Sam Heughan is one of the most successful Scottish actors thanks to the global success of Outlander and his adoring fans.
Many can't imagine Heughan as anything but the dashing highland warrior Jamie Fraser who he portrays in Outlander. But prior to his big break, the star made his money in a very different way. Here we take a trip down memory lane and look at the life of the Scots megastar before he joined up with the show that changed everything. Things were very different before he put on his kilt and headed for the hills....
What did Sam Heughan do before Outlander?
Discussing his personal life in his memoir, 'Waypoints', the 42-year-old revealed that he auditioned for various TV and film roles in LA.
He returned to the UK with no money before landing the life-changing role.
He wrote: "I was 34 and forced to sign on to pay my rent. Two weeks later, I couldn’t face the process – the Job Centre not seeing acting as a legitimate profession – so I gave up and tried to find full-time work as a barman.
“I had done a variety of jobs to support myself over the years – delivered sandwiches by bicycle, sold perfume in Harrods, drawn up contracts for mental health doctors in the NHS and various other bar and restaurant jobs around London."
Now, life is totally different for the star as he's appeared in a variety of shows including Men In Kilts, The Spy Who Dumped Me, SAS: Red Notice and Bloodshot.
Where does Sam Heughan live?
Thanks to his roaring success onscreen the Scot was able to pay a cool £1 million to purchase a remodelled 18th-century farmhouse just north of Glasgow in 2021.
The luxury property was originally used as a coaching inn with stables in 1775 around the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Fittingly, in the upcoming Outlander Season, 7 Jamie and Claire Fraser will be caught up in the turmoil of this conflict.
The building has been lavishly renovated, boasting 900 square feet of living space including a mezzanine level with gym – perfect for the fitness buff.
The compound is situated on the outskirts of Bishopbriggs in East Dunbartonshire and is also well protected with electric gates, high walls and the latest in home security.
Since 2016, Sam has splashed the cash on three properties in Glasgow worth over £1 million, with his latest purchase in the city a flat worth £320,000.
He also spent £246,750 on another flat in 2016, The Sun reported, as well as £490,000 on another property in 2018.
Who has Sam Heughan dated?
Jamie Fraser may be happily married in Outlander, but Sam Heughan seems to be far from romantically settled.
The star has previously admitted that he is eager to find the love of his life but his dedication to acting has somewhat hindered his love life.
In January 2020, speaking to the Inquirer, he said: "Relationships are hard when you're working in Scotland 10 months a year. I travel a lot and any downtime I have, I'm trying to do other projects, so very much, my career comes first."
That's not to say he's ruling out falling for someone down the line. "Maybe I will find someone eventually," he said, before adding: "I am sure at some point, I will get knocked off my feet, then I’m screwed."
Despite this, the star has been linked to a number of women in the past including Monika Clarke, Amy Shiels, MacKenzie Mauzy and Cody Kennedy.
Outlander series 1-6 are available to stream on LIONSGATE+ in the UK.
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