Sassenach Spotlight: Suzette Beaugrand from Canada

Sassenach Spotlight is an Outlander Cast blog post highlighting Outlander fans worldwide. Featured in this month’s post is Suzette Beaugrand. 

Every great story is filled with a cast of memorable characters. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is no exception. From its heroes to its villains, each person holds an important role in creating a unique and wonderful fictional experience. What isn’t fictional, however, are the true characters that make up the Outlander fandom. The people IRL who have followed the adventures of Claire and Jamie Fraser have found countless ways of sharing their love and dedication with other members of their chosen clan. It is about time their stories were told.

Through “Sassenach Spotlight,” we wish to highlight some of the amazing members of the Outlander Cast Clan Gathering, not only to showcase the wonderful creativity and accomplishments of the fans, but also to continue adding to the strength of the community. Whether they are costumers, collectors, bakers, travelers, or simply lovers of the books and show, everyone can have the chance to share with the clan how they show off their Sassenach pride. And who better to kick off our first spotlight than Suzette Beaugrand of Ontario, Canada.

Suzette is a woman of many talents and trades. From working with a major airline, to co-running a company, and even being a background and voiceover artist, she has numerous experiences and titles to her name. But one title that stands out above the rest is that of “Outlander Fan.” Her love for the television show, the characters, Scotland, and what they all have meant to her life makes her a true Sassenach.

Here are a few of Suzette’s favorite Outlander things: (Cue music from The Sound of Music.)

Favorite Outlander Character: Jamie Fraser

Favorite Outlander Villain: Black Jack

Favorite Book/Season: Season One

Are you a book reader and/or show watcher?: Show watcher

What was your first experience with Outlander?: After being told by several friends that I had to watch this show, I finally got on board in season three. Binge watched one and two and hopped into season three.

In what way has Outlander inspired you, both personally and creatively? In so many ways! Not only did I fall in love and obsession with the show but its cinematography and history of Scotland too. Because of this show I took my very first ever solo vacation last year. Yes, to Scotland! I booked a five-day Outlander tour which was so amazing! Best trip I’ve ever had and made many life-long friends from it. But the Outlander show made me feel again. I had been widowed for four years at the time I started watching the show. And the incredible love story that unfolded before me allowed me to finally release my grief and inspired a new hope for happiness. The show has changed my life in so many profound ways. I fell head over heels in love with Scotland while there. It felt like I was home and I really didn’t want to leave. And now, I’ve met a fabulous man online who is not Scottish but lives in Scotland. We have fallen in love and now I will be moving to Scotland to live with him! It doesn’t get any better than this!

How do you share your love for Outlander?: I have joined many Outlander groups online and am constantly sharing Outlander with anyone and everyone I can. I also joined Sam’s My Peak Challenge!

Any special/fun Outlander moments you want to share?: Meeting and becoming friends with Gillebride Macmillan (Gwyllam the bard from Outlander). Also meeting Graham McTavish. Visiting so many of the filming sites from the show was beyond fabulous! I actually got very emotional and started to cry when I saw Lallybroch in person. It was just so special!

Lastly, what are you looking forward to in upcoming books/seasons/events?: I can’t wait to see Jamie being a grandfather! And hopefully seeing more of the spark and chemistry between Claire and Jamie. I’m joining another Outlander event in October in Scotland in Loch Lomond. Still dying to meet “The King of Men” himself, Sam Heughan!

Are you, or is someone you know, a true Obsessenach? Click this link to apply to be featured in next month’s Sassenach Spotlight!