Charles Vandervaart: A Rising Star's Journey From Toronto To Outlander's Highlands

Have you been watching the latest season of *Outlander*? If so, you've probably noticed a compelling new face making quite an impression. That, is Charles Vandervaart, a young actor who has really captured the attention of many viewers with his portrayal of William Ransom. His presence on screen brings a fresh energy to the long-running series, and fans are quite curious about this talented performer.

It's fascinating, too, how a performer can step into such a significant role, especially one that carries so much story weight. William Ransom, as many know, is a character with a deep connection to the central figures of *Outlander*, and Charles Vandervaart has taken on this part with a clear commitment. He's bringing to life a person who is, in some respects, quite complex and has a lot to work through.

His work on the show has, very apparently, sparked a lot of conversation among those who follow the series. People are often wondering about his background, his other acting appearances, and just what makes him tick outside of his on-screen work. This piece aims to shed a little light on Charles Vandervaart, giving you a better sense of the individual behind the character.

Table of Contents

• Biography of a Performer
  • Early Life and Beginnings
  • First Steps in Acting
• The Outlander Experience
  • Taking on William Ransom
  • Preparing for the Role
  • Handling Difficult Storylines
• Beyond the Highlands: Other Performances
• A Look at Personal Interests and Abilities
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Vandervaart

Biography of a Performer

Charles Vandervaart, a Canadian actor, has been making his way in the acting world for some time now. He has, you know, built up a pretty interesting collection of performances across different types of shows. His presence on screen often brings a certain kind of youthful energy, which has helped him stand out in various roles. It's quite something to see how he has grown as a performer over the years, taking on more and more significant parts.

His acting journey, in some respects, shows a steady progression from earlier appearances to much larger, more recognized work. This kind of steady climb is, actually, pretty typical for actors who are building a lasting career. He's been able to show a good range in the characters he has brought to life, which is always a promising sign for someone in this field. Viewers have, in fact, seen him in a variety of settings, each requiring something a little different from his acting abilities.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born on September 9, 2000, Charles Vandervaart hails from Toronto, Canada. He spent his younger years and early adolescence right there in Toronto, Ontario, which is where he was born and raised. This Canadian upbringing, in a way, shaped his early experiences and perhaps his approach to his craft. It's interesting to consider how one's home city can, you know, influence a person's path, especially when that path leads to the performing arts.

His early life in Toronto seems to have been a period of formation, allowing him to develop his interests and skills before stepping into the public eye. It's not uncommon for performers to, like, spend their formative years in a place that allows for creative exploration. For Charles, this meant growing up in a city that, you know, has a pretty vibrant arts scene, which could have helped spark his initial interest in acting.

First Steps in Acting

Charles Vandervaart first started getting wider recognition due to his work on the YTV series *The Stanley Dynamic*. This role, playing Larry Stanley, was, in a way, his first major part and helped him gain media attention. It was a significant moment for him, establishing him as a young actor with promise. This early success, you know, really set the stage for what was to come in his career, opening doors to other interesting projects.

Taking on a lead role in a television series at a young age requires a good deal of dedication and skill. *The Stanley Dynamic* provided him with a chance to really hone his abilities in front of an audience. It's where many people first got to see his talent, and it was, in fact, a solid foundation for his subsequent work. That kind of early experience is, obviously, very helpful for any actor looking to make a lasting mark.

The Outlander Experience

The return of *Outlander* to screens for its seventh season in 2023 has been met with much excitement, and a big part of that has been the introduction of Charles Vandervaart in a very important role. Fans have, you know, been really enjoying this new season, and his portrayal has certainly been a talking point. It's a show with a very dedicated following, so joining the cast is, like, a pretty big deal for any actor.

His involvement with *Outlander* places him in a series that is known for its intricate storylines and deep character connections. Being part of such a well-loved show means stepping into a world that many viewers already feel very attached to. It's, therefore, a unique kind of challenge, bringing a new character to life within an established story. The reception from fans, apparently, shows he's doing a good job with it.

Taking on William Ransom

In *Outlander* Season 7, Charles Vandervaart has taken on the role of William Ransom, who is Jamie Fraser's illegitimate son. This character is, you know, quite pivotal to the story, especially given his family ties. William has purchased a commission in the British army and has come to America to fight on the side of the Redcoats, which puts him in a pretty interesting position, especially with his father's allegiances.

William's storyline is, in a way, very compelling. Jamie fathered William during a time when he and Claire were apart, adding layers to his background. Charles Vandervaart, as the adult William, brings a specific kind of presence to this role, showing the character's journey as he navigates the complexities of his identity and his place in the unfolding historical events. It's a role that, truly, asks a lot from a performer, requiring a deep understanding of the character's emotional landscape.

His character, William, has also been involved in some rather intense situations, like meeting Rachel and Violet. Variety, too, spoke with Vandervaart and Bell about the potential for romance and what to expect from their characters in the season. These interactions are, obviously, important for the story, and Charles's portrayal helps to shape how viewers feel about William's path. It's a role that, you know, keeps viewers guessing about what will happen next for him.

