Sam Heughan
{{Short description|Scottish actor (born 1980)}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sam Heughan
| image = Outlander premiere episode screening at 92nd Street Y in New York 08 (crop).jpg
| caption = Heughan in 2014
| birth_name = Sam Roland Heughan
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1980|4|30}}
| birth_place = Balmaclellan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
| alma_mater = Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer|author|entrepreneur}}
| years_active = 2001–present
}}
Sam Roland Heughan ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|j|uː|ə|n}}; born 30 April 1980) is a Scottish actor, producer, author, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his starring role as Jamie Fraser in the Starz drama series Outlander (2014–present) for which he has won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Cable Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor and the Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television, and received a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
Heughan has also starred in films such as the spy comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) and the superhero action film Bloodshot (2020). He was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer for his performance in Outlying Islands performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs.
Heughan and his Outlander co-star Graham McTavish co-wrote Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other which reached number one on the New York Times{{'}} Best Seller List for hardcover nonfiction, and combined print and e-book nonfiction in November 2020.{{Cite news|title=Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction – Best Sellers – The New York Times|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/combined-print-and-e-book-nonfiction/|access-date=2020-11-13|issn=0362-4331}} The same year Heughan launched his own whisky brand, The Sassenach (named after his Outlander character's nickname for his wife, Claire{{Cite web|last=Erskine|first=Rosalind|date=2020-08-12|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan reveals UK release date for Sassenach Whisky – here's when you can buy it|url=https://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/drink/outlander-star-sam-heughan-reveals-uk-release-date-for-sassenach-whisky-heres-when-you-can-buy-it/|access-date=2020-11-30|website=Scotsman Food and Drink|language=en-US}}), winning consecutive double golds in the 2020 and 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Early life and education
Sam Roland Heughan was born on 30 April 1980 in Balmaclellan, Dumfries and Galloway. His parents had been part of a hippie community in London called Gandalf's Garden which was heavily influenced by the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, inspiring them to name Heughan and his older brother after characters from The Lord of the Rings.{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Sean |date=2021-02-26 |title='Samwise Heughan' Outlander star Sam reveals connection to Lord of the Rings |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/samwise-heughan-outlander-star-reveals-23571825 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Daily Record |language=en}} Sam's mother Chrissie Heughan, an artist and artisan papermaker, struggled to raise the two brothers after their father left when they were both young.{{cite web |last1=The Red Bulletin October 2018 |title=The Incredible Good Fortune of Sam Heughan |url=https://issuu.com/redbulletin.com/docs/1018_uk_lowres/s/12054 |website=issuu |publisher=Red Bull Media House |access-date=17 August 2020}}
Aged 5, Heughan moved from Balmaclellan to nearby New Galloway where he attended Kells Primary School. During this time he lived in converted stables in the grounds of Kenmure Castle.{{cite web|url=http://www.readingeagle.com/ap/article/outlander-star-loses-himself-in-highlander-character|title='Outlander' star loses himself in highlander character|publisher=readingeagle.com|date=4 August 2014|access-date=15 June 2016|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915205007/http://www.readingeagle.com/ap/article/outlander-star-loses-himself-in-highlander-character|url-status=dead}} Moving to Edinburgh at age twelve he attended James Gillespie's High School for a year and then the Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School until the end of the sixth year.{{cite web|url=http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/sam-heughan-interview|title=Outlander's Sam Heughan on Actor's Nomadism, Scotland, and His Travel Bucket List|publisher=travelandleisure.com|access-date=15 June 2016}} He joined the Lyceum Youth theatre in 1998{{cite web | title=Sam Heughan | website=The Lyceum | url=https://lyceum.org.uk/letters-to-the-lyceum/entry/sam-heughan | access-date=10 September 2023}}{{cite web | last=Ferguson | first=Brian | title=Sam Heughan's first theatre company honours campaign to allow women to go to university with new show | website=The Scotsman | date=17 November 2021 | url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/sam-heughans-first-theatre-company-to-honour-edinburgh-seven-campaign-3461177 | access-date=10 September 2023}} and in 1999 was awarded a place at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in Glasgow, graduating in 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcs.ac.uk/alumni/sam-heughan/|title=Sam Heughan: In the Limelight|publisher=rcs.ac.uk|access-date=15 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818224941/https://www.rcs.ac.uk/alumni/sam-heughan/|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}
While enrolled at RSAMD Heughan performed in numerous plays including The Twits at Citizens Theatre, an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, Aeschylus's Greek tragedy Prometheus Bound, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/a-princess-for-christmas/cast/sam-heughan|title=Sam Heughan as Ashton on A Princess for Christmas|website=Hallmark Movies and Mysteries|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/the-twits-1-588397|title=The Twits|website=www.scotsman.com|date=18 February 2018 |access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/106256-sam-heughan-cast-as-jamie-fraser-in-starz-and-sonys-outlander|title=Sam Heughan Cast as Jamie Fraser in Starz and Sony's Outlander|date=2013-07-09|website=ComingSoon.net|access-date=2019-05-06}} In 2002, shortly before graduating, Heughan was one of four students chosen to represent RSAMD at the BBC Carleton Hobbs radio talent competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/sam-heughan|title=Heughan, Sam|website=United Artists|access-date=February 24, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/scot-hopes-hollywood-role-will-be-launchpad-to-stardom-1-515825|title=Scot hopes Hollywood role will be launchpad to stardom|website=www.scotsman.com|date=March 2004 |access-date=2019-05-06}} His alma mater, the RCS, awarded him an honorary doctorate at the class of 2022 graduation ceremony.{{Cite journal|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/20264440.new-doctor-star-ncuti-gatwa-back-glasgow-collect-honorary-degree/|title=New Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa back in Glasgow to collect honorary degree|journal=The National|first=Laura|last=Webster|date=7 July 2022|access-date=9 July 2022}}
Career
While still a student at RSAMD Heughan took extended leave of his studies to focus on Outlying Islands, a play by Scottish playwright David Greig. The play premiered at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh before moving to the Royal Court Theatre in London.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lamag.com/lastory/sam-heughan-on-upstaging-michael-fassbender-and-ditching-his-job-in-london-for-an-audition-in-l-a/|title=Sam Heughan On Upstaging Michael Fassbender and Ditching His Job in London for an Audition in L.A. Los Angeles Magazine|last=Wakim|first=Marielle|date=2016-04-07|website=Los Angeles Magazine|access-date=2019-04-23}} Heughan was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer for his performance.
In 2004, Heughan appeared in his first professional television role in the miniseries Island at War, a WWII drama about the German occupation of the Channel Islands.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/21/arts/television/when-hitler-arrived-at-englands-door.html|title=When Hitler Arrived at England's Door|last=Gates|first=Anita|date=2005-01-21|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-04-23|issn=0362-4331}} The following year he appeared in several episodes of the Scottish soap opera River City and portrayed adulterous husband Pony William in David Harrower's play Knives in Hens at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity-interviews/former-river-city-actor-sam-3232561|title=Former River City actor Sam Heughan on becoming heart-throb and filming on his home turf for starring role in Outlander TV series|last=English|first=Paul|date=2014-03-12|website=dailyrecord|access-date=2019-04-23}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-09-17/outlander-starz-cast-season-3/|title=Meet the cast of Outlander season three|website=Radio Times|access-date=2019-04-23}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/feb/11/theatre1|title=Knives in Hens, Tron, Glasgow|last=Fisher|first=Mark|date=2005-02-11|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-05-06|issn=0261-3077}} Between 2006 and 2009 Heughan appeared in a number of made-for-television films and miniseries including BBC and PBS's collaborative miniseries The Wild West (2006), Channel 4's docudrama, A Very British Sex Scandal (2007), and BBC Four's Breaking the Mould (2009).{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00795yb|title=BBC One – The Wild West, Episode 2|website=BBC|access-date=2019-04-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-wild-west/episode-2-season-1/billy-the-kid/405229|title=The Wild West {{!}} TV Guide|website=TVGuide.com|access-date=2019-04-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8c4bfeef|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621145706/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8c4bfeef|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 June 2017|title=A Very British Sex Scandal (2007)|website=BFI|access-date=2019-04-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ly0t1|title=BBC Four – Breaking the Mould: The Story of Penicillin|website=BBC|access-date=2019-04-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Ron-Moore-Outlander-Series-Finds-Its-Jamie-Fraser-57355.html|title=Ron Moore's Outlander Series Finds Its Jamie Fraser|date=2013-07-09|website=CINEMABLEND|access-date=2019-04-25}} During that time he also made appearances in a number of television series, including an episode of ITV's Midsomer Murders, ITV's crime drama Rebus, and two episodes of BBC's political drama Party Animals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/slideshow/gallery/henry-cavill-orlando-bloom-and-more-actors-on-midsomer-murders-before-they-were-famous/51570|title=Sam Heughan: Henry Cavill, Orlando Bloom and More Actors on 'Midsomer Murders' Before They Were Famous|website=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=2019-04-25}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/rebus/knots-and-crosses-1142306/|title=Rebus: Knots and Crosses|website=TV.com|access-date=2019-04-25|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130010900/http://www.tv.com/shows/rebus/knots-and-crosses-1142306/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/party-animals/cast/404427|title=Party Animals {{!}} TV Guide|website=TVGuide.com|access-date=2019-04-25}} Between 2007 and 2009 Heughan made appearances in several live productions, including Noël Coward's The Vortex at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Shakespeare's Hamlet at the Citizens Theatre, Iain F. MacLeod's The Pearlfishers at the Traverse Theatre, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at the Dundee Repertory Theatre, Macbeth at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and Nicholas de Jongh's Plague Over England at the Duchess Theatre.