César Domboy – Outlander

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’m focusing mainly on “Outlander” because it is a lot of work and such an amazing series for me. I have to focus on this. I’m shooting “Outlander” for ten months so I don’t really have the time to do anything else.

Q) Did you spend much time the reading books to get into character?

A) That’s the thing, I didn’t read the books. I didn’t want to be too informed. I wanted to keep it fresh because Fergus doesn’t know what will happen to him, Jamie or anyone else. The cool thing about working on “Outlander” is trying to live the life of the characters in a way you don’t know. I think Caitriona [Balfe] is reading the book and sometimes she spoils us with information that we don’t want to know. Mainly, I’ve been working more on the scripts and also what Romann [Berrux] did on Season One because I thought it was relevant and very interesting to work around. So, it was more of the scripts and Roman’s performance.

Q) What was your audition like for the role of Fergus?

A) That’s a good question. I was actually not a scene for “Outlander” this season, but probably in further seasons because it was a scene they wrote where Fergus has his dwarf child and a very intense scene between him and Claire. I was there a couple of times and I waited forever. It was very stressful. In the end they were like, “We’re going to go with you.” That was it. I guess they were trying to try the important scenes and how I’ll handle the…

Q) Drama and intensity?

A) Yeah! Yeah! You have two or three big, important scenes in each episode and you have to focus on these in the beginning when you work. And that’s what they did. It was a very long process because they wanted to be sure to go with the right guy because now we’re together for a long time.

Q) Were you nervous to take on such an iconic role and for various seasons?

A) I hope so! I hope so because I love the show so much. I want to watch many scenes. The trippy thing is to be like, “I’m part of it now.” It’s weird to process. And I’ve never seen any episodes with me so I don’t realize…It’s different being on set. Of course, I’ve been in costume and we did all these scenes for Season Three. But it’s so much to process that I’m going with the flow. I’m flexible anyways. So, I’m just happy with this and I was not expecting this – this “Outlander” journey. But it’s the best! I’d be so fucking greedy not to enjoy it and embrace it. I’m lucky. I’m one lucky boy. That’s the reality!

Q) Fergus and Jamie share a deep bond and there is almost a mentorship there. Did you spend much time with Sam to develop this?

A) That’s the thing…I’m very lucky because Sam [Heughan] and I love each other, but this you can’t stage. It’s luck and it’s good casting. We got along so well and I think it’s very useful for us on screen when we’re acting. But, basically, Sam is such an amazing costar, partner and friend. He was so welcoming with me and actually he is quite mentoring on set. He is driving me and helping me a lot. So, there is some sort of continuity between the relationship I have with him in real life and what Fergus and Jamie have on “Outlander.” But the cool thing was also that I love Jamie and Fergus’ relationship because as you said it is sort of a mentorship where he adopted Fergus as sort of his best friend/right-hand/son…And all that together is very unique and very lovely. I love it! I’m quite lucky!

Q) There is a great divide with the characters and the years covered during this season. Where do we pick up with Fergus this season?

A) We’ll see old Fergus for the first time when he sees Claire after twenty years. So, basically, we see an older guy we’ve never seen before on “Outlander” that is me working at a farmer’s market. He sees Claire and that’s it. That’s how we introduce older Fergus in the story, which is very moving because he thought she was dead. She’s his mother and so that is a very, very intense amazing scene between them.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments that you can tease from filming “Outlander?”

A) All those scenes we shot on the Artemis, the pirate ship, was so amazing. It was very intense. It was very real. We were on the gambling ship with fake waves crashing on our faces. It was real! All the storm scenes were memorable. It was hard and raining, but I loved it so much because it felt real.

Q) As I mentioned, the series is divided by locations and centuries. Is there someone you wanted to work with that you didn’t get to have any scenes with?

A) Yeah, Lotte! Lotte Verbeek is amazing. She’s my friend. Sadly, there is nothing between Geillis and older Fergus, but she is amazing. Lotte is such a genius actress and an amazing human being. Geillis is one of my favorite characters on the show and she’s killing it! So, I wish I had something with her And Tobias [Mezies], of course. He’s such an amazing actor. I think for the rest we might have some surprises next season. I might work with Sophie [Skelton] somehow. Maybe. We’ll see…

Q) What can you tease is coming for Fergus this season?

A) I hope the fans won’t be disappointed and I hope they like what I’m doing with Fergus because it’s such an amazing part and such an amazing character. It’s so lovely and loving. I think what’s great is that now we’ll see grownup Fergus with other problems in his life. That’s very cool because he’s one of the rare characters in a show where you can really see the progression in years. So, that’s great! I hope they won’t be disappointed. I hope they love it.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan reaction you’ll be receiving to the upcoming episodes?

A) Yeah! I’m scared. [laughs] I’m scared because I don’t want to disappoint anyone. That’s what is so amazing – the “Outlander” fans are so committed. I don’t want to disappoint them. So, I’m quite scared actually. [laughs] But I’m excited! It’s done now. I’m more looking forward to shooting Season Four. I am in Scotland now. It’s too scary to think how the episode will be. It’s more, “Now I have a chance to be even better.” That’s it. That’s how I see it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) What should I say? Thank you! [laughs] You guys are the best! Thank you so much for believing in me. What can I say? I hope they will love me.