As Jamie Fraser in the hit TV series “Outlander,” Heughan is a versatile talent with a charming presence that transcends the screen. But there’s more to this ruggedly handsome Scot than meets the eye. The overall impression is his character that has made him famous, Jamie Fraiser from Outlander, is the ultimate NOBLEMAN – but Sam seems to be this character in real life as well. There have been rumors of him being the next 007 and we can see why! He has a charisma that is a gift and can’t be manufactured.
Upon our arrival at the incredible Chamberlain Hotel (more about that in a moment), we were transfixed by the class and vibrance of this location. It was the perfect place to meet with our favorite Scotsman for the third time. Heughan has been by far a crowd favorite, with his rich insights and down-to-earth demeanor.
From his acting prowess to stylish clothing to premium spirits, Heughan’s brand embodies the spirit of adventure and luxury. Sassenach is gathering awards left and right for their premium blended Scotch whisky. With its wave of honey taste and lasting nutmeg finish, Sassenach blended Scotch Whisky has impressed all connoisseurs and onlookers. But Sam is not one to rest on his laurels, he and his team have introduced a gin that is causing a lot of talk too! The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin is everything you want in a delicious and clean gin.
In addition to his business ventures, Heughan is also an avid philanthropist and fitness enthusiast. He’s a proud supporter of various charitable causes, including his own charitable foundation, My Peak Challenge, which encourages people to live healthier, more active lives while raising funds for worthy causes. Heughan’s commitment to giving back and making a difference sets him apart as a true leader and role model.
Whether he’s captivating audiences on screen or pursuing his entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors, Sam Heughan is a force to be reckoned with. With his charisma, talent, and dedication, he continues to inspire and empower others to chase their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
NOBLEMAN had the honor to catch up with this busy man at the iconic Chamberlain Hotel in West Hollywood. Built-in 1972 as an apartment complex, the Chamberlain underwent a transformation in 2005 to become the stylish boutique hotel it is today. With its elegant design and upscale amenities, the hotel caters to discerning travelers seeking a luxurious retreat in the heart of West Hollywood. The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, perfect for soaking in the California sunshine or enjoying a cocktail at sunset.
Which made it the perfect location for our interview of the one and only Sam Heughan. From big breaks to big bikes, we cover it all with this human Scot-army-knife. Kick your feet up, tighten your kilt, and grab a glass of Sassenach.
You’re known around the world as Jamie Fraser from Outlander. Tell us a little bit about that journey for those who don’t know, how did it begin?
Sam Heughan: It actually all started here in Los Angeles, when I was 34 years old. I’d been an actor my whole life. But I went back to the UK after a pilot season. Truthfully, I was beginning to question whether I could continue to work in the industry. The part of Jamie Fraser came along and I auditioned for it. It felt like a culmination of all the characters I’d played before. Fast forward to ten years and eight seasons later, and here we are.
Tell us about some of the things beyond when you’re not taping for Outlander. You’ve done some incredible things from books to launching spirit companies to movies. Can you tell us a little bit about some highlights of the last couple of years since we’ve seen you?
Outlander has been an amazing adventure for me, and has taken up a lot of my time. But, in my downtime, I like to find other creative avenues. I’ve been creating a travel docu-show, also my own production company, a book series, and my own memoir. I guess my passion always goes back to Scotland. It’s where I’m from and I’m very passionate about it.
I’m just trying to share my love of Scotland and its great craft spirits with the rest of the world. I love the craftsmanship that goes into it. My company currently has a whisky and we recently released a gin. I also have a charity fitness program that we have called My Peak Challenge. We have thousands of members all around the world in 80-plus different countries. We’ve raised over 7 million for our chosen charities. So, it’s been really rewarding and a nice way to spend my downtime.
With Outlander and the success that you’ve had, what is it about your character Jamie that has been so impactful for people, and are there any aspects of Jamie that obviously personally relate to you?
He is an iconic character because of his unyielding love for Claire, He just doesn’t give up. He’ll do anything for her. He’s almost died a hundred times for her. I think it’s the kind of love that we all aspire to. We want that kind of relationship. You love your partner for all of their failings and their weaknesses, but all of their strengths as well.
And I think that that relationship has been amazing to explore over the years. I started playing Jamie when he was 23, and he’s now supposed to be 60 years old. Him and Claire still have this great love for each other. It’s fiery, it’s passionate, but it’s evolved over time. I feel that there are very few TV shows out there right now that portray that kind of love and romance.
I personally think Jamie Fraser is the quintessential nobleman. He’s intelligent. He’s a strategist. He’s a husband, a father, and even a grandfather. He’s a warrior and emotionally intelligent. He has all of these great things. He’s educated. He speaks several languages. Also, not a very good singer. But apart from that, everything else, He should do a cover for NOBLEMAN next!
So you cover both sides of the camera from behind the scenes to the front of the camera. Is there a specific side of filmmaking that you find most rewarding?
On Outlander, I’m an executive producer, and also I’m an executive producer on Men in Kilts, which is a show I created, a travel show about Scotland as well. Filmmaking is actually really creative. I mean, once you’ve got past all of that, I guess the production questions, the financing, all of that side, which I’d be useless at. But on the creative side, I really enjoy it.
