IN CONVERSATION WITH JAMIE ROY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Scottish actor Jamie Roy is set to make his mark as one of the leads in Starz’s highly anticipated prequel series ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’, premiering on 8th August. Born in Greenock and raised in Glasgow, Roy brings both authenticity and depth to the role, drawing from his Scottish roots and transatlantic upbringing. With ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’, Jamie Roy launches a new chapter not only for the beloved Fraser legacy, but for his own career on the rise.

‘Outlander’ has one of the most devoted fanbases in television. What was your first reaction when you were cast as Brian Fraser?

It was a strange mixture of emotions if I’m completely honest. Since getting the initial audition, there was something about the character that spoke to me and connected with me on such a deep level, to the point where I had convinced myself that I had to be the one to tell this story. So after quite the audition process, getting that call simultaneously felt like the biggest relief, but also entirely surreal. I kept thinking “Oh maybe they’ve made a mistake, maybe they thought I was somebody else”. But no, apparently it was me they were looking for. And I couldn’t have been more grateful, and still to this day am extremely thankful. I hope that feeling will never leave.

How familiar were you with the ‘Outlander’ series or Diana Gabaldon’s novels before joining the prequel?

Being Scottish, but living a lot in the US, where the show is very popular, I was familiar with ‘Outlander’ and had actually made it a goal of mine to be in the show somehow. I just thought, as a Scotsman, it felt like a rite of passage to do. Being in a period piece was also a goal of mine. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dress up in a kilt, play with swords, ride horses, and get paid for it.

Did you feel any pressure stepping into a role that connects so deeply to a beloved character like Jamie Fraser? 

There is of course always going to be a pressure that comes with filling those shoes, but I’ve actually quite enjoyed the challenge. One of the things that Matt Roberts and I were keen on from the beginning was to make Brian his own man, his own character, and not a copy of Jamie Fraser. Jamie is a culmination of two personalities, so it’s important that he gets specific traits from both of his parents. This allowed me to really find out who Brian is as his own person, and seeing what traits naturally come out instead of having a target to aim at, if that makes sense. It’s also much more fun working this way, through discovery and not playing an idea of a character.

‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ focuses on two love stories across different timelines. How does Brian and Ellen’s story add depth or new context to the ‘Outlander’ saga?

‘Outlander’ focused a lot on how couples can be separated through time travel, for example Jamie and Claire, and Brianna and Roger. Brian and Ellen’s story shows how these characters are separated by the social constructs of the time they are both in, whether it be clan politics or social standings. Audiences will see that even though these characters may only be literally miles apart, they may as well be separated by 200 years too, because it’s just as difficult to get them to be together.

How would you describe Brian as a character, and what new sides of him will we see?

Brian is fiercely loyal, brave, and cunning, but above all else, a romantic at heart. In the original series, we have seen glimpses of Brian, and have heard some of the stories he has about Ellen. I think audiences will enjoy seeing these stories come to life through his eyes, and will see the lengths that he will go to be with Ellen. I think audiences will also enjoy seeing the side of him as a young man growing up under his father, Simon Fraser of Lovat. Perhaps enjoy is the wrong word to use, as the relationship between father and son here is quite strained to put it gently, but it will be entertaining to watch nevertheless.

Can you tease any major themes that fans can expect from ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’? Will it be as romantic and dramatic as the original?

As mentioned earlier, clan politics play a huge role in this series, and this first season takes place early in the 18th century, which was a pivotal time in Scottish history with the Jacobite risings. So when you mix all of the above in, with a dash of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, you’ve got yourself a recipe for drama.

The sets and costumes in ‘Outlander’ are famously rich in detail. What has it been like stepping into that world physically?

The costumes and sets are second to none, and it’s something that I love talking about, because they add so much to not only the performance, but also to the enjoyment of everyone on set. I remember distinctly walking onto the set of Castle Leoch for the first time, and I really couldn’t believe my eyes. The sheer detail on the tapestries on the walls, the hundreds of candles surrounding the room, the brick work on the walls, it all allows you as the actor to really settle in to the world and focus solely on what you’re doing in the scene. The costumes add the same feeling too. Putting the Fraser kilt on for the first time was certainly an experience I won’t forget quickly.

This is a major role in a globally recognized franchise. What does this opportunity mean for you personally and professionally?

I’m just incredibly grateful to be able to tell such a human story on a platform like this. The whole reason I got into acting was to tell powerful stories that people could relate to, whether they wanted to see themselves in a character or not. Humans are flawed, and it’s important for me that when we watch these characters on the screen, sure, it’s great to see the positive aspects of them in ourselves, but also it’s important that we see our flaws materialised on screen too. That’s what is so good about this show, nobody is perfect. And the writer’s have done a brilliant job in making that so.

What kinds of roles or stories are you drawn to as an actor? 

I kind of mentioned it briefly before, but I love stories about flawed humans, and stories where we see the characters overcoming huge obstacles, life and death circumstances. I’m drawn to roles that inspire viewers, that allow them to see parts of themselves in the character, or even force them to go out and make a change in their life. That’s the whole reason for art in my opinion. There’s nothing I love more than walking out of a cinema and instantly talking about a film and what it meant. The more dividing, the better.

As both a Scottish and American citizen, how do you think that dual identity has shaped your view of storytelling or the entertainment industry?

I’m really glad that I’ve had the opportunity to live in both the States and Scotland. It has allowed me to realise that if you have a dream to work in this industry, don’t believe that you’re limited by your geographical location. I moved to Los Angeles “to make it” so they say, and fast forward 5 years, I am back in Glasgow, living round the corner from the streets I used to galavant as a teenager. It still makes me chuckle because you really don’t know what life has in store for you. I think I got that part of my personality from living in the States. The people over there have such a “can do” attitude that makes you feel that your dreams are always in reach, if you just work for them. Combine that with Scottish stubbornness and stoicism, I think I’ve been rather lucky.

CREDITS

photography DAVID NEEDLEMAN

styling ANNA SU

grooming MELISSA DEZARATE