Caitríona Balfe on Why Acting Is ‘100% About Confidence’

Once Caitríona Balfe made the leap from modeling back to her original dream of acting, she began studying the craft and working her way toward leading roles. In commercials, web series, and eventually on the big screen, she developed on-camera instincts that became her basis of approaching both auditions and creating characters. Caitríona’s work demonstrates how important it is for actors to have confidence in their unique charisma. “Sometimes the reason you’re cast is because there’s something innately within you that you can bring to the role,” she says. “If you kind of let your instincts lead you, then that’s also a really great place to go.”
Trained as a model in her native Ireland and then around the world, Caitríona made an uncredited appearance in “The Devil Wears Prada” before moving to Los Angeles and starring in “H+: The Digital Series,” “Money Monster,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” and more. Her breakout role as Claire on the Starz series “Outlander,” adapted by Ronald D. Moore from the hit Diana Gabaldon novels, has earned her dozens of international awards. The actor-producer-activist now stars in Focus Features’ “Belfast,” a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age period piece from writer-director Kenneth Branagh. For a glimpse of the “Outlander” audition that secured Caitríona her Hollywood breakthrough, head to backstage.com: bit.ly/3EXpBS4
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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: bit.ly/2OMryWQ
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Special thanks to...
- Host: Jack Smart
- Producer: Jamie Muffett
- Social media: Katie Minard
- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins
- Additional support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis

[@Bailey2006a]

Finally, an interview worthy of this wonderful actress. Bravo!

[@womanofacertainage5892]

This is one of the best and smartest interviewers I've heard interview either Cait or Sam. Bravo! He elicited discussion and things I've never heard from Caitriona before, and I've listened to many interviews with her. Great job Mr. Jack Smart!

[@tutkufilms]

Interview starts at 6:43

[@martyalbershardt8314]

So grounded, yet so inspiring. Caitriona is great!

[@mariebrazda3482]

Thank you Caitriona ❤

[@cailynpeddle]

a great episode! some very useful advice :) I filmed my first co-star role this summer and was there for a day and I’m glad to know it gets a little easier once you starting booking bigger jobs. thanks for this!

[@cailynpeddle]

full circle moment here: it’s my last day of college and this was my first In the Envelope podcast episode I ever listened to and since then I have listened everyday on my commute to school. thank you Jack and Vinny for some amazing interviews!!

[@barbaraeiler7877]

The actual interview starts at 7:26… I love Caitríona and know about Backstage. This endless intro is just annoying.

[@Bailey2006a]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@deion70324]

She and I have a very similar story wow

[@elenalatici9568]

What a horrible story about Caitriona's worst audition story. Especially the part about her manager dropping her. I hope that manager is still around and eating his heart out. Really bad form.

[@gamingwithmab3320]

First view can you take me to any series I am 15

[@KathyJeanActress]

Modeling is the most basic form of acting.

[@beardedanglergeoffrey8871]

ᴠᴇʀʏ ɴɪᴄᴇ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