Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Diana Gabaldon defends the casting of Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser on Ron D. Moore's Outlander (and so do we!)



Diana Gabaldon—author of the thrilling Outlander book series—has gone to the barricades (once again) to defend the casting of Sam Heughan as James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser on STARZ’s upcoming time-traveling series based on Gabaldon's books.

Ever since the 33-year old Scottish actor has been cast back in July, people have been complaining ad-nauseam that Heughan was not fitting THEIR vision of what the Great Scot looked like.

Complaints have been ranging from “He’s not tall enough” (Sam Heughan is 6’3” while Jamie Fraser is, what, 6’4” at the top of my head?—that’s pretty close enough in my book) to "He's too pretty" (Ugh, are you all kidding me? Too pretty? *rolls eyes*) to “He’s not BIG enough.” 

(Seriously, have you seen THIS people!?)

(Now, if you've read Diana Gabaldon's books correctly, you'll know that Jamie's got more of a swimmer's body. He's not a body builder on steroids, you guys. Sam fits the bill! Just sayin')

As well as “His hair’s not red boo-hoo”—have been rampant (again, seriously, have people never heard of hair dye? How is that even an issue!? Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.)

(See? See? Sam. Can. Do. Red. Bonus shot: have you seen that bicep?)

So, Diana Gabaldon—who has seen Sam Heughan’s audition and we_have_not and who has defended Sam again and again—has taken to her Facebook page once more to defend his being cast as Jamie Fraser against the still endless parade of complainers and naysayers.

