Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight

Outlander fans in stitches as Caitriona Balfe details on-set prank

Outlander actress, Caitriona Balfe, famed for her role as Claire Fraser, is set to return to the screen but what else is there to know about the Irish star beyond the show? 

The second part of season seven is premiering on MGM+ and Starz this week, resuming the tale of Claire, Jamie Fraser (portrayed by Sam Heughan), and Young Ian (John Bell) in Scotland.

With the romantic drama's comeback, enthusiasts are eager to delve into the life of the 45 year old actress who brings Claire Fraser to life.

Bullying

Hailing from Dublin, born in 1979, Caitriona was raised in Tydavnet, a small village in County Monaghan, as the fourth among five siblings, with her family later adopting two more children.

Her mother was a homemaker, while her father served as a sergeant in Ireland's national police service, the Garda Siochana.

Inside Outlander star Caitriona Balfes life from bullying and low self-esteem to famous husband and season 7 tease (Image: STARZ)

Outlander actress Caitriona Balfe is married to music producer Tony McGill. (Image: GETTY)

Sadly, Caitriona experienced bullying at school due to her father's profession.

She shared with The Sun: "I think growing up as a child of a Garda can sometimes be tough especially because of where we were living. Kids they find one thing and they kind of focus on it."

"We came from a very small school and very rural area but there was a lot of bullying going on. It makes you stronger, eventually."

Modelling

At the age of 18, while fundraising at a local mall, Caitriona caught the eye of a Ford Models scout and was offered an opportunity to model in Paris.

She dedicated a decade to the fashion industry, modelling for illustrious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Givenchy, and Dolce and Gabbana, strutting down the catwalk in over 250 runway shows within just three years.

Yet, the celebrity was compelled to abandon her modelling career to chase her original ambition of acting and thus relocated to Los Angeles.

Transitioning from modelling took its toll on Caitriona, as she revealed that therapy became a part of her life after the career change.

"I spent quite a bit of time in therapy in my early 30s when I arrived in LA because that was a time of huge reckoning for myself and trying to figure out how I had got to where I was at," she disclosed.

"I was starting a whole new thing and knew I didn't have all of the tools.

"I think if I hadn't gone into therapy at that point I don't know if I would have been able to get through those lean years and look after myself.

"A lot of people have this perception of models as these stuck up, overly confident young women who are super privileged, but my experience is very very different to that.

"It is a very lonely business, and it can be very tough on your confidence and your self esteem."

Outlander actress Caitriona Balfe worked as a runway model for 10 years before quitting and moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Family life

Caitriona is wed to music producer Tony McGill, whom she encountered via a mutual friend, as reported by The Irish Independent.

The couple has chosen to keep their relationship under wraps but broke the silence at the 2018 Golden Globes by announcing their engagement after two years together, with the Outlander star divulging: "It happened over the break. I'm very happy."

They tied the knot in August 2019 at St Mary's Church in Bruton, Somerset, and celebrated the birth of their son on August 18, 2021.

Outlander tease

During a panel at New York Comic Con in October, the Irish actress spilled the beans on what fans can expect in the upcoming second part of season seven.

She revealed: "Look, nothing good ever happens when the Frasers are separated.

"And I think this season is probably the greatest example of that.

"The relationship is tested more than it's been for many, maybe a couple of decades."

Caitriona further shared: "Claire learns a lot about herself... but I think they also learn that, you know, at this point, it's never a what if, like, will they won't they?

"You know, we know that they're together and they love each other. But I think it's more like, how are they going to get through this, rather than will they?

"And that's the kind of interesting thing about its growing marriage."

Outlander season seven, part two, premieres on Friday, November 22, on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK and Starz in the US. 

Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight

Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight

Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight

Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight

Outlander star Caitriona Balfe's life from bullying and famous husband to season 7 insight