Currently, you can enjoy the second half of the S7 of STARZ's Outlander which is a historical romance time travel series based on the books written by Diana Gabaldonof the same name. It follows Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a British nurse who travels from the 20th-century to 17th-century Scotland. In the new timeline, she meets and falls in love with a Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). With only 1 more season left, we're looking forward to see what other stories will be told in future spin-offs which we're looking forward to. We sat down with Charles Vandervaart (Holly Hobbie, The Craft: Legacy, Murdoch Mysteries) who plays Jamie's son, WIlliam Ransom to find out about how he came to this show, what he loves about it, as well as upcoming projects that he is involved. ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first film or series that made you fall in love with acting and when did you realize that you wanted to be an actor? CHARLES VANDERVAART: I was very young. I remember going to a play at my local theatre when I was about 6, and I was just enthralled by it. In the car home I asked my parents if I could try to do a play. I got my first ever gig at that same theatre. I fell in love with acting playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. AM: What do you enjoy about storytelling?
the show when we would get together for holidays. I watched a couple of episodes on my own before I auditioned, but after my first audition I binged the whole thing and fell in love with the story. AM: You play William Ransom. Can you tell us about your character and how he fits into the world of Outlander? CV: William Henry Clarence George Ransom is the bastard son of Jamie Fraser, however he believes he is the biological son of the 8th Earl of Ellesmere, who died on the day of his birth along with his mother. He was raised by Lord John as the 9th Earl. He grew up in affluent circles, learning about the world through the lens of the ultra wealthy in England. English patriotism and a loyalty to the crown became major aspects of his identity. When William learns of his true parentage, his entire identity shatters. He becomes this tornado of rage, feeling betrayed by Lord John and everyone else who kept this secret from him. AM: How do you approach playing William and what is it like acting in a period piece? CV: Well I get a lot of help from the writing, costumes, accent, etc to create William. Carol Ann Crawford, the dialect coach on the show was a tremendous help in finding William’s accent. Once I start talking like him, the rest of William quickly followed.
CV: Storytelling is so very human, we come together in the telling of stories. We can learn to empathize with and learn from others and in doing so, learn more about ourselves and the world around us. AM: We know fans of the show enjoy We endure through stories. Beauty that the cast and of course, Sam Heughan. may otherwise be lost is protected and What is it like playing against him? preserved in story. CV: I remember one of my last scenes AM: We've enjoyed watching Outlander in season 7 was with Sam, even though and we know a number of fans also enjoy we’ve been filming for a year at this the book, how much did you know about point it only hit me then that my character’s dad was Jamie Fraser. It felt a this series before you came to it? little like I was watching the show in CV: My aunt has been a really big fan for real time. I was feeling very grateful years now. I remember her talking about for this amazing journey. He's a hell of