{{Cite web|url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/outlander-men-auditions-adaptations-6509/|title=The 'Outlander' Men on Auditions and Adaptations|date=2016-06-01|website=www.backstage.com|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/film-tv/outlander-star-sam-heughan-talks-to-scottish-field/|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan talks to Scottish Field|date=2018-03-13|website=Scottish Field|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.list.co.uk/article/5639-the-pearlfisher/|title=The Pearlfisher|date=2007-11-15|website=The List|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/sam-heughan-s-career-and-roles-before-outlander-fame-1-4491326|title=Sam Heughan's career and roles before Outlander fame|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2009/legit/reviews/plague-over-england-1200473475/|title=Plague Over England|last=Fricker|first=Karen|date=2009-02-24|website=Variety|access-date=2019-05-06}}
In 2009, Heughan landed a recurring role as Scott Nielson, Nurse Cherry Malone's boyfriend and a secret drug dealer in the BBC soap opera Doctors.{{cite web |url=http://unitedagents.co.uk/film/sam-heughan |title=Sam Heughan infosite |access-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808083319/http://unitedagents.co.uk/film/sam-heughan/ |archive-date=8 August 2009 |df=dmy }} He was nominated for a British Soap Award, in the category Villain of the Year, for his twenty-one episode stint on the series.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a217728/british-soap-awards-2010-the-winners/|title=British Soap Awards 2010: The Winners|last1=Green|first1=Kris|last2=Kilkelly|first2=Daniel|date=2010-05-08|website=Digital Spy|access-date=2019-04-25}} The following year, Heughan starred as the title character in the direct-to-video feature Young Alexander the Great, which was filmed in Egypt and explored the life of the teenager who would become Alexander the Great.{{Cite web|url=http://film.britishcouncil.org/young-alexander-alexander-the-great-from-macedonia|title=British Council Film: Young Alexander (Alexander the Great from Macedonia)|work=film.britishcouncil.org|access-date=2019-05-03}} He went on to star in BBC's television film First Light, the story of RAF pilot Geoffrey Wellum's experiences flying a Spitfire in the Battle of Britain, as documented in his WWII memoir of the same name.{{Citation|title=Any Human Heart|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/any_human_heart|access-date=2019-05-03}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8004966/First-Light-BBC-Two-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8004966/First-Light-BBC-Two-review.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=First Light, BBC Two, review|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=2010-09-15|access-date=2019-05-03|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} From there he featured in PBS's BAFTA-winning mini-series Any Human Heart, the story of author Logan Mountstuart's life in the context of historical events surrounding him, based upon William Boyd's novel of the same name.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/masterpiece/episode-2-season-41/any-human-heart-episode-2/191638|title=Masterpiece {{!}} TV Guide|work=TVGuide.com|access-date=2019-05-03}}{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2011/television/drama-serial|title=2011 Television Drama Serial {{!}} BAFTA Awards|work=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2019-05-03}} Heughan returned to theatre later that year in dramatist Phyllis Nagy's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr. Ripley at the Royal & Derngate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/THE-TALENTED-MR-RIPLEY-Opens-Royal-Derngates-Autumn-Season-Opens-Sept-17-20100819|title=THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY Opens Royal & Derngate's Autumn Season, Opens Sept 17|website=BroadwayWorld.com|access-date=2019-05-06}} Throughout that same year, Heughan portrayed Hugh Tennent, founder of Tennent's Lager, in a series of comical commercials, which won a number of accolades at the Scottish Advertising Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2011/06/15/new-tennents-tv-ad-launch-celebrating-lagers-music-ties|title=New Tennent's TV ad to launch celebrating lager's music ties|work=The Drum|access-date=2019-05-03}}
File:Sam Heughan by Gage Skidmore.jpg promoting Outlander|alt=|left]]Hallmark Channel's original film A Princess for Christmas starred Heughan as Prince Ashton in 2011, a role which saw him appear opposite Roger Moore and secure a nomination for Most Inspiring Performance in Television at the 20th Annual Grace Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=106256|title=Sam Heughan Cast as Jamie Fraser in Starz and Sony's Outlander|publisher=ComingSoon.net|date=9 July 2013|access-date=15 December 2013|archive-date=15 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215095951/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/tvnews.php?id=106256|url-status=dead}} That same year, he featured in Steve Waters' sold-out play Amphibians, a dual story of Olympic swimmers Max and Elsa, at the Bridewell Theatre.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/amphibians-rev|title=Theatre review: Amphibians at Bridewell Theatre|website=British Theatre Guide|access-date=2019-05-06}} For the next two years he starred as Batman in the touring stage show Batman Live.{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/267363/Theatre-review-Batman-Live-London-o2-Arena|title=Theatre review – Batman Live, London o2 Arena|last=Norman|first=Neil|date=2011-08-26|work=Express.co.uk|access-date=2019-05-03}} During this time he made the news for his assistance in a real-life citizen's arrest.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/batman-live-star-sam-heughan-1113004|title=Batman Live star Sam Heughan becomes real life superhero as he helps catch alleged thief|date=6 January 2012 |publisher=Daily Record|access-date=15 December 2013}} In 2012, he performed the title role in Shakespeare's King John at the Òran Mór Theatre.
