Sam Heughan Age: How Old Is Outlander's Jamie Fraser Star?

Outlander viewers love Sam Heughan's portrayal as Jamie Fraser in the hit series on Starz and Amazon Prime Video. So far, viewers have followed him from his time as a fresh-faced highland warrior right up until the wiser character he was in season five.. As a result, fans might be curious to know just how old the actor who plays him is - here's what you need to know.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

How old is Outlander star Sam Heughan?

Heughan is well-loved by fans of time-travelling drama Outlander as Jamie Fraser.

He has been a part of the show since 2013, and fans have followed him as he has aged over the seasons.

Beginning in the show as a young soldier, he has become wiser and more battle-weary as the years have gone on.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Given Heughan has played him across all stages of life so far, some might be wondering how old the Scottish actor is.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Outlander: What last-minute change did Diana Gabaldon make?

Sam Heughan age: How old is Outlander’s Jamie Fraser star? (Image: GETTY/STARZ)

Sam Heughan age: Fans have watched Jamie Fraser age (Image: STARZ)

• Outlander season 6 theories: Jamie Fraser’s ghost explained

Heughan was born on April 30, 1980, which makes him 40-years-old now.

However, when he began filming season one of the drama, he was 33, which is slightly older than his character.

According to Diana Gabaldon’s novels, Jamie was born on May 1, 1721.

This means when Claire Fraser (played by Caitriona Balfe) first travels back in time and meets him in season one, he is 22-years-old.

Sam Heughan age: Jamie is now in his 50s (Image: STARZ)

Sam Heughan age: His co-star is also younger than her character (Image: STARZ)

This is around five years younger than Claire as she was born on October 20, 1918, making her 27-years-old when she first met Jamie in the series.

Since then, the show has followed their story over many years and has seen them marry, have a child and spend decades apart.

As a result in the most recent season five, both characters are actually now in their fifties.

Just like Heughan, Balfe is also younger than her character at 41-years-old.

DON'T MISS...

Outlander plot hole: Glaring historical Claire Fraser mistake exposed [VIDEO]Outlander: How will Jamie Fraser be changed by near-death experience? [INSIGHT]Caitriona Balfe: Outlander's Claire Fraser shares sad news [PICTURES]

• Outlander: How long have Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan been friends?
• Outlander theories: Did Claire time travel back to stop Jamie's death?

In order to portray this, Heughan has previously opened up about how they aged Jamie.

Speaking to Parade back in 2019, he was asked if he found it tough playing someone older than him.

He explained: "Unfortunately, he’s not a hell of a lot older than I am.

“We’ve aged him. Redheads notoriously don’t really go grey.

• Outlander season 6 release date, cast, trailer, plot
• Outlander: What was Jamie thinking in reunion scene?

Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

• Outlander season 6: Marsali Fraser stars reveals why she won't watch

“They go blonder, so we’ve done very modest ageing, but people are really going to see a difference from this season to the first season.”

As well as this, he did admit they are only ageing the characters with make-up slightly as Jamie is very spritely despite his age.

Heughan continues: “We have to, hopefully, span another three or four seasons, so we don’t want to start giving Jamie a walking stick just yet.

“But, yeah, he’s getting older and maybe not as tempestuous or quick to fly off the handle.”

Outlander seasons 1-5 are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.

• Sam Heughan: What else has Outlander's Jamie Fraser starred in?
• Outlander season 6 release date: Has filming start been confirmed?
• Outlander filming location: Can you visit the set of Outlander?

Outlander Sam Heughan Gemma Atkinson How to Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Most Read Most Commented I watched the Scrubs reboot — shockingly good even if one major thing is missing BBC at 'crisis point' as former star breaks silence on GB News Awkward moment Keir Starmer interrupted by screaming child during speech Channel 5 trailer exposes Huw Edwards' double life as date for new drama confirmed Fox News paused for breaking Trump alert in humiliating blow The Chase halts filming after star hospitalised and undergoes surgery I was top Strictly star - here's why show needs to be axed Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi's life off-screen from failed marriage to net worth Netflix drops 'hilarious' Big Mistakes trailer and it's perfect for Schitt's Creek fans GB News halts for major breaking news in huge blow to red-faced Keir Starmer ITV Emmerdale couple rekindle romance after six years as fans fume 'big mistake' BBC The Capture's Holliday Grainger drops huge spoiler after unexpected death The Emmerdale and Corrie stars resorting to selling Cameos as ITV cuts hours 'Mandelson was handed £75,000 while I was arrested – they can do what they want' BBC has just made another unforgivable mistake and Liza Tarbuck is paying the price Charlie Dimmock gardening series that everyone missed – ‘better than Ground Force’ A Woman of Substance star Will Mellor gets emotional as he shares biggest fear 'I hate it' OPINION Strictly's mass axing was the right call – but BBC have made huge mistake with this pro BBC Call the Midwife star opens up on 'witty' new role in The Other Bennet Sister BBC gives huge The Traitors update ahead of 2027 return 'Disgraced Andrew is now just part of Benefits Britain - he needs to start talking now' Moment Conservative minister loses it on GB News over 'utterly disgusting' Starmer Detective Hole set to become next Netflix binge-watching hit – here's why Brenda Blethyn's life from 'devastating' split, 35-year engagement to life after Vera 'I was a sacked MP - here's why Keir Starmer's Mandelson pay-out is outrageous' GB News issues heartbreaking news alert – and it's major blow for Starmer Netflix viewers hooked to 'outstanding' crime drama that they can't stop watching 'I worked for royals – Camilla's speech is very telling after Andrew scandal' GB News halts for breaking alert as Trump dealt devastating blow Sky News paused for breaking alert – and Starmer 'should resign’ Latest videos UK ‘doesn’t exist militarily’ and is 'too weak to defend Falklands’, says ex-diplomat FBI swarm synagogue after 'vehicle ramming' and 'shooting' as schools 'in secure mode' ‘Disaster waiting to happen’ as 85 large oil tankers 'trapped in Persian Gulf' UK soldiers attacked and US troops injured as Iran launches attack on military base Russia 'warned Ali Khamenei of US strike but he chose to die a martyr'

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks