Charles Vandervaart Joins Outlander Season 7: Unveiling Jamie Fraser’s Son, William Ransom

The highly anticipated seventh season of Outlander is set to bring a wealth of drama, historical intrigue, and the return of beloved characters—along with some pivotal new faces. Among the most exciting announcements is the casting of Canadian actor Charles Vandervaart as the adult William Ransom. This marks a significant moment for fans, as William is none other than Jamie Fraser’s biological son, a secret he has kept from most of the world, including William himself. Jamie fathered William during the tumultuous period when he and his soulmate, Claire Fraser, were tragically separated. The character of William was last seen in Season 4, portrayed by the talented young actor Oliver Finnegan, and his growth into adulthood signals a major turning point in the unfolding saga and the Fraser family dynamic.

As viewers eagerly await the next chapter of the Frasers’ epic journey across continents and centuries, many are wondering: who exactly is Charles Vandervaart, the actor stepping into such a critical and fan-favorite role? At 21 years old, Vandervaart is undeniably a rising star, making waves in the entertainment industry with a diverse set of experiences. From his foundational work in Canadian theatre to his notable roles in various television series, Charles brings a compelling background to the complex character of William Ransom. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything fans need to know about the new Outlander star, exploring his career trajectory, personal insights, and what his casting means for the future of the beloved Starz series as it approaches its climactic storylines.

1. Charles Vandervaart Embodies the Adult William Ransom

The announcement of Charles Vandervaart joining the cast was met with immense excitement, as production for OutlanderSeason 7 commenced in Scotland in April 2022. William Ransom is a pivotal figure in Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander book series, and his mature portrayal is eagerly anticipated by long-time readers and new viewers alike. For those unfamiliar with his intricate backstory, William’s biological mother is Geneva Dunsany, a young noblewoman with whom Jamie Fraser had a brief, compelled encounter. Following Geneva’s tragic death, William was adopted and lovingly raised by Lord John Grey, Jamie’s steadfast friend and former prison warden. Lord John, a truly honorable man, provided William with a loving and privileged upbringing, effectively becoming his stepfather and protector, a relationship that has profoundly shaped William’s character and worldview.

In Season 7, the narrative thrusts William into the burgeoning turmoil of the American Colonies, as he arrives in Wilmington, North Carolina. His character is introduced brimming with patriotic zeal and an eager desire to join the British Army. His conviction is to help quell the escalating tensions and perceived rebellion, aligning himself firmly with the Crown. This places him in a precarious position, unknowingly at odds with his biological father, Jamie Fraser, who is increasingly siding with the American cause and fighting for independence. Fans will recall from Season 3 that William is, in fact, Jamie Fraser’s biological son, a truth that remains hidden from William himself. This secret forms one of the central emotional conflicts of his character arc, creating a powerful undercurrent of dramatic irony and foreshadowing. On the surface, William Ransom presents as a refined and courteous aristocrat, embodying the values of his upbringing within British high society. However, beneath this polished exterior, there’s an undeniable “Highlander’s fire” – a passionate, stubborn, and often impetuous spirit that subtly betrays his true parentage and hints at the strength, loyalty, and resilience he shares with Jamie.

Executive producer Maril Davis underscored the immense importance of this casting, stating, “The character of William Ransom is a wonderful role, and one fans have been eager to see come to fruition in his adult form.” She elaborated on the challenging nature of the casting process: “Finding someone with the talent and physicality to truly embody Jamie’s son was a daunting task, requiring a blend of aristocratic grace and underlying strength, as well as a depth of emotion. Charles’ charisma was evident throughout the audition process, immediately capturing the essence of William’s dual nature. We are incredibly excited to witness what he will bring to William’s multi-layered journey, especially as the character grapples with his identity and navigates the complexities of the Revolutionary War while unknowingly encountering his biological father.” This statement highlights the significant expectations placed on Vandervaart to deliver a nuanced performance that honors the character’s legacy from the books while bringing a fresh, compelling perspective to the screen.

William’s introduction into the Revolutionary War setting promises a wealth of dramatic possibilities. His allegiance to the British Army creates an inherent, almost Shakespearean, conflict with Jamie, potentially leading to emotional confrontations, difficult choices, and heart-wrenching dilemmas that resonate through the Fraser family. As William grows closer to discovering the truth about his parentage, his perception of his world, his family, and his own identity will be irrevocably challenged. This storyline is a cornerstone of the later Outlander books, exploring profound themes of legacy, duty, family ties, and self-discovery. Vandervaart’s portrayal will be crucial in conveying the internal struggles of a young man caught between two worlds, unknowingly bound by blood to a man on the opposing side of a brutal and defining historical conflict.

2. Charles Vandervaart: A Talent Forged in Canada

Charles Vandervaart’s journey to the global stage of Outlander began in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Canada has long been a fertile ground for developing acting talent, with a robust theatre scene and a thriving television and film industry. Vandervaart’s early career reflects this rich tradition, as he initially honed his craft on the theatrical stage. He performed in notable productions such as Thornton Wilder’s classic American play “Our Town” and Ivan Turgenev’s Russian masterpiece “A Month in the Country” at the esteemed Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto. This invaluable experience in live theater is often considered a crucial foundation for actors, demanding strong vocal projection, precise physical control, and the ability to sustain complex emotional arcs over extended performances without retakes. The discipline, rigorous training, and immersive storytelling inherent in stage acting undoubtedly prepared him for the demanding and emotionally resonant role of William Ransom, a character who will undergo significant emotional and personal development throughout Season 7.

