Sam Heughan Reveals Outlander’s Most Surprising Celebrity Фан 

The 18th-century Scottish drama is even popular in deep space, it seems.

first premiered globally in August of 2014, it has attracted a passionate group of fans from all over the world—including, at least, a celebrity who was a TV heartthrob decades before the kilted men of Outlander took over the role.

“I had dinner with William Shatner last week and I couldn’t believe it. He’s a fan of the show,” revealed star Sam Heughan at the show’s Season 2 premiere on Monday night. “He’s really funny, and I owe him dinner now. I still can’t believe I met him!”

Nearly one year after Starz’s popular time-traveling, romance series,

ended its first season, the “Droughtlander” is almost over for Shatner and millions of other fans. Breakout stars Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, and Tobias Menzies gathered Monday evening for an extravagant world-premiere event at the American Museum of Natural History, which included a party in the museum’s famous “whale room.”

“My life has changed in so many ways because of the show,” said Heughan, who plays swoon-worthy Highlander Jamie Fraser. One of the biggest changes has been seeing his face plastered on billboards. “It’s very odd. I had just come from Los Angeles, and there’s a lot of billboards around the city and on buses and it’s really strange to be driving past and see myself up there,” he said. “It’s kind of overwhelming, really.”

Despite the high level of emotions, he had to capture the milestone moment in his career with a photo. “I may have one selfie somewhere, which I sent to my mum,” he modestly said. “Ultimately, it’s those sort of things that I want my family to see and to share the special moments that I am experiencing.”

Thirty-six-year-old Irish actress Balfe has dreamed of becoming an actress since her childhood. She admits she wasn’t sure if she would ever catch a big break until she landed the lead role on

“I struggled for years as an actress and it was challenging,” said Balfe, a former model. “I wasn’t sure if it was going to work, but I was stubborn and never gave up. Now, I have a job that I always dreamed of. My life has really been changed both personally and professionally. I just love the range that I get to play. It feels like every day there is something new to tackle and I am constantly growing and changing as an actress and as a woman.”

have a strong love-hate relationship with its three leading characters. Viewers are so invested that many wonder if the actors themselves mirror their fictional alter egos.

“I would like to think that I am fearless like Claire,” Balfe said about the headstrong British nurse. “I will pretty much do anything that this role calls for, but I would also like to think that I am more cautious when needed, because Claire does things before she thinks. But I love that. I love that she is passionate and takes big risks no matter what happens.”

As for Heughan, 35, playing the beloved heartthrob can be daunting. “He’s a very noble and trustworthy guy and trying to live up to him can be difficult at times,” he admits. “I’m lucky to play such a great guy who is so loved. I hope to be as great as Jamie is. I do share his sense of loyalty. I am a very loyal man and always keep my promises when I commit to something.”

alum, viewers don’t often confuse him with his character, the sadistic 18th-century English captain Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall.

“I live in London and I don’t get too much hassle or dirty looks from fans. I can still go and buy my milk from the shelf,” said Menzies. “I’m happy to tell you people just about manage to work out that I’m not him and he is not me. But it’s great to hear that I am evil enough to confuse some people. My whole approach was not to treat him as a monster and to try and see why he would be evil so that the audience couldn’t just discount him as a monster. You have to go meet the man and understand him to humanize him, to make it more uncomfortable to watch him, because it could be any of us if we went through any of those experiences.”

The Starz series is considered to be one of television’s most steamy and sex-charged shows. Viewers have enjoyed all the kilt-dropping moments between Heughan and Balfe. But, the actress admits it’s too awkward for her to watch the intimate scenes with her family.

“After Season 1, they know what to expect now,” said Balfe, who is one of seven children. “I don’t watch the show with them. I send a message home telling them don’t watch some scenes in certain episodes. I should really just get DVDs with edited versions.”

Menzies, 42, had a full-frontal scene in Season 1 and has no qualms about disrobing on-screen. “I don’t have a problem with nudity if it is necessary within the narrative,” he said. “If there is reasoning, why bother with a modesty pouch?”

The on-screen chemistry between Balfe and Heughan is so hot that many fans are convinced that their spark has translated into a real-life romantic relationship. “I’m sorry to disappoint people, but we’re just good friends,” explained Heughan. “Caitriona is wonderful to work with and she’s very natural. I guess the rumors show that we’ve done a good job.”

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