In 2013, Heughan was cast as Jamie Fraser in the Starz time-travel drama series Outlander. He was the first cast member officially announced, to great praise by the author of the series, Diana Gabaldon, who said, "That man is a Scot to the bone and Jamie Fraser to the heart. Having seen Sam Heughan not just act, but be Jamie, I feel immensely grateful to the production team for their painstaking attention to the soul of the story and characters."{{cite web|last=Munn|first=Patrick|url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/07/sam-heughan-cast-as-lead-in-starzs-drama-series-outlander|title=Sam Heughan Cast As Lead In Starz's Drama Series 'Outlander'|publisher=TVWise|date=9 July 2013|access-date=15 December 2013}} He's played the co-lead role for all seven seasons of the series, and will continue for the eighth and last season, scheduled to film in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Echebiri |first=Makuochi |date=2023-08-08 |title=Sam Heughan Lobbied For 'Outlander' to Conclude With Season 8 |url=https://collider.com/outlander-season-8-ending-sam-heughan-comments/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Collider |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bhuvad |first=Ariba |date=2023-10-03 |title=Sam Heughan knows how Outlander will end, Caitriona Balfe does not |url=https://winteriscoming.net/2023/10/03/sam-heughan-knows-how-outlander-will-end-caitriona-balfe-does-not/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Winter is Coming |language=en-US}} He and his co-star, Caitriona Balfe, assumed the additional role of producers on the series in 2019.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a27166326/outlander-season-5-caitriona-balfe-sam-heughan-producers/|title=Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan Are Officially Producing on 'Outlander' Season 5|last=Kosin|first=Julie|date=2019-04-16|magazine=Harper's BAZAAR|access-date=2019-05-03}}
Turning to independent films in 2014, Heughan appeared in the psychological thriller Emulsion, the story of a man haunted by the disappearance of his wife.{{Cite web|url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/lifestyle/review-emulsion-100384/|title=Review: Emulsion|date=2014-01-29|website=Inverness Courier|access-date=2019-05-06}} He also starred in the comedy Heart of Lightness, in which Heughan appeared with two of his future Outlander co-stars: Laura Donnelly, who plays Jamie's sister Jenny Murray, and Rosie Day, who played Mary Hawkins in the second season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/heart-lightness-montreal-review-729279|title='Heart of Lightness': Montreal Review|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=30 August 2014 |access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Citation|title=Heart of Lightness (2014)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/heart_of_lightness|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/outlanders-laura-donnelly-jenny-claire-793772|title='Outlander's' Laura Donnelly: Jenny and Claire Are the "Thelma and Louise of Their Time"|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=9 May 2015 |access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/play-someone-thats-my-own-age-thatll-be-the-day-laughs-rosierosie-day|title=Play someone that's my own age? That'll be the Day says Outlander star Rosie Day|last=Gibb|first=Bill|website=Sunday Post|date=31 October 2017 |access-date=2019-05-06}} He went on to play the lead role of Jacob in the 2016 independent film When the Starlight Ends, which premiered at the Other Venice Film Festival.{{Cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/video/421231683946/on-set-of-when-the-starlight-ends-with-sam-heughan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824002708/http://etcanada.com/video/421231683946/on-set-of-when-the-starlight-ends-with-sam-heughan/|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 August 2016|title=On Set Of 'When The Starlight Ends' With Sam Heughan|website=ET Canada|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/arabella-oz-her-first-feature-936609|title=Arabella Oz on Her First Feature and Skinny-Dipping with 'Outlander's' Sam Heughan|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=8 October 2016 |access-date=2019-05-06}}
In 2018, Heughan co-starred as MI6 agent Sebastian Henshaw in the action comedy film The Spy Who Dumped Me, opposite Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, which he filmed during an Outlander filming hiatus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a22606321/sam-heughan-spy-who-dumped-me/|title=Sam Heughan Won't Be Wearing a Kilt in 'The Spy Who Dumped Me'|date=2018-08-01|website=ELLE|access-date=2019-05-06}} That same year, in his first voice-acting project, Heughan appeared in the Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment video game Lego DC Super-Villains as the Mirror Master. In May of that year, Heughan was a guest on BBC Two Scotland's special The Adventure Show, alongside Cameron McNeish, in an episode titled "Take A Hike" that focused on Scotland's passion for walking.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b3jvgn|title=BBC Scotland – The Adventure Show, 2017/2018, Take a Hike|website=BBC|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5yFq8Bvl0wLC5DShsQvXJXN/the-outlander-star-who-went-up-a-hill-but-came-down-a-mountain|title=BBC Scotland – BBC Scotland – The Outlander star who went up a hill but came down a mountain|website=BBC|access-date=2019-05-06}} It was also announced that Heughan would portray Corporal Jimmy Dalton in Bloodshot, an adaptation of the best-selling comic book from the Valiant universe, opposite Vin Diesel and Michael Sheen.{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/bloodshot-cast-sam-heughan-eiza-gonzalez-michael-sheen/|title=Vin Diesel's Bloodshot Casts Sam Heughan, Eiza Gonzalez, & Michael Sheen|date=2018-05-23|website=ScreenRant|access-date=2019-05-06}} Bloodshot premiered in March 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-03-11|title=World Premiere of Film 'Bloodshot' – Vin Diesel Says Movie '...is unique.' -|url=https://vmhmagazine.com/world-premiere-of-columbia-pictures-bloodshot-vin-diesel-says-film-is-unique/|access-date=2020-11-13|language=en-US|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113173246/https://vmhmagazine.com/world-premiere-of-columbia-pictures-bloodshot-vin-diesel-says-film-is-unique/|url-status=dead}} In November 2018, Heughan was cast as Tom Buckingham, the lead role in SAS: Red Notice, a film based on the novel of the same name by Andy McNab.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4479380/|title=SAS: Red Notice (2021) – IMDb|via=www.imdb.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/ruby-rose-andy-serkis-sas-red-notice-sam-heughan-sky-1202549846/|title=Ruby Rose, Andy Serkis, More Join Action-Thriller 'SAS: Red Notice', Sky Cinema Boards UK Rights, First Look – EFM|last=Wiseman|first=Andreas|date=2019-02-05|website=Deadline|access-date=2019-05-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/andy-mcnab-sas-red-notice-sky-altitude-sam-heughan-efm-1203128604/|title=Sky Lands Andy McNab Action Thriller 'SAS: Red Notice,' Altitude Boards Sales|last=Clarke|first=Stewart|date=2019-02-05|website=Variety|access-date=2019-05-06}}
In 2019, it was announced that Heughan would play Paul Newman in To Olivia, a biopic about Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl starring Keeley Hawes and Hugh Bonneville.{{Cite web|last=Wiseman|first=Andreas|date=2019-12-17|title='Outlander' Star Sam Heughan To Play Paul Newman In Patricia Neal/Roald Dahl Movie Biopic|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/sam-heughan-outlander-paul-newman-patricia-neal-roald-dahl-movie-1202811294/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Hallemann|first=Caroline|date=2019-12-17|title='Outlander' Actor Sam Heughan to Play Paul Newman in the New Roald Dahl Biopic|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a30123087/sam-heughan-roald-dahl-biopic/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Town & Country|language=en-US}} To Olivia premiered on February 19, 2021, in the United Kingdom, via Sky Cinema.{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=2021-02-18 |title=To Olivia review – a glib exploration of Roald Dahl and Patricia Neal's grief |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/feb/18/to-olivia-review-roald-dahl-patricia-neal-sky-cinema |access-date=2023-12-04 |issn=0261-3077}} In 2020, Heughan was cast as Henry in the Regency-era romantic comedy Mr. Malcom's List, based on a book of the same name by Suzanne Allain.{{Cite web|last=McStay|first=Kirsten|date=2020-06-22|title=Sam Heughan confirmed for new role in rom com movie Mr Malcolm's List|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/sam-heughan-confirmed-role-new-22234012|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Daily Record|language=en}} Heughan was also cast alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Celine Dion in the romantic drama Love Again, a remake of the German film SMS Fur Dich.{{Cite web|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|date=2020-10-27|title=Sam Heughan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Music Icon Celine Dion To Star In Romantic Drama For Screen Gems|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/sam-heughan-priyanka-chopra-jonas-celine-dion-screen-gems-text-for-you-1234604056/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}
SAS: Red Notice, a British action thriller based on the novel of the same name by Andy McNab, was released in 2021. The film premiered in United Kingdom on March 12, 2021, via Sky Cinema. Rotten Tomatoes described the film as a "thoroughly mediocre action thriller."{{Cite web |date=2021-03-16 |title=SAS: Rise of the Black Swan |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sas_red_notice |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}
Heughen wrapped up filming of the romantic drama Love Again, in early 2021, in which he stars alongside Priyanka Chopra and Celine Dion. The film is an English-language remake of the 2016 German film SMS für Dich, itself based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Sofie Cramer. It was released theatrically on May 12, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing.{{Cite news |last=Horton |first=Adrian |date=2023-05-05 |title=Love Again review – Céline Dion is the high note of sappy romcom |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/05/love-again-review-celine-dion-priyanka-chopra-jonas |access-date=2023-12-04 |issn=0261-3077}}
