International Women’s Day spotlight: The women of Outlander

Caitriona Balfe

Where would the world of Outlander be without its leading lady? Caitriona Balfe has brought the character of Claire to life. We’ve loved and lost with her, feeling every emotion she’s had along the way. We fell in love with Jamie with Claire, felt the fear and hatred for Black Jack, understood the difficulty readjusting with Frank, and felt the love for and apprehension of leaving Brianna behind.

Balfe is more than just an outstanding actress, though. Despite never experiencing harassment herself, she’s always been kind and generous to those who took part in the #MeToo campaign. She has fought with them, pushing for equality, rights, and a brighter future within the industry. Throughout the awards season, she’s continued the black dress trend to make sure she makes a point that #TimesUp.

You won’t see much of Balfe’s private life, and that’s just the way we like it.

Sophie Skelton

One of the newest additions to the series, Sophie Skelton joined Outlander for Season 2 as Brianna. However, we didn’t really get to know her until last season, as she gained more exposure with Claire being in her present day. Season 4 will bring Brianna in more, as we delve further into the life of her and Roger MacKenzie Wakefield.

The British actress is another one who likes to keep her private life private, although she certainly loves to have a good joke on Twitter. Like her on-screen mother, Skelton has a beautiful and kind heart, recently tweeting about the open shelters for the homeless during the harsh winter conditions in Britain.

As a young actress, she still has so much growing to do. It’s an honor to see that happen in Outlander.

There are many other actresses who deserve a mention for their hardwork and dedication to Outlander to make their characters the women they are. Laura Donnelly, Lotte Verbeek, Nell Hudson and Lauren Lyle have all stood out over the years.