For someone who has captured the hearts of millions, Catriona Balfe maintains an elegant, down-to-earth charm. As Outlander approaches its final chapter, the Irish actress, who turned 45 this year, reflects on the extraordinary journey that has catapulted her into global stardom.
With her striking features and poised demeanor, Balfe exudes timeless grace. She embodies both strength and vulnerability in her portrayal of Claire Fraser, a role that has cemented her as a fan favorite on television.
Though her calendar is filling up with new offers, Balfe remains grounded, choosing roles that resonate with her creative spirit - a chance to delve into complex emotions and layered storytelling.
Producing for the first time on a significant project, as she did for 12 episodes towards the end of the Outlander epic, was both a thrilling and daunting experience for Balfe and reveals the leap that came with its challenges.
Thankfully, the strong bond with the cast and crew made her transition into this new role more manageable. Now that the next phase of her career opens up, Balfe’s excitement for fresh challenges and her unwavering dedication to her craft is as magnetic as ever.
For her, maintaining a legacy means continuing to evolve in an industry that is fast-paced and unpredictable.
STRIPLV: How do you feel about stepping into the role of director on Outlander and what has the experience been like for you? BALFE: It’s terrifying, I won’t lie! But directing has always been something I’ve wanted to try. On a show like Outlander, we are a family at this point. There’s such a strong sense of trust, and that’s made it easier for me to step into this role. Sam and I joke that we’ve been through it all at this point, so nothing really surprises us anymore! The camaraderie and support on set really help ease the pressure, which makes the experience both challenging and exciting. STRIPLV: What has your working relationship with Sam Heughan [who plays Jamie] been like over the years, and how do you balance it? BALFE: When Sam and I first started this journey, we had no idea it would go on this long. Now, we’ve been through so much together, professionally and personally. It’s been a real joy, but we’ve also learned to step back a bit off-camera. We used to spend more time together, but now we know when to take a breather. You have to, or else you’ll go mad! I don’t know how the story ends. I’ve resisted finding out! Sam knows and likes to hold it over me, but I think it’s more fun not knowing. It keeps me in the moment as Claire. STRIPLV: Are you sad that Outlander is in the final throes? BALFE: Yes and no. It definitely feels like we have served our time with it, and it’s been an incredible experience, but there are other opportunities out there and there are many that have been passed up, so I believe there’s a very real perception that we don’t really owe it anything, and in the same way, it certainly doesn’t owe us. In reality, you have to know when it is time to stop, and as they say, it’s always good to go out at – or at least near! – the top. STRIPLV: Do you feel Claire has evolved over the years to the extent you had hoped? BALFE: I believe so, yes. She’s such a wonderfully complex character. She’s fiercely intelligent, incredibly resilient, and deeply compassionate. What I love most about her is her strength, both physical and emotional. She’s faced countless challenges, from navigating time travel to surviving wars, but she always stays true to herself and her principles, as well as having incredible adaptability. And, of course, her love for Jamie is unwavering. STRIPLV: We’ve sensed that because of the impending American Revolution, there’s no way that Jamie and Claire can avoid fate. BALFE: Season seven is filled with intense twists and turns, and the looming Revolution plays a huge role in shaping the pair’s journey. The stakes are higher than ever as they’re forced to navigate chaos and violence. Their bond is tested in unimaginable ways. It’s really brilliantly written, and I’m very proud of what we’ve created. STRIPLV: Who would you say your inspirations are within the industry? BALFE: I draw inspiration from a wide range of individuals, both within the industry and beyond. Actors like Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett inspire me with their incredible versatility and commitment to their craft. They show how powerful storytelling can be. STRIPLV: How versatile an actor do you think you are at the moment, and what challenges you? BALFE: I believe I’ve grown a lot in terms of versatility. Playing Claire has pushed me to explore a wide range of emotions and situations, from deep love and heartache to fierce survival instincts. What challenges me most is stepping into roles that are vastly different from what I’ve done before. Each new character demands a unique approach, and that excites me. Embracing the unknown and pushing my boundaries keeps my work fresh and engaging. STRIPLV: You also starred in the boxing drama The Cut with Orlando Bloom. What was that like? BALFE: That was an incredible experience. The boxing world is so intense and it was fascinating to dive into the physicality and discipline required for the sport. Orlando and I had a great time on set; his dedication to the role was inspiring. I also appreciated the opportunity to explore the emotional depths of the characters. It’s always rewarding to collaborate with talented actors and bring such compelling narratives to life. STRIPLV: I’ve read that the filming locations include the south-east of England, France, and Turkey. What was that like? BALFE: Filming in diverse locations is always an incredible experience. England provided a beautiful backdrop that was perfect for the film’s espionage elements, while the vibrant streets of France and the stunning landscapes of Turkey added depth and authenticity. These places are unique. You see a picture and you can pinpoint exactly what country you are in. I do believe Europe has that unique ability, and it’s perhaps something you don’t get in countries on other