Here’s what Herself wrote (sorry for the weirdness of the post below--blogger is not cooperating *sigh*):
Goodness, can’t leave you lot to your own devices for long, can I? Given the amount of traffic I see in the stats for this page, I conclude that the Casting Wars are still boiling along.
Well. Look.
1) People are entitled to their own opinions. Naturally, I’d prefer these opinions to be expressed—and received—civilly, but up to you, of course. I believe in the virtues of free discourse.
2) I—of course—am likewise entitled to an opinion.
Now, my opinion is based on rather more information than most others expressed here, because
a) I created Jamie Fraser and thus—presumably--have a pretty good idea of what he really looks and acts like.
b) While I haven’t yet met Sam Heughan, I’ve seen Rather a Lot of him (about 95%, at a rough guess), both in terms of
a. Photographs, and
b. Film, and
c. Bits and pieces, like audition tapes
Naturally, everyone forms mental images while reading. Everybody. I do it when I read other people’s books, too. Now, I can’t imagine why anyone—having read OUTLANDER—would form an image of Jamie as a 7-foot tall Bozo the clown on steroids, but you know….whatever floats your boat.
Why anyone should expect a film company to a) telepathically extract your personal vision of a character and b) try to replicate that onscreen is one of the Great Mysteries of the Universe, and I’m not about to try to solve it here—I got a book to write, among other things, and there are only so many hours in the day.
So I’m just going to say This about That:
Y’all have not seen Sam Heughan “be” Jamie Fraser.
I _have_.
Now, when they told me who they’d chosen and that they were sending me the audition tapes, I was in the car, driving from Phoenix to Santa Fe with my husband. Unable to get to my computer until we got to Santa Fe, I was madly googling “Sam Heughan” on my iPhone (my husband was driving, I hasten to add).
Frankly, I thought he looked bizarre. He’s 6’3”, that’s fine…very chiseled face, but oddly chiseled, and what’s with the large forehead and cleft chin?!? Jamie doesn’t have a cleft chin and his nose is not all that long, though it _is_ straight…and good grief, I know we wanted somebody who could play a 22-year-old virgin, but this guy hardly looks like he has hair on his behind, let alone the dangly bits…but…
But.
But you know, I _do_ understand what it is that actors do.
(Do you know that, btw? What they do is magic. They can become somebody they aren’t—and their physical outline is just Really Not That Important. (Within limits. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is a long way outside those limits…).)
So I sat down at my computer, sort of looking warily through my fingers. Willing to suspend disbelief if I could, but kind of dubious, you know?
So here he is, dark-haired, in a long-sleeved gray T-shirt, and I’m thinking, “Boy, he doesn’t look _anything_ like his IMDB photos, he actually looks pretty human, that’s a relief…”
And five seconds later, Sam Heughan was GONE, and it was Jamie Fraser right there in front of me. True. No costume, no makeup, no props, nothing but cues from an offstage casting director, and…it was him.
He did two scenes. First, a confrontation with Dougal, right after Dougal’s ripped his shirt off in the tavern.
“Devil take ye, Dougal MacKenzie! I dinna owe ye that!” Blazing blue eyes, swelling shoulders, and…bam. Showed this small bit to a (male) friend recently, who blinked at the screen and said, “Man, he’s powerful!” He was.
Second scene was even better; it’s the scene where Jamie explains to Claire exactly why he’s about to punish her. And he had it all: patience, seriousness, annoyance, patience, humor, menace, humor, and…enough sex to drop anyone with functioning ovaries in their tracks.
Now. In the months since then, the production people have been kind enough to show me the occasional glimpse of this or that. I _have_ seen the red hair in its full glory (it took seven tries—and 27 hours in a salon chair, I was told by the victim), and speaking as someone married to a red-head (himself Jamie’s original body model) and with two more in residence…it’s definitely the right kind of red.
Red hair—as I notice a few red-heads have been mentioning—looks Way Different, depending on the light. Unless it’s truly carroty (and Jamie’s is Definitely Not), sometimes it looks almost brown, sometimes it’s red-gold and sometimes it’s all different colors and sometimes it has almost-blond highlights and sometimes…well, let’s put it this way: it doesn’t look like Bozo the clown or Shamus the Wrestler, it looks like Real Hair, just red. (And if you really worry about this, do go and google “red deer images” and _see_ what the heck a red deer’s pelt looks like.)
But beyond the physical details (which are, um…Really Good, and decency prevents me going further, save to say that while Jamie certainly doesn’t look like Thor (gag me with a spoon), he—and Mr. Heughan—look Very Nicely Muscled indeed)….Sam Heughan can _act_. And he totally nailed it.
So. Feel perfectly free to express your own opinions. (I don’t know quite what people expect as a result. Surely they don’t figure that Starz will say, “Oh, no! Robyn MacGillicuddy Stimson thinks Chris Hemsworth should be Jamie! Get Hemsworth’s agent on the phone!” Or at least I hope they don’t think that…) You’ll change your mind in due course.
Or I’ll pay you a dollar.
So, can people relax and stop complaining now? I personally think Sam Heughan’s just perfect for the role. PERFECT, you guys. I've seen him in a couple of things already and he can definitely act. So I'm sure he can handle Jamie just fine. And frankly, if Diana Gabaldon herself who_has_seen_him_BE_JAMIE says so, then that's good enough for me.

Moreover, I think he’s pretty close physically to what I imagine when I read the books (and yes, I've read them all, including the short stories and the Lord John Grey ones). Jamie's not a muscular Ahnold-type of guy, and he's definitely not Bozo the clown. Tall, yes. Broad, yes. Big (though not body-builder big), yes. Lean and muscular, yes. With red hair like a red dear's pelt to paraphrase Diana Gabaldon.  Not some freakish neon orange tuft that some people seem to think he has.

Now, granted enough, the first OFFICIAL pic we've seen of Sam as Jamie (here seen again below) is not very indicative of his hair color. Obviously the pic was taken when the sky was overcast so his hair looks a bit more auburn-brownish but Diana Gabaldon has explained red hair in detail enough so I trust it's the RIGHT COLOR. (Poor guy, 27 hours in the chair!)

Here, click on the pic to make it bigger.


And then there's this.