His Canadian roots also tie him to a vibrant and supportive acting community, which often provides opportunities for young talent to grow and experiment before transitioning to larger international productions. This background suggests a grounded approach to his craft, focusing on character development and authentic performance, traits that will serve him exceptionally well in the intricate historical world of Outlander. The seamless transition from the Canadian acting scene to a major international series like Outlander speaks volumes about his talent, adaptability, and undeniable potential, showcasing his ability to master different production scales and storytelling styles while maintaining artistic integrity.

3. A Diverse Portfolio: Charles Vandervaart’s Television Roles

Prior to his highly anticipated role in Outlander, Charles Vandervaart had already amassed an impressive and varied list of television credits, demonstrating his versatility across different genres and character types. His first major breakthrough came with “The Stanley Dynamic,” a Canadian sitcom that allowed him to explore comedic timing and family dynamics. This lighthearted role provided an early platform for him to develop his on-screen presence, showcasing his ability to connect with an audience in a more contemporary setting, a stark contrast to the historical drama of Outlander.

He later ventured into the realm of science fiction, playing Liam Tufeld in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Lost In Space. In this expansive space adventure, Vandervaart navigated complex narratives centered around survival, family bonds, and interstellar discovery. His role in a visually rich and effects-heavy production likely enhanced his ability to perform convincingly within large-scale, fantastical environments. His experience with a global streaming platform like Netflix further broadened his exposure and allowed him to work within a cutting-edge, big-budget production environment.

Perhaps one of his most enduring and relevant roles before Outlander is that of John Brackenreid in “The Murdoch Mysteries.” From 2013 to the present day, Charles has been a part of this long-running Canadian period drama, set in late 19th-century Toronto. Playing a character in a historical setting for such an extended period would have provided invaluable experience in inhabiting a different era, understanding period mannerisms, speech patterns, and maintaining character consistency over many seasons. This particular role provides a strong, direct link to the historical immersion required for Outlander, even if set in a different century and on a different continent, preparing him for the nuanced demands of historical fiction.

Additionally, Vandervaart is known for starring as Robbie Hobbie in “Holly Hobbie,” a popular children’s musical drama. This role showcased yet another facet of his talent, proving his ability to engage with a younger audience and explore a character within a more lighthearted and musical framework. The diversity of these roles—from sitcoms to sci-fi, period dramas to musical series—underscores Charles Vandervaart’s adaptability and commitment to continually challenging himself as an actor. Each experience has undoubtedly equipped him with unique skills, emotional range, and professional discipline that he can now bring to the demanding and multi-faceted character of William Ransom, ensuring a dynamic and compelling portrayal.

4. Balancing Academia and Acting: A Dedicated College Student

Beyond his burgeoning acting career, Charles Vandervaart demonstrates a remarkable commitment to personal growth and intellectual development. In a revealing 2021 interview with Vanity Teen, he shared that he is a part-time student at the prestigious University of Toronto. This pursuit of higher education alongside a demanding professional life speaks volumes about his disciplined nature and desire for a well-rounded existence, reflecting a maturity beyond his years.

Vandervaart candidly admitted that he initially embarked on acting as an “extra-curricular” activity, a passion project pursued alongside his main academic focus. However, his innate talent, combined with unwavering dedication and hard work, quickly transformed this pastime into a thriving career. He articulated this significant transition by stating that he has now successfully “made a career out of a passion of mine.” This journey from hobbyist to established professional underscores his genuine love and enthusiasm for his craft. Balancing rigorous university studies with major acting roles requires immense organizational skills, meticulous time management, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in both fields. It also suggests a grounded perspective, where he views acting not just as a job but as an artistic endeavor deeply rooted in personal interest and continuous learning. Such intellectual curiosity could also subtly inform his acting, enabling a deeper understanding of historical contexts, complex human psychology, or intricate character motivations, all of which will be invaluable for a role as rich and historically significant as William Ransom in a series like Outlander.

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5. Charles Vandervaart: A Musician at Heart

Adding another compelling layer to his artistic profile, Charles Vandervaart is also an accomplished musician. In the same Vanity Teen interview, he shared that his musical journey began at a very young age, as he started playing the piano when he was just five or six years old. This early introduction to music fostered a deep appreciation for harmony, rhythm, and expression—fundamental elements that often translate seamlessly into the craft of acting, enhancing an actor’s timing, emotional accessibility, and overall performance.

As he grew older, his musical interests expanded, leading him to pick up the guitar in high school. The ability to play multiple instruments speaks to his discipline, his multifaceted creative spirit, and his intrinsic connection to the arts. While he admitted that he has “never thought about releasing a musical project” at this current stage of his career, his dedication to music underscores a rich inner life and a broad artistic sensibility that undoubtedly informs his acting. For an actor, understanding musicality can be incredibly beneficial; it aids in pacing dialogue, developing character rhythm, and even understanding the emotional “score” of a scene. Whether William Ransom will exhibit any musical talents in Outlander remains to be seen, but Vandervaart’s personal connection to music adds an intriguing dimension to his background, hinting at a depth of expression and emotional resonance that he will undoubtedly bring to his portrayal of Jamie Fraser’s complex and pivotal son.

As Charles Vandervaart steps into the highly anticipated role of William Ransom in Outlander Season 7, fans can look forward to a performance informed by a diverse acting background, a dedicated pursuit of education, and a grounded artistic sensibility. His portrayal of Jamie Fraser’s secret son promises to be a central and compelling storyline, adding new layers of drama, conflict, and emotional depth to the epic Starz series. With the American Revolutionary War as its backdrop, William’s journey of self-discovery and his unwitting entanglement with his biological father will undoubtedly captivate audiences and shape the future of the Fraser clan, cementing Vandervaart’s place in the hearts of Outlander fans worldwide.