=Other work=
In addition to acting, Heughan served as the first Global Brand Ambassador for the English clothing label Barbour beginning in 2016.{{cite web|title=Introducing Sam Heughan – Barbour's First Global Brand Ambassador|url=http://www.barbour.com/blog/sam-heughan-barbour-brand-ambassador|access-date=2016-07-13|website=Barbour}} He released several collections since his initial autumn/winter line in 2017, all of which he co-designed.{{Cite web|title=Sam Heughan's Barbour collection is here and it's all you'd expect from the 'Outlander' star|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/09/28/sam-heughans-barbour-collection-here-and-its-all-youd-expect-outlander-star/709192001/|access-date=2019-05-06|website=USA Today}}{{Cite web|last=Hallemann|first=Caroline|date=2018-10-11|title=Outlander Actor Sam Heughan Just Designed a New Collection for Barbour|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/mens-fashion/a23724543/sam-heughan-barbour-collection-2018/|access-date=2019-05-06|website=Town & Country}}{{Cite web|last=Hallemann|first=Caroline|date=2019-03-18|title='Outlander' Star Sam Heughan's New Collection for Barbour Will Make You Hope for Warmer Weather|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/mens-fashion/a26858899/outlander-sam-heughan-barbour-collaboration-summer-2019/|access-date=2019-05-06|website=Town & Country}}
In November 2020, Heughan published a travelogue titled Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other{{Cite book|url=https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/sam-heughan/clanlands/9781529342000/|title=Clanlands|date=2020-05-04|isbn=9781529342000|language=en-US|last1=Heughan|first1=Sam|last2=McTavish|first2=Graham|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton }} with Outlander co-star Graham McTavish. The book became a bestseller, reaching No. 1 on the New York Times
Also in 2020, Heughan launched his own whisky brand, The Sassenach, through the Great Glen Company, which he founded. The Sassenach is available in the UK and select US states and earned a double gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Political views and philanthropy
Heughan is fairly open about his political views. In response to a fan suggesting actors should stay out of politics in 2017, he replied "Sorry I disagree. EVERYONE is entitled to an opinion. That's what makes it a democracy."{{Cite journal|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15395405.sam-heughan-hits-back-fan-says-actors-stay-away-politics/|title=Sam Heughan hits back at fan who says actors should 'stay away from politics'|journal=The Herald|first=Aftab|last=Ali|date=6 July 2017|access-date=18 October 2023}} Heughan was a vocal supporter of Scottish independence from the United Kingdom during the 2014 independence referendum, going on record as saying, "I was a no and thought independence wasn't a good idea initially, but then I did a 180 and towards the end became quite vocal in the Yes campaign. I thought that ultimately it was a move towards more democracy for the people of Scotland."{{cite web|url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZUAQM8XcAAQhAl.jpg|title=Photo|website=twimg.com|access-date=10 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15104447.Outlander_star_Sam_Heughan__Scottish_independence_worth_the__gamble_/|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan: Scottish independence worth the 'gamble'|website=HeraldScotland|date=20 February 2017 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/14400555.outlander-star-sam-heughan-on-scottish-independence-super-fans-and-his-life-changing-role/|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan on Scottish independence, super fans and his life changing role|website=HeraldScotland|date=3 April 2016 |access-date=6 May 2019}} In 2021, he insisted his support for independence was not "anti-British" but rather out of a love for and belief in Scotland; he called it a "great opportunity".{{Cite journal|url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/outlander-star-sam-heughan-insists-scottish-independence-support-is-not-about-being-anti-british-3196462|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan insists Scottish independence support is not about being 'anti-British'|journal=The Scotsman|first=Brian|last=Ferguson|date=12 April 2021|access-date=18 October 2023}}
Heughan credits much of his early success to his participation in youth theatre and, in August 2014, became a patron for Youth Theatre Arts Scotland. Of his position as patron, he has said, "I think that what I'd like to instill is that if you join the youth theatre, it's a gateway into greater career prospects."{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/giving-back/charities/outlander-s-sam-heughan-from-youth-theatre-to-global-stardom-1-4031701|title=Outlander's Sam Heughan – from youth theatre to global stardom|website=www.scotsman.com|date=16 February 2016 |access-date=6 May 2019}} He supports the charitable organisation's mission 'to transform lives through youth theatre by providing inspiring participatory opportunities for young people in Scotland.'{{cite web|url=http://www.ytas.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/|title=What we do – Youth Theatre Arts Scotland|website=Youth Theatre Arts Scotland|access-date=3 March 2016}}