Picture credit: Fay Thomas.com

Here, have another one. Cause, you know, obvious eye candy.

Picture credit: Fay Thomas.com

Now, look at those baby blues! They kinda DO look somewhat slanted and a bit cat-like, just like Jamie's are described in the books, so physical bonus points here. And those awesome cheekbones and the nose? Verra nice. And see there again? Sam's got CHEST HAIR now. Woot! Thought he'd be smooth as a baby, did you? Granted: Sam's obviously shaved (waxed) his body hair for a number of roles (he does a lot of theatre and happened to appear shirtless a lot too, and maybe he just likes not to have chest hair) but he let it all grow out to play Jamie and to make us all very, very happy.

Oh and have one more, just because I can.


So, if you’re not happy with show creator Ron D. Moore (the guy who brought us the rebooted and awesome Battlestar Galactica) and STARZ's choice, then don’t watch the TV series. But if you DO love Outlander and Jamie Fraser, I say give Sam a chance.

I know I will.

Outlander should hit our TV screens in August of 2014.

52 comments:

  1. Thanks, Nathalie! Very nice, and much appreciated.

    --Diana Gabaldon

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    1. Three years later....I'm pretty sure I am I love with Sam

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    2. ME too!! Great choice Diana!

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  2. Thank you *reddens*

    I merely spoke from the heart. Thank you so much for all your wonderful books and characters! :')

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    1. Are you for real? What does an actor's perceived real life sexual orientation have to do with his ability to perform a role?! It is called ACTING! This comment is the most disappointing thing I have read in a while. You aren't disappointed that they cast someone you call a "gay man" (I don't even know where you are getting that, but it doesn't matter what or whom he does in private), you are upset because since you have classified this talented actor as gay, your chances of sleeping with him became nonexistent. Allow me to put your mind at ease, you never had a real world chance of sleeping with him. Now that that's settled, allow me to reassure you again... actors are people who pretend for a living. Zachary Quinto is not really an alien, Mads Mikkelssen is to my knowledge not a serial killing cannibal, and Matt Bomer isn't really an art thief. Neil Patrick Harris isn't really a womanizing ladies man and Emmett Scanlan isn't really a zombie. Now some of these actors are homosexual in their personal life, some aren't. None are hindered in the slightest by what they do in their PRIVATE lives! It shouldn't matter because it is no one's business but theirs. Ignorance is one of the biggest killers in the world. And trust this, based off what few bits I have seen this actor in, Jamie is NOT wasted.

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    2. I have watched the series each week, in anticipation, and I have to say, I was disappointed in the wedding episode. I can tell Sam is gay in real life, because his acting felt as if he was going through the motions. It was very subtle, but there was a chemistry or sizzle that was just not there. Think the chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Mr and Mrs. Smith, or between Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig in Lara Croft Tombraider. Something was just "not right" in his "desire" and how he portrayed that. It is understandable, if he is truly gay, and trying to convey heterosexual lust. He is a great actor, but perhaps there is a limit to what you can portray, if you have never felt strong desire for a woman. Either way, gay or straight, I felt that Sam just didn't bring it in the desire department for these scenes.
      Great series otherwise, and hats off to the cast- it is fantastic and enjoyable.

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    3. @ Alex - Something was just not right in his desire? Are you shitting me? I think you have preconceived notions about Sam because you'd already made up your mind about him. I completely disagree with your opinion, and I have a suggestion. Try watching the show without thinking about his sexuality just truly let yourself get involved, watch his face, pay attention to the pauses, the delicate touches, and then the sheer raw MAN he lets us see. Not the right chemistry or sizzle my ass! (Pardon my expletives, but those are the exact words I said aloud when I read your comments, it's not personal frustration towards you, it's just.. REALLY?!?) I think you maybe forget that Claire is torn between memories of Frank, and still wanting to get back to him, and her obvious desire for Jamie. He and his "sizzle" and "desire" for her were VERY evident, but he also showed us that his is a gentleman and inexperienced. If you've read the books, you'll remember that their sex life just gets hotter and hotter. Thank the GODS that the story isn't just about their sex life as a couple.. no matter how delicious that part is. It is SO much more, and you need to stop iff-ing this and that, quit thinking about Sam's sexuality and think about the story of Jamie and Claire. That's why your perception is skewed. By the way, Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith take place in a completely different time. The more modern sex scenes are just that.. modern.. changed as the years have gone by. Things were much different back in the times Claire was living this tale.

