As the final season of Outlander approaches, Caitríona Balfe is reflecting on the show’s legacy, the challenges of navigating fame, and the importance of using her platform for advocacy. The actress, who portrays Claire Fraser in the long-running Starz series, recently spoke with Vanity Fair about her evolving role on the production, the pressures of social media, and her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Balfe’s journey with Outlander has spanned eight seasons, a commitment she initially underestimated. She recalled signing on for six seasons in 2013, initially viewing the year-long shoot in Scotland as a welcome change of scenery. “I didn’t realise I’d still be there almost eight and a half years later,” she admitted. That initial commitment has blossomed into a decade-long partnership, and with it, a greater level of creative control. Balfe and co-star Sam Heughan became executive producers starting with season five, a move that allowed them to actively shape the narrative and ensure the consistency of their characters.
“The writers changed every season,” Balfe explained. “Sam and I were the throughline that had to filter all these different voices that were coming in so that the character remained the same throughout.” This increased involvement wasn’t simply about maintaining character integrity; it was about professional growth. “Like with any job, if you’re going to be somewhere for a decade, you need to keep growing. You need to keep adding to your skillset, otherwise you become stagnant.”
The conversation with Vanity Fair also touched on the complexities of fame, particularly in the age of social media. Balfe acknowledged the outpouring of support from Outlander fans, but also expressed a growing detachment from online platforms. “In the beginning, we were all so much more active on social media, or at least I used to be back in the day before it became a cesspool,” she said. “It’s hard not to absorb some of it. But then you quickly realize these people aren’t in my life. My life is not online.”
This isn’t to say Balfe shies away from using her platform entirely. She actively utilizes social media to raise awareness for causes she believes in, most recently highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “I’ve always been politically literate and voiced my opinions before I was an actor,” she stated. “If you’re standing up for children, that just goes without saying. That to me isn’t even being political, that’s being a human being. We should all be able to just blanketly agree that children should be protected. That shouldn’t be picking a side. If you’re alive at this moment, you should be able to just live how you want.” She emphasized that while she feels a personal responsibility to speak out, she respects the choices of other actors who may prefer to remain private.
Balfe’s perspective on navigating the spotlight also extends to offering advice to emerging stars. When asked what she would tell the breakout stars of the recent hit series Heated Rivalry, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, she offered a pragmatic approach. “I haven’t seen Heated Rivalry yet,” she admitted with a laugh, “But phenomenon far eclipses our show. You got to just be grateful for the experience…And make sure that you send messages to your parents not to watch certain episodes.”
The upcoming eighth season of Outlander will see Jamie and Claire facing new challenges, as they navigate the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War. Balfe’s reflections suggest a sense of closure and gratitude for the journey, but also a clear-eyed understanding of the responsibilities that come with a platform as influential as hers. Her transition into a more active producing role on the series, coupled with her commitment to social advocacy, signals a new chapter for the actress, one she’s been building towards for years.
Balfe’s career has expanded beyond Outlander, with roles in critically acclaimed films like Belfast. This diversification has allowed her to explore different facets of her craft and maintain a sense of creative fulfillment throughout the long run of the Starz series. As she prepares to say goodbye to Claire Fraser, Balfe appears poised to embrace a future defined by both artistic ambition and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