In 2015, Heughan started the organisation My Peak Challenge, a training, nutrition, and support programme that provides participants with a sense of community as they work towards personal goals, while concurrently raising money for charity.[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/outlander-star-sam-heughan-wants-4904485 Outlander star Sam Heughan wants YOU to reach peak fitness for charity in 2015], dailyrecord.co.uk, 3 December 2016 The foundation has partnered with Leukemia Lymphoma Research, Bear Strength Clothing and Fight Camp Glasgow to raise funds for cancer research.{{Cite web|url=http://www.whatshesaidradio.com/what-she-said/sam-heughan-interview-by-anne-brodie-for-the-series-outlander/|title=Sam Heughan: Interview by Anne Brodie for the series "Outlander" {{!}} What She Said|date=2 April 2015|website=What She Said Radio {{!}} Canada|access-date=6 May 2019|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812122254/https://www.whatshesaidradio.com/what-she-said/sam-heughan-interview-by-anne-brodie-for-the-series-outlander/|url-status=dead}} In 2019, Heughan teamed up with Omaze, raffling off a date to the 2019 MPC Gala, which raised $2,892,080 for Bloodwise UK.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/sam-heughan-has-major-plans-exciting-announcements-coming-soon-2771574|title=Sam Heughan Has 'Major Plans' And 'Exciting Announcements' Coming Soon|date=5 March 2019|website=International Business Times|access-date=6 May 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://parade.com/849966/paulettecohn/win-a-chance-for-a-date-with-outlander-star-sam-heughan-for-10-donation/|title=Win a Chance For a Date With Outlander Star Sam Heughan for $10 Donation|last=Cohn|first=Paulette|date=7 February 2019|website=Parade|access-date=6 May 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://blog.omaze.com/impact-update-sam-heughan/|title=Impact Update: Sam Heughan and My Peak Challenge's Chosen Charities|date=29 April 2019|website=Omaze Blog|access-date=6 May 2019|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819171439/https://blog.omaze.com/impact-update-sam-heughan/|url-status=dead}}
In September 2016, Heughan partook in the Great North Run to raise funds for Bloodwise, which he has supported since 2011, and became president of Scotland Bloodwise.{{cite web|url=http://www.greatrun.org/great-north-run|title=Great North Run|access-date=11 September 2016}}[https://bloodwise.org.uk/blog/sam-heughan Sam Heughan and Bloodwise], bloodwise.org.uk, 3 December 2016[https://bloodwise.org.uk/blog/scottish-actor-sam-heughan-becomes-scotland-president-bloodwise Scottish actor Sam Heughan becomes Scotland President for Bloodwise], bloodwise.org.uk, 17 November 2016{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvovermind.com/five-things-didnt-know-sam-heughan/|title=Five Things You Didn't Know About Sam Heughan|last=Nat|date=8 September 2017|website=TVOvermind|access-date=6 May 2019}} In 2018, he ran both the Stirling and EMF Edinburgh Marathons in the space of a month to raise money for Cahonas Scotland and their Testicular Cancer Education and Awareness Programme.{{cite news|title=Outlander's Sam Heughan to receive honorary doctorate from Scots university|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/outlander-s-sam-heughan-to-receive-honorary-doctorate-from-scots-university-1-4937682|work=The Scotsman|date=30 May 2019}} He raised £38,224 for the charity.{{cite web|title=Sam Heughan MPC double marathon challenge in support of Cahonas Scotland|url=https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/cahonas-scotland/samheughan|website=Just Giving|access-date=31 January 2020}}
In light of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Heughan was one of over two thousand to sign an Artists for Palestine letter calling for a ceasefire and accusing Western governments of "not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them".{{cite web|url=https://artistsforpalestine.org.uk/2023/10/17/tilda-swinton-among-2000-artists-calling-for-gaza-ceasefire/|title=Tilda Swinton among 2000+ artists calling for Gaza ceasefire|website=Artists for Palestine|date=17 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023}}{{cite web |last=Harris|first=Raquel| url=https://www.thewrap.com/sam-heugan-gaza-cease-fire-letter-inadvertent/ | title=Sam Heughan apologises after signing letter condemning Israel | website=TheWrap |date=19 October 2023|access-date=19 March 2025 }} He later apologised for signing this letter in a statement on X and withdrew his support, stating "I believed it was a simple call for peace – it wasn't."{{cite news |last=Young |first=Gregor |date=20 October 2023 |title=Sam Heughan backtracks after signing letter for Gaza ceasefire |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23868822.sam-heughan-releases-statement-inadvertently-signing-gaza-letter/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |work=The National}}{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Heather |date=20 October 2023 |title=Outlander's Sam Heughan sorry for signing letter condemning Israel |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/sam-heughan-israel-hamas-apology-lette-8tkscfqh0 |access-date=19 March 2025 |work=The Times}}
Personal life