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    4. I agree with Alex with the exception that I'm not sure his being gay is why the sex scenes are somewhat bland or if it's the blandness in his acting that makes the sexual orientation stand out more.

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    5. Yeh, Sam is bland. And short. And gay. And French. And doesn't wear kilts. Yeesh.

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    6. I don't remember typing that Sam was short, French or didn't wear kilts. I do think he's bland in this character but maybe that's him trying to keep Jamie emotionally level? Or maybe it's the director? He's totally charming but hardly passionate in my opinion and I do get to have an opinion just as you do.
      Did you see A Princess for Christmas, again charming but no heat.....

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    7. You guys don't know shit! One of the reasons why Sam is so good in this character is that all of his actions are overly subtile. I think that is the gist of the character and I haven't read the book, so I am going off the store line as shown on Stars. The character is not overly demonstrative in any aspect. but that doesn't at all mean he is bland. Maybe bland to you, or gay to you, but I thought it was great acting no matter what his orientation. His acting skill shows in his restraint. Just see the last episode and it really shines then.

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    8. You guys don't know shit! One of the reasons why Sam is so good in this character is that all of his actions are overly subtile. I think that is the gist of the character and I haven't read the book, so I am going off the store line as shown on Stars. The character is not overly demonstrative in any aspect. but that doesn't at all mean he is bland. Maybe bland to you, or gay to you, but I thought it was great acting no matter what his orientation. His acting skill shows in his restraint. Just see the last episode and it really shines then.

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    9. Sam is perfectly cast in this role. If you read books like these you really should get out more. I have never read any romantic series novels. For what the show is, I can't imagine someone else in Jamie's role. His manner is totally convincing. I'm straight and not a fanboy. He's a good actor and I'm surprised there are detractors. Shame.

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  4. Diana is a VERRA smart lassie; if SHE'S happy, I'm HAPPY!! Jamie looks lovely. Height is perfect. Sod off naysayers! Lol

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  5. Sam is perfect for the role of Jamie,just perfect!

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  6. I cannot imagine better casting then you have done with these characters and actors. I am reading the books for the second time and watching the TV series. As I read them again the characters I se are now Sam and Caitriana as Jamie and Claire and it is amazing how they fit right in. Even as I read them 20 years older in other books, I just see them with a little age-I am not sure what you will do with other books but Sam and Caitirana have captured the roles and made them their own.

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  7. OMG HE IS AMAZING AS JAMIE! CRAZY PEOPLE!

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  8. By far the best romantic scene ever!! Tailored to women!! Not in your face or raunchy, just beautifully done and expressive of true love! Brilliant acting!!

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  9. I'm not an "Uber Fan" of the books because when they were first released I was still eating mud pies and picking boogers but having watched the show the books started calling to me like a siren. First things first I hate Historical Romance because I don't feel like I can understand that time period, but these books just do it for me. Since I didn't read the book before seeing the show I think everyone they have cast is PERFECT for their roles. Dare I say I have a teensy girl crush on Catriona Balfe and would just like to look at her all day while she reads to me LOL! (Btw I'm 100% straight)

    I'm so glad I didn't get mixed up in the fan created drama because it takes away from the enjoyment of the show/books. I know I'm late to the scene in posting this but I'm a little bit obsessive about the books and show right now and needed an outlet. This was a fantastic post! Thank you for defending the right guy for the job! I couldn't imagine anyone but Sam in this role! xoxo

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  10. I have not read the books(yet) and therefore have no preconceived images of Jamie or any of the characters. I am addicted to this show and I credit that to not only an intriguing base story, but to a well written screen adaptation, excellent casting and talented acting.
    As far as the chemistry between our main characters and the visual virility of Sam's portrayal of Jamie... I can only say to anyone that finds his hetero acting in question, I personally was very surprised to find he was anything but. Bravo to Sam and to all responsible for casting him.