continents. Working in these countries also allowed us to capture the essence of the characters’ journeys - it was a joy to immerse myself in different cultures while collaborating with a talented international crew. STRIPLV: The ability to travel must be a massive bonus as an actor? BALFE: Oh God, yeah, and, as you say, the opportunity to travel to incredible locations that I might not have explored otherwise. Each place we film in offers a unique beauty and cultural experience. You don’t often get the chance to explore too much, but there are times when you can, and I feel it’s something you must do, both for your own enrichment but as a mark of respect for the place that you visit. To not allow yourself to be entertained by it seems in some ways like you are disrespecting it. STRIPLV: How do you feel about Ireland, and what does it mean to you after all your travels? BALFE: Ireland will always be home for me, no matter where I am or how far I’ve traveled. There’s something deeply grounding about coming back – it centers me in a way nowhere else can. It’s a combination of the people, the land, and the familiarity. The sense of community and connection you find in Ireland is something special, and the warmth and energy of the people make it truly unique. No matter where I go, Ireland is my anchor. It’s these little moments that remind me of my roots and they always bring me back to a place of calm and balance amidst the craziness of life and work. STRIPLV: Did your time in the fashion industry assist you in any way in terms of preparing for the challenges of Hollywood? BALFE: I think modeling gave me a really good grounding in some ways because it’s such a tough industry. You’re constantly told “no,” or “you’re not right for this,” or “you don’t fit into this particular mold.” It really teaches you resilience, to not take things personally, and to keep pushing forward. STRIPLV: How does acting differ from modeling for you? BALFE: Acting challenges me on a different level, emotionally and intellectually. It’s where I find true fulfillment, being able to step into another person’s shoes and tell their story. For me, modeling was more of a stepping stone, not the final destination. In acting, you get to explore the human experience in a deeper way and really dive into the emotions, motivations, and complexities of a character. Modeling, while valuable for its discipline and exposure, didn’t offer that same depth. Acting allows me to evolve creatively, and that’s what drives me now. STRIPLV: How has your approach to fashion changed over the years? BALFE: Well, I still love a beautiful outfit – I mean, who doesn’t love to dress up and feel amazing in something well-made and stylish? But honestly, as I’ve gotten older, comfort has become much more important. When you’ve spent hours on the runway or at photoshoots in heels, corsets, or tight-fitting clothes, you really come to appreciate a great pair of trainers or soft, oversized sweaters! These days, I’m much more about blending style with practicality. It’s all about balance. Comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it just means I’m not willing to suffer for fashion like I might have in the past! STRIPLV: How is motherhood treating you, and how frustrating can it be when you have to leave for extended periods to film?? BALFE: Motherhood has been an incredibly rewarding journey, filled with both joy and challenges. It’s a profound experience that constantly teaches me patience and unconditional love. However, leaving for extended periods to film can be quite tough. Balancing work and family life often feels like a juggling act. There are moments of frustration when I miss my child’s milestones or daily routines, but I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with my family. I try to cherish every moment we have together and I appreciate the flexibility that allows me to be present when it matters most. STRIPLV: You do your bit for charity. BALFE: I would say being involved to make a positive impact on people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to use my platform to raise awareness and support causes that matter deeply to me. Whether it’s advocating for education, health, or environmental issues, connecting with those who benefit is truly inspiring. It reminds me of the importance of community and compassion. Plus, working alongside like-minded individuals who share the same passion for creating change is always uplifting and energizing.
CAIT WALK
Even though, for Caitriona Balfe, modeling has been usurped by acting, fashion remains a keen driver for what makes the star who she is.
Caitriona Balfe is an actress known for impeccable process, poise, and style. In terms of the latter, she brings unique perspectives to fashion, shaped by years as a fashion model.
Her time on the runway began with Chanel before she photographed for Givenchy, D&G, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti, and Louis Vuitton.
Regarded as one of the most in-demand models in her prime, from 2001 to 2004, she walked in more than 250 runway shows.
“Fashion, for me, is about storytelling — a way to express individuality and moods without words, but with a real emphasis on expression and imagination.
“Fashion lets you express not just your clothes, but your mood, personality, and even your environment.”
One of Balfe’s key beliefs is that style should be enjoyable and comfortable. While she loves the artistry behind high fashion and designer creations, she’s also keen on practical choices that reflect real life.
“I love the process of getting dressed up,” Balfe admits, “but it has to feel authentic, like something I can carry with confidence.”
The icon often gravitates towards clean lines, minimalistic designs, and a classic aesthetic, yet isn’t afraid to play with bold colors or textures. Sustainability is also a significant consideration for her.
“We all have to be conscious of how we consume fashion. Clothes should make you feel good, not just because of how they look but because of where they come from and the story behind them.”