Heughan lives in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland.{{cite web |last1=Beattie |first1=Eve |title=Inside Sam Heughan's life including impressive £1m mansion just outside Glasgow |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/inside-life-sam-heughan-including-29635582 |website=Daily Record |access-date=24 May 2023 |language=en |date=5 April 2023}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable"| Notes |
|---|
| 2001
| Boyfriend | Short film |
| 2010
| Young Alexander the Great | |
| 2011
| A Princess for Christmas | Ashton Prince of Castlebury | |
| rowspan="2" | 2014
| Heart of Lightness | Lyngstrand | |
| Emulsion
| Ronny Maze | |
| 2016
| Jacob | |
| 2018
| Sebastian Henshaw | |
| 2020
| Jimmy Dalton | |
| rowspan="2" | 2021
| |
| SAS: Red Notice
| Tom Buckingham | |
| 2023
| Rob Burns | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Character ! class="unsortable"| Notes |
|---|
| 2004
| Philip Dorr | 5 episodes |
| 2005
| Andrew Murray | 4 episodes |
| 2006
| {{sortname|The|Wild West|nolink=1}} | Episode: "Billy the Kid" |
| rowspan="4" | 2007
| Ian King | Episode: "King's Crystal" |
| Party Animals
| Adrian Chapple | 2 episodes |
| {{sortname|A|Very British Sex Scandal|nolink=1}}
| Edward McNally | Television film |
| Rebus
| Peter Carr | Episode: "Knots and Crosses" |
| rowspan="2" | 2009
| Breaking the Mould: The Story of Penicillin | Dr. Charles Fletcher | Television film |
| Doctors
| 21 episodes |
| rowspan="2" | 2010
| Television film |
| Any Human Heart
| Lieutenant McStay | Episode: "#1.2" |
| 2011
| {{sortname|A|Princess for Christmas}} | Prince Ashton of Castlebury | Television film |
| 2014–present |
| 2018
| Himself |
| 2021–present
| Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham | Also producer |
| 2022
| Suspect | Ryan | |
| 2023–present
| Danny | Lead role |
=Theatre=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Theatre |
|---|
| 2001
|Bird |Citizens Theatre, Glasgow |
| 2002
| John |
| 2005
| Knives in Hens{{cite web|url=http://www.edinburghguide.com/aande/theatre/reviews_05/k/knives_and_hen_tag.shtml |title=Knives in Hens – 2005 Tour |access-date=15 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905180506/http://www.edinburghguide.com/aande/theatre/reviews_05/k/knives_and_hen_tag.shtml |archive-date=5 September 2008 |df=dmy }} | Pony William |
| rowspan="3" | 2007
| Tom Veryan |
| Hamlet
| Citizens Theatre, Glasgow |
| {{sortname|The|Pearlfisher|nolink=1}}
| Roderick / Eddie the Gaffer |
| rowspan="2" | 2008
| Paris |
| Macbeth
| Malcolm / Murderer | Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh |
| 2009
| Gregory |
| 2010
|Richard Greenleaf |
| 2011
|Max |Bridewell Theatre, London |
| 2011–12
| Batman | Touring show |
| 2012
| Òran Mór Theatre, Glasgow |
=Video games=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2018
| Mirror Master (voice) | |
Awards and nominations
Honours
- Heughan received an honorary doctorate "in recognition for his outstanding contribution to acting and charitable endeavours" from the University of Stirling in June 2019
- He was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his artistic success and charitable work by the University of Glasgow{{Cite web|url=https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_649308_en.html|title=Outlander star Sam Heughan among recipients of honorary doctorates at Dumfries|website=www.gla.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-07-04}}{{Citation|title=Sam Heughan at UofG Dumfries graduation|url=https://www.facebook.com/UofGlasgow/videos/452817678611021/|language=en|access-date=2019-07-04}} in July 2019
- He received an honorary doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on 7 July 2022{{cite web |title='Dream big': actor Sam Heughan inspires the next generation as he receives an honorary doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland |url=https://www.rcs.ac.uk/news/sam-heughan-honorary-doctorate/ |website=The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland |date=7 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- {{IMDb name|1537825}}
- [https://www.mypeakchallenge.com/ My Peak Challenge] website
- [https://sassenachspirits.com/ Sassenach Spirits] website
- {{cite web |url=http://www.showbizjunkies.com/tv/sam-heughan-caitriona-balfe-outlander-interview/ |title=Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe Discuss 'Outlander' |publisher=ShowbizJunkies |date=30 July 2014}}
- "[https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=452817678611021 Sam Heughan at UofG Dumfries Graduation"]. University of Glasgow Facebook. 4 July 2019.
- {{cite web |url=https://www.stir.ac.uk/events/graduation/honorary-graduates/ |title=Honorary Graduates|publisher=Stirling University |date=28 June 2019}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Sam Heughan
|list =
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor}}
{{Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heughan, Sam}}
Category:21st-century Scottish actors
Category:British people of Irish descent
Category:Alumni of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Category:People from Dumfries and Galloway
Category:British male film actors
Category:Scottish male Shakespearean actors
Category:British male soap opera actors
Category:Scottish male stage actors
Category:British male television actors