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  11. I almost didn't watch the series. I am not big on romance. But since the walking dead was not in season I was flipping though the channels and happened to see the first episode. I love it, I even plan to read the books. First tine every reading a romance novel. As far as Sam being gay, who cares. What and who he chooses to fuck in his private life is non of your buisness. It's his PRIVATE life. He plays Jamie very well. Could you even imagine another actor playing the role of Jamie? I can't. He brings this character to life in such a way, I don't think that any other actor could. Just be like the rest of us and sit back and enjoy the damn show. Big thank you to whomever casted these actors, they are all very talented. If anything you have turned a hard core horror girl into a romance lover!!!

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  12. Alex Landry, only reason I watch the show is Sam Heughan. It seems you only identify performances as heterosexual when they are opposite Angelina Jolie, are you lesbian? I hope your highly attuned gaydar doesn't prevent you from enjoying Montgomery Clift or Rock Hudson.

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  13. I didn't know he was gay and I thought the wedding night scene was amazing. He is an amazing actor gay or straight. What is up with you people. You have a pre-conceived notion of how gay people act? Really? Ridiculous and laughable because for ages gay people had to ACT straight in real life just to survive - I think they are pretty good at it!!!!

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  14. well, of course i'll be dissapointed if Sam H. is gay indeed... but I do feel he is doing a great job with the character, i really feel this is the way Jamie is supposed to look and act. Unfortunately, we: the fans (including myself) forget that this is just a story, fiction, even if it fills our hearts in some way. Sam is not Jamie in the true life, so he is open to live his life as he please... and keep our beloved Jamie in our hearts and books.

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  15. Why does Google keep deleting my remarks?

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  16. Yes it DOES make a huge difference that Sam is gay in real life. Women who are enthralled with Jamie would like to think of him as the perfect straight man and lover in their dreams. Who can dream of Jamie now without thinking of him with some dude? That's just wrong on so many levels. I feel as if he has cheated on me and I can promise you, if other women are honest, they will feel the same way. Thanks Diana for ruining Jamie for me!!!!!!

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  17. No thank you Sam for ruining Jamie for me. If you're gay just stick to gay and don't try to trick us into believing that you are the perfect man of our dreams! Shame on you!

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  18. I did not know the actor portraying Jamie is homosexual. That is very disappointing. I am such a huge fan of the books. I cannot watch such a personal, intimate relationship portrayed so falsely. It is just too fake for me to connect with the characters on screen. I won't be watching the series anymore, but at least I have the books and I can imagine the characters as Diana had intended.

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  19. HOW do ANY of you KNOW Sam is gay???????????????I have not seen any reputable comment confirming that, esp. not him! If you KNOW it to be true, SHOW ME!!! Or shut up about it. I DON'T CARE!!!!!!

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    1. He isn't gay.
      Diana has said that he isn't or at the least she has no reason to believe he is and she would have excellent knowledge of such thing... The dude is straight. HE just played a gay guy in a couple roles and now the world thinks he is a gay man playing a straight character as opposed to a straight guy having done some previous gay roles.