You grew up in Scotland. It’s obviously shaped and influenced your career. How would you put into words how Scotland has had the most impact on your career?
I’m a proud Scotsman, I was born and raised there. I left and I went to London for 12 years, then I came to America. But on returning home to Scotland, I fell in love with it again. I fell in love with the culture and the scenery, the landscape, the craft. I try to make every shot of Sassenach like Scotland in a glass.
When you went to London, was there a moment you could pin your big break?
I went to drama school, it’s a three-year classical acting course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Shakespeare, Stanislavski, In my first year, I was terrible. I couldn’t act. I don’t even know if I can now to be honest with you. But in my second year I was very lucky, I was playing Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet. I actually toured with them, we went to the Edinburgh Festival. We transferred to London at the Royal Court, and then we toured around the UK! We went to Canada, and then we did an Islands tour, which for me was just incredible to go around like these tiny little places in Scotland and bring a production that they would never normally get to see. James McAvoy was my mentor in drama school, and when I saw his career I always wanted to emulate him.
How do you prepare emotionally for a tough role? Are there any rituals or techniques you use to prepare?
I guess the toughest role I’ve done in recent years would be Jamie Fraser. You know, he’s been through the wringer. He’s had a multitude of imperfect things happen to him and his family. I guess it comes down to good writing. Trust in your fellow players, and trust the creative people, the writers, and the directors. It is literally about jumping off the ledge and allowing yourself to go.
Even today, for instance, doing a photoshoot like this with Nobleman. It’s not my most comfortable thing to do. I do feel nervous when I go into them, but once you establish a rapport with the photographer, as we did today it becomes very easy.
Your spirit brand, Sassenach is absolutely incredible and you’ve launched a lot of new spirits over the last couple of years. What comes more naturally, acting or being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is never easy to do. I really honestly have to thank my business partner, Alex Norouzi, who has guided me in this and has drawn out something that I didn’t know I had in me. I really love spirits and I’m really fascinated by how spirits are made all around the world. It’s kind of like being a scientist or a professor or maybe a chef. You’re playing around with different things. I never wanted to put my name on something that doesn’t fully represent what I love. I really wanted to create something that I’m proud of from the bottle to the liquid.
What advice would you give whether it’s a young actor or a young entrepreneur?
You just have to follow your heart. Stick to what you know and what you’re passionate about. I wouldn’t say that I’m a business person per se, but I know what I like. I think the same with acting, if you believe in yourself, then others will believe in you as well. So you have to stick to the truth.
In your own words, how would you define a nobleman?
I would say a nobleman is someone confident in himself. He knows himself and isn’t afraid to show it.
People who know you, know you are quite the outdoorsman. Do you have any specific memories of travel or outdoor expeditions that come to mind as highlights?
I have a great passion for the outdoors. Whether it’s going up Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles or going up one of the mountains in the highlands. I’ve been very lucky to travel a lot in my career. I’ve been to South Africa, and gone up Table Mountain. Even in Mexico, we worked on our own spirit there with a collaboration and actually, that was probably one of my favorite memories. I like to ride motorbikes and a large group of us went out on motorbikes in Mexico. We went up into the Jalisco Mountains and we had breakfast there and it was just an amazing ride to share with friends and then obviously some good tequila.
Have you always been drawn to motorcycles and enjoyed riding?
Motorcycles honestly were never something on my radar. I never thought I’d be a motorcyclist. As soon as I got on one, which was quite recently, I just loved it. I love the feeling it gives you, the feeling of freedom. Riding motorbikes are a great way to relax and certainly a great way to beat the traffic in Los Angeles.
Take us through your motorcycle collection, do you have a favorite one?
So I’ve worked with Triumph and designed a Triumph Scrambler, actually a Sassenach. Triumph Scrambler. It’s custom with all of our logos and some special lights on it and maybe even a little secret compartment in the saddle. Also, I have a Harley, which I really enjoy. I have a really nice Triumph Bonneville in Los Angeles, which is my LA bike. It’s chrome and blue like the sky on a clear Los Angeles day.
How would you describe your personal style on a day-to-day basis?
My style is probably quite eclectic. You need something that’s layered, many layers, especially in Scotland, because it rains a lot. Also, I like to work out quite a lot. So activewear is always important as well. I am a big fan of boots, actually. I think a boot makes a man.
Tell us highlights from your new book Clanlands in New Zealand: Kiwis, Kilts, and an Adventure Down Under.
Yes, Clanlands went to New Zealand, and it’s an incredible group of islands. It has everything from alpine, to glaciers, to deserts. The food and the Maori culture are fascinating. We were very lucky to get invited to Morai. Went through a whole ceremony there. We learned a bit about the Haka, a bit about their fighting style. So it really is an incredible group of islands.
The wildlife as well. The wildlife is so strange. It’s like something out of, you know, Treasure Island or a sort of fantasy land. If you’ve never been to New Zealand and you fancy a little adventure, or you just want to come on the road with us, then pick up Clanlands in New Zealand.
Photography by Randall Slavin
Interview by Doug McLaughlin
Styling by Monty Jackson
Grooming by Kristen Shaw
Words by Tom Burleson
Executive Editor, Lydia McLaughlin
Video by Carly Chan
All watches provided by Roger Dubuis
Shot on location at Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel
