Sam Heughan and Dumfries & Galloway
Sam Heughan, "Outlander" star, was born on April 30th, 1980, in New Galloway.
A graduate of the Scottish Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Sam found his first big break, starring in the award-winning drama Outlying Islands, penned by David Greig. His performance brought him instant recognition and, in 2003, he was nominated in the Most Promising Performer category, in Britain's prestigious Lawrence Olivier Awards. This accolade launched him into the public view and The Scotsman voted him as one of the Top 10 most eligible bachelors in the country.
His next appearance was in Island at Warwhich was serialised in a prime-time evening slot on ITV, in July / August 2004. Scarcely had shooting wrapped up, than Sam was sought after and signed up for the lead part in Ilya Salkind's Young Alexander. Producer Salkind’s list of box office successes includes the massive hit Superman.
In addition to the TV roles, Sam has built a solid career in theatre in both Scotland and England starring in productions of Plague Over England, Macbeth, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Amphibians, and King John. He has also been featured in notable indy films, "Emulsion", and "Heart Of Lightness".
Currently, Mr. Heughan is starring in the STARZ mega hit, Outlander based upon the popular novels written by Author Diana Gabaldon. Gabaldon's eight-book series, which has sold more than 20 million copies, follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945, played by Irish star Caitriona Balfe, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 and the Jacobite uprising, and forced to marry a young Scottish warrior, "Jamie Fraser" played by Sam Heughan.
The series made its global debut on the Starz channel in the US in August. The first episode attracted five million views and a second series was swiftly commissioned. It has now been bought from Sony Pictures, which is licensing the series, by 87 territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Brazil, Uruguay, Denmark and Ireland.
A spokeswoman for Sony Pictures told the Sunday Herald recently that there was no news regarding when it would be shown in the UK, but she added: "We are hoping to be able to say more soon."
Sam Heughan is also very active in multiple charities, raising awareness as well as donations, by personally participating in marathons, and triathlons, for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Research Organization. He is also a patron of the Youth Theatre Arts Scotland (ytas.org.uk). His ever growing fan base also spreads awareness, and holds many fund raising events to support the cause.
Sam Heughan, is well known to be one of the most friendly, down to earth, and approachable "celebrities", often communicating directly with fans through Twitter and instagram. He often speaks of, and shares his love of his homeland, and Scottish culture, music and art.
Sam Heughan Biography by online fans including Joan M Ballard
2017 Update: The Outlander Series is now available on More4 in the UK
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/outlander