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  20. A great example of a gay guy pulling off straight really well, and being able to portray heat in the romance scenes is Matt Bomer from White Collar - and he's married (to a man) and has kids. I just think Sam is trying to act straight and it screws up his sex scenes. The scenes were well done but the heat was missing from him......And, I do agree that many women will not want to admit it hurt their feelings if it comes out he's gay in a *revelation* sort of way. They should not have provided more personal info from the beginning because these are actors who want fame and with fame comes some trade offs they were aware of before choosing that career. Gees, even Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as well as Clooney and his wife distributed photos of their weddings in order to control the photos released, very smart strategy! No one wants to see all the dirty underwear but the basics would have been a smarter way to go

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    1. This is a historical romance, conceived from books. The whole premise, is to be able to imagine YOURSELF as the heroine and him as your lover. (regardless of the reality). Choosing a gay actor to portray JF was a bad idea, for this particular series. I can hardly conjure up romantic images with a person who doesnt even find my sex alluring. Of course gay actors can play straight, but it certainly bursts the bubble for this outlander fan.

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  21. Joan, l agree 100 percent. As a fan of the book series and Diana Gabaldon l can understand why she would not hesitate for an instant to cast a gay actor. After all, who cares right? Well, l do. I think it was a foolish mistake to prove a point. With antone else's casting...no big deal. But James Frasier?Big mistake once fans find out.

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  22. He's not gay, you numbskulls! Where did you get that idea?! The chemistry between Sam and Cait is off the charts (and probably real, they're just hiding it to allow for the fantasies). If you think he's wrong for the part, that's one thing, if you've read the books and pictured another actor. But to claim he's wrong because he's gay, well that's slander. I'd keep watching, even if he _was_ gay, because he's excellent as Jamie, easy on the eyes, and I love the chemistry with Claire.

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  23. Wow..I find this whole gay thing interesting. .even if he is who cares..he is an amazing actor and for me has brought Jamie to life perfectly. For people to be upset or offended that he is gay...which he has never said he is, ust what are all of you basing this theory on. Yes he played gay roles in some movies and plays..so did Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger..did that make them gay. How can that upset you..unless you live in a fantasy world where you think Sam is someday gonna sweep you off your feet and love you and marry you..you are truly delusional. I still find him attractive, sexy and mesmerizing..gay or straight..but mostly I am in awe of his acting abilities. One last comment..to those who did not see chemistry only awkwardness in the Wedding episode. .you are honestly blind..it was suppose to be awkward. .Jamie was a virgin for Christ's sake..juat saying I saw the passion and chemistey.

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    1. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a37547/cosmo-sam-heughan/

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    2. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a37547/cosmo-sam-heughan/

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  24. Wow..I find this whole gay thing interesting. .even if he is who cares..he is an amazing actor and for me has brought Jamie to life perfectly. For people to be upset or offended that he is gay...which he has never said he is, ust what are all of you basing this theory on. Yes he played gay roles in some movies and plays..so did Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger..did that make them gay. How can that upset you..unless you live in a fantasy world where you think Sam is someday gonna sweep you off your feet and love you and marry you..you are truly delusional. I still find him attractive, sexy and mesmerizing..gay or straight..but mostly I am in awe of his acting abilities. One last comment..to those who did not see chemistry only awkwardness in the Wedding episode. .you are honestly blind..it was suppose to be awkward. .Jamie was a virgin for Christ's sake..juat saying I saw the passion and chemistey.

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  25. I don't know how this whole gay thing got started but seriously is that all you people can focus on? You should be ashamed! He is an amazing actor! He and Caitriona have brought these characters to life with chemistry that is off the charts! What they have shown the fans is that they are loving and compassionate with each other! I don't know what his sexual orientation is but playing one in the past doesn't make him one and to be honest it's none of my business! You all that are talking about this need to shut the hell up, this is the Man's career you are talking about!

