JARED MENANE: How did you get into the zone for your role in Outlander? Was it intimidating stepping into such a big series with such hardcore fans?
CHARLES VANDERVAART: Honestly it was quite intimidating. I remember the first premier I went to for the show. I thought it was just going to be a few fans, and when I got out of the car I was greeted with hundreds of fans. Not gonna lie, I was on the verge of a panic attack that whole weekend. Now that I’ve met the fandom, I know that this crowd is very lovely. I’ve gotten a lot of love and encouraging words from Outlander fans and I’m very grateful for them.

JM: What was it about William Ransom that made you go, "Yeah, I want to play this guy”?
CV: William is a fundamentally complicated character. He believes both his parents died the day of his birth, he was raised by lord John his adopted father, and it turns out his real father is Jamie Fraser who is alive and well. Starting out with that backstory created a really nuanced character. He has many sides to him. He has traits that mirror his adopted father lord John, traits that mirror Jamie Fraser, and traits that mirror his mother. There is both good and bad in William. A strong sense of justice but also a darker side, which makes him really fulfilling to play as an actor.

JM: The costumes on Outlander are insane. How does wearing all that period gear affect the way you play the role?
CV: Significantly! The costumes are so well made they practically force you to stand up straight as an English Lord would. I think it would sound weird to speak with a modern accent in one of our costumes. It really informs the accent, the way I move… I just hope William’s arrogance doesn’t rub off on me too much cuz its way to easy in that red coat! 

JM: What’s been your most unforgettable or craziest day on set so far?
CV: Once William finds out that Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughen) is his real father, He absolutely freaks out. In his mind Jamie is the complete antithesis of English values; the values William was raised on. There’s a scene where I got to kick over a table, smash a chandelier, shatter a vase, punch a mirror… It felt kinda awesome to be naughty and do something that’s a total No, no in real life. 

JM: How does it feel to be part of something with such a massive, loyal fanbase?
CV: It has been one of the most surprising parts of joining Outlander! I never in a million years would have expected this level of love and community within the fandom. I’ve met so, so many lovely people who are fans, with lovely things to say about the show. At the beginning it was honestly quite overwhelming, because I’m not use to that at all, but it has turned into a really beautiful thing, and one of the many joys of this wonderful show. 

JM: How does working on Outlander compare to other projects you’ve done?
CV: Well moving to Scotland for a few years was definitely a unique experience! Aside from the insanely beautiful highland scenery, and the lovely friends I’ve made in Scotland, this role felt like I could really put my heart and soul into it. William is very layered, and we deal with a lot of nuanced, mature themes in the show. Us actors seldom get the opportunity to play such a uniquely rich and interesting character. 

JM: How do you balance staying true to what fans expect while still making the character your own?
CV: I think a lot of the hard work is already done by the casting directors. I bring my own style and my own quirks to my roles, but the beauty of casting directors is they see quirks and styles from all different kinds of actors and choose the one that uniquely fits the role. So, I find even when I’m not trying to emulate William from the books, I subconsciously emulate his quirks anyway because they are also mine. It’s the luck of the draw sometimes!

JM: Has rocking those Outlander costumes influenced your own style at all?
CV: Definitely not, hahaha. I’ll leave the Red Coat back in the 1700s. Although I gotta say, they knew how to keep people warm back in the day. Those are some cosy, well-made coats for the weather. 

JM: How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a go-to outfit that you always feel good in?
CV: I have a pretty laid back style I’d say. Nothing too crazy. I love a well made sweater. I have a few silver jewelry accents. A chain bracelet. A necklace I got from Caitriona Balfe with a silver compass on it that I love. Those usually stay on me everywhere. 

JM: Are there any designers or style icons you really vibe with?
CV: Could probably take some style advice from the lads on set. John Bell, Joey Phillips… rockstars.

JM: What’s one piece of clothing you couldn’t live without, whether it’s for work or just chilling?
CV: This might be basic, but a good pair of jeans feel essential to me. I never used to like them when I was younger, but they are such a staple now.

JM: How do you decide what to wear for events or red carpets? Do you go for comfort, statement, or both?
CV: Sometimes I work with a designer, sometimes I dress myself. Must get approval from the fashion police (my mom and sister). That’s mostly what’s going through my mind. I might have to go out of my comfort zone next event and make a statement. Stay Tuned!

JM: What’s the wildest or coolest thing you’ve ever worn, either on set or IRL?
CV: I did a show called “Lost in Space” where I played a rock climbing astronaut. The getup for that was pretty wild. A full on space suit, fitted with climbing gear. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

JM: When you’re not acting, what are you usually up to? Any hobbies or things you geek out over?
CV: I love Rock climbing. If you’re looking for me, most of the time you can find me at the nearest climbing gym. It’s such a fun mental and physical puzzle figuring out how to get to the top. On my nerdier side, I am absolutely obsessed with Magic the Gathering. I play most days and have about 6 commander decks at this point. Praying Outlander does a Magic collaboration one day. A man can dream! 

JM: Are there any actors or creatives you’ve always looked up to? What about them inspires you?
CV: Not really, but I often lean into a style after I watch a movie. If it’s a western, I might be dressing a little more country for a couple weeks after. I feel a bit like a kid who just watched a spy movie and leaves the theatre thinking they’re a spy. It’s all about keeping that inner child alive!

JM: Life can get pretty hectic—how do you unwind and keep your head on straight?
CV: Rock climbing, Magic the Gathering, Family, Friends… it’s the simple stuff 

JM: If you weren’t acting, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
CV: I was a pretty good swimmer back in the day. I ended up picking acting over swimming, but I sometimes wonder how far I would have gone with swimming if I stuck with it. I still have my childhood dream of making it to the Olympics, it’s a little late now but it’s fun to imagine it really happening in another universe. 

JM: Is there a dream role or project you’ve got your eye on?
CV: I’ve really loved action roles lately, maybe some kind of spy movie! Also, my guilty pleasure right now has been reading ACOTAR so maybe if they make an adaption of that haha.

JM: What do you hope people take away from your version of William Ransom?
CV: I hope people see him as a cautionary tale to remind us all to be kind even when life gets hard. In season 7, William was in a lot of pain, and he hurt a lot of people because he didn’t know how to deal with it. I just hope folks will reach out to their family and friends when they are feeling low, instead of taking it out on the people around them. Love and vulnerability are so important to keep relationships healthy. 

JM: How do you handle being in the spotlight and staying connected with fans, especially online?
CV: That’s still something I’m not entirely used to, but unplugging sometimes and getting back to domestic life is a pretty good way to calm those anxieties that come with too much time online. Going for a walk is a hell of a drug!