Happy birthday, Caitriona Balfe: Our one and only Claire Fraser
It’s Caitriona Balfe’s birthday today. Why not celebrate with a look at why she’s our perfect Claire Fraser in the Outlander TV series?
Oct. 4 is a special day for one particular Outlander star. It’s Caitriona Balfe’s birthday, and we can think of no way better to celebrate than to look at why she’s our perfect Claire Fraser.
Book and show Claire are certainly two different characters, but that is due to the way the show is created versus the freedom of a book. In a novel, more exposition is possible. You can read the thoughts of the character, especially when it’s told from the first person POV. A show doesn’t allow that without extra voiceover (and that can get too much!).
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Balfe is the perfect Show Claire. She’s strong-willed, passionate, determined, and kind. This is a woman who isn’t afraid to stand up against the sexism in the world, whether it’s that in the 18th century or in the 20th century. Balfe portrays that beautifully. You can see her thoughts and feelings on her face—something that does come from the Claire in the books.
What’s funny is that we have this character who is relatively worldly, focused on healing people, and strict in her ways, but Balfe is very little like her in real life. Yes, Balfe is kind and supportive, but she’s also much funnier than her character. Her mannerisms are different, showing just how much she puts into this character that she’s playing.
If you thought of casting the series now, it would be very hard to find someone other than Caitriona Balfe. Honestly, tell me of another woman who could play this character so brilliantly, who could embody this character and have such chemistry with her costar.
Next. 15 best Claire moments in Outlander Season 5. dark
What do you love about Balfe as Claire Fraser? What do you hope to see in Season 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 5 premieres on Feb. 16 on STARZ.