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  26. Highly unlikely that this guy is gay unless he is deep in the closet and the studio did not know but the fans have somehow deduced his gayness.
    The fundamental reason is economics. These shows are an investment and the goal is to make money. Unless an actor is an established name who already has a brand, studios will try and put an actor who fits with the brand and will support the brand given that the show is to last a few seasons.
    There are many good looking and talented actors. The studio could have found a good match from many candidates who will be straight and not be a risk downstream due to sexual orientation.
    That itself in these days of information, makes one believe that Sam is most likely straight.
    And for those pooh poohing and saying Sam is an actor and his sexual orientation should not matter, well it never works like that. People are invested in characters and Jamie is a very testesterony character. That is a large part of him. This has nothing to do with being homophobic or all that ridiculous rubbish the mafia lays upon normal people.
    Yes Thor is fictitious but I want to see a European thor and not a Persian or Arabic thor. Likewise a Cleopatra with a completely Scandinavian look will hardly fit will it.

    In a nutshell, the studio is unlikely to take such a risk because they do not have to especially with a new guy like Sam. There would have been other options and the heavy investment required to keep things under wraps is just not worth it.

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  27. Unknown. Well said!!! No one wants to be accused of being homophobic, so to be PC, we say being gay or not doesn't matter. But what if a fantastic actor was chosen, who happened to be black? We all know that be a disaster...but technically it would be racism to turn down a black actor. Of course we know a black actor would never consider the role.
    The studio knows Outlander came with a HUGE exsisting fan base....primarily women over 40. And to the majority,a gay actor portraying Jamie would make an ENORMOUS difference. I cannot imagine the studio not realizing this. They would be spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on the gamble it would not matter.
    And finally, if Sam is gay, then he needs to be given every entertainment award there is.....for the preformance above any actor in the past or present.

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    1. It wouldn't be racist to turn down a black actor to play the part of an 18th century Scottish Laird, it would just be ridiculous. Turn that around and can you imagine a white actor being chosen to play the part of say Martin Luther King?

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  28. I can't imagine anyone else but Sam playing the part of Jamie Fraser.
    Does it matter if he is gay (which I think he is, terrible stereotype I know, but he is VERY well groomed in real life)?
    Most of the Hollywood Hunks since movies began were gay, and they managed to pull off being leading men, as it's only in recent years we've been made aware of the sexual orientation of many of the stars of the cinema, i.e. Gary Cooper, Rock Hudson, Cary Grant to name but a few.
    I don't care if Sam is gay, he's still good to look at!

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  31. I don't know where 'Crystal Belle' got the idea that Gary Cooper and Gary Grant were gay.... but that's besides the point.
    Yeah.. Sam does look 'a bit gay' in the professional photos of him (where he seems to be 'made up & posed') but just check out the shot of him standing next to the horse.... he sure looks like a 'man's man' to me... straight or otherwise.
    And I couldn't imagine anyone else playing either Jamie or Claire - they are both even better than my imagination.
    AND - the chemistry between the two of them is amazing. Think of all the movies you've seen where there was absolutely NO chemistry between the two stars.... In "Outlander' the chemistry is electric!! As someone commented above, when Sam is playing Jamie - he IS Jamie!!

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  32. Funny. I just started watching the Outlander reruns and it never crossed my mind that the actor playing Jamie is gay. As a matter of fact, I have enjoyed seeing such a manly man cast in the role. Sam is fantastic, and a pleasure to watch, so I googled the show. And, darn! All this vile chatter about Sam/Jamie. But I'll not let any of you nasty wenches ruin my continued viewing and anticipation of the next season in which I can immerse myself in this story of intrigue and romance, and imagine men like Jamie exist.

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  33. Yes,I agree. In the "old days" it was called slandering someone especially when you have no proof of your statements. But some people think they can say anything & remain anonymous, such hate and lies posted about people it's sickening, hopefully it won't damage a career or reputation especially if it's untrue.

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  34. Yes,I agree. In the "old days" it was called slandering someone especially when you have no proof of your statements. But some people think they can say anything & remain anonymous, such hate and lies posted about people it's sickening, hopefully it won't damage a career or reputation especially if it's untrue.

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