Why Diana Gabaldon calls 'Outlander' star Sam Heughan 'Sheugs'

A little known fact about “Outlander” star Sam Heughan is that he is called “Sheugs” by author Diana Gabaldon, on whose books the popular Starz TV series is based. She uses the Gaelic word for the actor to avoid any confusion, as there is another man in her life sharing the same name.

Gabaldon has a son named Sam, who is about the same age and “size” as Heughan (Jamie). So, every time the author mentions this name; she means her son. She prefers not to use the same name for both of them, as she finds that that can be confusing.

The fans of the book series and the show who are wondering why they rarely hear the author mention or share pictures of her family, it is because they are private people. Given the popularity of the franchise, Gabaldon is already a celebrity author, and it will be hard for her to not get noticed wherever she goes, as the fans come from all walks of life across the globe. She may be attempting to protect the privacy of her family, and not put them in the limelight too.

However, Gabaldon did reveal the heights of the two men in her life. Her husband is apparently 6 feet and 4 inches tall, and her son is an inch or two taller. Being surrounded by tall men like this, it’s no wonder that Jamie Fraser in “Outlander” books is 6 feet and 4 inches tall.

The author’s husband may have been a big inspiration behind the protagonist of her books. While most of the fans are looking for their Jamie, it seems that Gabaldon already has hers.

Gabaldon was visiting the sets of the Starz show in Cape Town, South Africa, recently. There she met Caitriona Balfe (Claire), Sheugs and Co-executive Producer Maril Davis. The author also enjoyed the change of scenery, and soaked in the sights and sounds.

Heughan led the New York Tartan Day Parade last year wearing a kilt. Although his fans would like him to do this every year, the actor is currently busy filming the next season of the Starz TV series. Scottish actor Tommy Flanagan will be leading the parade this year.

Flanagan was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. In his long acting career he has been a part of movies like “Braveheart,” “Gladiator,” and the hit TV series “Sons of Anarchy.” The next big movie he will be seen in is “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Meanwhile, filming for “Outlander” continues in Cape Town. The cameras will continue to roll in that country till June, and the show will air in September.

Credit: Instagram/ Outlander