Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan

The One Show: Sam Heughan 'excited' by the return of Outlander

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Outlander.

Outlander's David Berry made a comeback in the second half of the seventh series, sparking fans' interest in his life off-screen.

In the latest instalment of Outlander, Claire Fraser (portrayed by Caitriona Balfe) was left heartbroken after discovering her husband Jamie Fraser's (Sam Heughan) demise.

His close friend Lord John Grey (David Berry), who harboured unrequited feelings for the Highlander, was equally shattered by the news.

When Claire faced the threat of arrest on charges of espionage, John stepped up to honour Jamie's memory and married her to ensure her safety.

With Lord John playing such a crucial role in season seven, viewers are eager to learn more about actor David Berry.

Unexpected talent

Born in Toronto, Canada, in January 1984, Berry relocated to Australia with his family and three siblings when he was just seven.

Berry's talents as a singer and violinist were soon recognised, earning him a scholarship at a prestigious school for his vocal prowess.

Inside Outlander star David Berrys life from struggles with depression to nearly killing Sam Heughan on set (Image: STARZ)

Outlander actor David Berry starred as James Bligh in the Australian drama A Place At Home. (Image: BBC)

While studying there, he performed professionally, including at festivals and with Opera Australia.

In 2002, Berry received another scholarship to study political science at Montreal's McGill University, indicating a potential career in politics.

However, his political aspirations were short-lived, as he later enrolled at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2010.

After completing a Master's in Media Practice at the University of Sydney, Berry embarked on his television career as a researcher for Channel Seven.

Acting success

In terms of acting, Berry's first-ever television role was in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries in 2012, where he portrayed Alistair.

He then featured in several episodes of Home and Away as Logan Meyer in 2012 before securing his most significant role to date as James Bligh in the drama A Place To Call Home, which lasted five years.

However, Berry's career took a turn for the better in 2016 when he was cast as Lord John Grey in Outlander, catapulting him to international stardom.

Sam Heugan stunt

While speaking to Marie Claire, Berry recounted a memorable stunt during his first day on set.

After flying to Scotland to start filming just a week after his initial audition, the star described the experience as a "It really was a baptism by fire.

“I was beyond jet-lagged and not really knowing what I was saying, or who the character was yet, and I was expected to film my first scene in torrential Highlands rain.

“The producers must’ve had a lot of insurance, because I could’ve killed Sam Heughan that day.

“Sam was in handcuffs while tied to the back of the horse by a rope, with me out of my mind, somehow managing to deliver all of my lines.”

Outlander star David Berry is married to Kristina Tesic who he shares son Alexander with. (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Depression

Despite being a celebrated member of the Outlander cast, Berry has spent many years battling depression and now openly discusses his experiences.

Five years ago, he took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post about his mental health struggles, hoping to raise awareness and inspire others to seek help.

He penned: "I've struggled with depression since my early 20s. Many years later, and the feeling has never entirely left me.

"It's encoded somewhere deep in my DNA. My thoughts get dark from time to time. The peaks and troughs of life are a little more intense for me than they are for other people.

"Life feels like it's too much. I feel alone and hopeless.

“But here’s the thing I’ve come to know: the hardest thing about depression is asking for help - admitting to yourself and others that you really don’t have it all under control.

"Once you overcome that, the rest is easy : Exercise, therapy, medication and mindfulness.”

Family life

When it comes to his personal life, Berry tends to keep things private, hence not much is known about his relationship with his wife, Kristina Tesic, whom he has been married to for 12 years.

The couple welcomed their son Alexander in 2016, coincidentally on the same day he returned to Australia after wrapping up filming for Outlander season three.

Outlander is available to watch on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK and on Starz in the US.



Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan

Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan

Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan

Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan
Outlander star David Berry's life from depression to near-miss stunt with Sam Heughan
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