Preparing for the Role

To prepare for his part as William Ransom, Charles Vandervaart actually studied Sam Heughan's performance as Jamie Fraser. This approach makes a lot of sense, considering he is playing Jamie's son. By observing Sam's work, Charles could, in a way, get a better feel for the family dynamics and the kind of presence William would have, drawing from his on-screen father's characteristics. It's a pretty thoughtful way to get ready for such a connected role.

Understanding the nuances of Jamie's character was, in fact, very helpful for Charles in shaping William. It's not just about looking alike, but about capturing some of the essence that would be passed down, even through an illegitimate lineage. This kind of preparation shows a commitment to the role and a desire to make the portrayal as authentic as possible. That, is a sign of a dedicated actor, really putting in the work to bring a character to life.

Handling Difficult Storylines

In *Outlander*, William Ransom's character has been involved in some challenging and, you know, rather unsettling moments, such as when he forced a kiss on Rachel and had interactions with Violet and others. Charles Vandervaart has, in fact, addressed these "horrible things" that his character did. He has, too, been quite clear about it, making no excuses for William's actions, which is a significant stance for an actor to take.

It's important for performers to sometimes discuss the less pleasant aspects of their characters, especially when those actions cause a strong reaction from the audience. Charles's willingness to speak about these difficult parts of William's story shows a certain level of maturity and a clear understanding of the character's impact. That, is a sign of someone who takes their craft seriously, even when the material is tough. It helps, in a way, to separate the actor from the character's less admirable deeds.

Beyond the Highlands: Other Performances

Before his time in *Outlander*, Charles Vandervaart had already built up a good list of television and movie appearances. His work, you know, spans across different genres and formats, showing his versatility as a performer. He's been seen in shows that range from family-friendly fare to more dramatic and mysterious stories, which is pretty cool for a young actor. This variety, in a way, has helped him gain a lot of experience.

Some of his most recent and notable appearances include:

• *Holly Hobby*
• *Murdoch Mysteries*, where he played John Brackenreid
• *Lost in Space*
• *The Craft*
• *Legacy*
• *October Faction*
• *The Stanley Life* (which followed *The Stanley Dynamic*)

Each of these roles, you know, gave him a chance to explore different aspects of acting and work with various creative teams. His appearance in *Murdoch Mysteries*, for example, shows his ability to handle period pieces and more serious dramatic roles. It's clear that he's been quite busy building a solid career before stepping into the very public role of William Ransom. You can learn more about other Canadian actors on our site, and perhaps find a new show to watch by visiting our TV series reviews page.

A Look at Personal Interests and Abilities

Beyond his acting work, Charles Vandervaart has a range of interests and skills that keep him busy. He's, you know, quite active, with a clear enjoyment for fitness training. This kind of physical activity can be, in some respects, very helpful for an actor, keeping them in good shape for various roles that might require physical demands. It's good to have hobbies that keep you moving, that's for sure.

He also enjoys rock climbing, which is a pretty adventurous pursuit. This hobby suggests a person who likes challenges and perhaps a bit of excitement outside of his professional life. Rock climbing, too, requires a lot of focus and physical strength, so it's a good way to stay sharp. It's interesting to see how actors, you know, balance their demanding careers with personal pursuits that bring them joy and keep them grounded.

On top of his athletic interests, Charles has also received training in both equestrian and combat skills. These are, actually, very practical abilities for an actor, especially for roles in historical dramas like *Outlander* that often involve horses and fight scenes. Having these skills already in his toolkit means he can, in a way, step into such roles with a certain level of readiness, which is quite an advantage.

When he has some spare time, Charles also plays piano and guitar. These musical interests show a different side of his creative abilities. Being able to play instruments is, you know, a pretty cool talent to have, and it suggests a person with a good sense of rhythm and artistry. It's often said that many performers have a range of artistic expressions, and Charles, apparently, fits that description quite well with his musical pursuits.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some personal information about Charles Vandervaart:

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Vandervaart

Who plays William Ransom in Outlander?

Charles Vandervaart is the actor who plays William Ransom in season 7 of the Starz series *Outlander*. He joined the cast in 2023 to portray Jamie Fraser's illegitimate son. His performance has, you know, been a significant addition to the show, bringing a new dynamic to the long-running story. He has, apparently, done a lot of work to bring this character to life for the audience.

How old is Charles Vandervaart?

Charles Vandervaart was born on September 9, 2000. This means he is, in fact, 24 years old as of recent information. When he was cast as William Ransom, he was, you know, around 21 years young, which was very close to the actual age of William as described in the book *A Breath of Snow and Ashes*. So, his age was, actually, a good fit for the character's stage in life.

What other TV shows has Charles Vandervaart been in?

Before his role in *Outlander*, Charles Vandervaart has appeared in a number of other television series. He is, you know, perhaps best known for his part as Larry Stanley on YTV’s *The Stanley Dynamic*. He also played John Brackenreid on CBC’s *Murdoch Mysteries*. Other shows he has been in include *Holly Hobby*, *Lost in Space*, *October Faction*, and *The Stanley Life*. He has, too, built up a pretty varied resume over his acting career. For more details on his filmography, you might want to check out his profile on a site like IMDb.