essayed the role of the grumpy-but-lovable Murtagh Fitzgibbons, fans have come to feel a connection with the cast embodying their favorite characters. Here are ten little secrets or trivia about the cast that even the most die-hard fans might not be aware of.

The First Main Lead For Caitriona Balfe

Caitriona Balfe

Actress Caitriona Balfe has been at the heart of the series for five seasons now, embodying the very essence of the strong-willed, single-minded Claire Fraser. However, interestingly enough, Claire is Balfe's first lead role in any film of television. Fans might know that she was a model prior to taking her shot at acting, but they might not be aware that Outlander is literally her first main role.

Author Diana Gabaldon Hated Sam Heughan

Jamie looking up, out in the highlands in Outlander

The author of the books, Diana Gabaldon, has been known for stating that she wasn't on board with Sam Heughan being cast for the role of the swashbuckling Scottish warrior when she first saw his photo.

However, the actor soon changed her mind as he transformed into the Jamie Fraser of her imagination right before her eyes. Needless to say, Sam Heughan is Jamie Fraser, as far as fans are concerned.

Heughan Was One Of The First To Be Cast

Heughan as Jamie

Heughan was also one of the first actors to be cast for the show. Apparently, the producers and developer Ronald D. Moore wanted to take their time before casting such a crucial role so that they could hit the bull's eye with it.

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But, on viewing Heughan's audition tape, there was no scope for doubt that he was ideal for Jamie, and the producers knew straight away they had to scoop up this opportunity before it was too late.

Claire, Jamie, & Bree's Hair Isn't Natural

The Hair Colors For Jamie, Clair and Bree

Three of the central leads have very distinctive appearances in this historical adventure drama, those being Jamie, Claire, and Brianna. For all three, the color and type of hair, add a layer of personality to their character.

However, not many fans would know that all three actors who portray these roles have to go through extensive hair sessions to get their look right as none of them look naturally like their characters. Balfe's hair is straight, and she doesn't have a mass of black curls. Sam Heughan is blonde, and Sophie Skelton is a brunette. While Balfe curls her hair, the others have to dye their hair to get their look right.

Jamie's Scarred Back Is Silicon Molds

Jamie's back scars

Make-up and prosthetics play a huge role in period dramas such as Outlander, and especially when there is a character like Jamie Fraser who has been physically ravaged by his past trauma. Make-up artist Wendy Kemp explained that the scars of Heughan's back are created with two pieces of silicone mold which have been used since the first season. The color on the molds is made lighter every season, indicating that they have faded as Jamie has aged.

Skelton's Casting Took Ages

Brianna In Outlander

Sophie Skelton has pointed out that her first audition happened sometime way back in 2014, but she never got a call back at the time.

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Rather, it was only when the character made an appearance as Jamie and Claire's grown-up daughter with flaming red hair that Skelton was finally cast for the role she had auditioned for years ago.

Richard Rankin Sang For Real

Brianna, Roger, and a baby together

Scottish actor Richard Rankin, who plays Roger MacKenzie, is a wonderful singer, and the tracks that Roger sings on-screen are actually sung by the actor himself.

In fact, Rankin had apparently driven his co-star, Skelton, as well as others on the sets, to madness as he tried to perfect his track for the Scottish festival in season four. It turns out Roger Mac is quite the bard in real life.

Balfe's Magic Line

Claire and Jamie Pilot

In the pilot, "Sassenach", Claire calls for help as Jamie keels over and falls off his horse, yelling "stop! Help! He's going over!" Curiously enough, it was this one line that wove its magic and eventually made Balfe a major television star. The showrunners were particularly impressed by the way Balfe uttered the line in her audition tape, and that was her magic ticket to becoming Claire Fraser.

The Secret Of The Kilts

Jamie and Dougal talk at war camp.

There's a ton of authenticity to this historical drama, but none more so than the way the Scots wear their kilts, going commando underneath, just as they should be worn.

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The actors, such as Heughan and Duncan Lacroix, have been known to have declared the kilts very liberating, practical, and comfortable as they go gallivanting around as hot-blooded Highland warriors.

The Cast Adores The Animals

Horses in Outlander

The cast apparently adores working with animals all the time. Of course, the show boasts of having a host of animals, from magnificent horses to adorable dogs and cats, and some of the cast like Balfe are well-known animal lovers.

Sam Heughan, too, has mentioned how a lot of the actors have their favorites during filming and that the animals they work with definitely have minds of their own. Not all shows have such a vibrant work environment, which makes the cast of Outlander the lucky few.

NEXT: Caitriona Balfe's Top 10 Outlander Costumes