Caitríona Balfe reveals bizarre fan encounter during surgery

Caitríona Balfe has recalled one of the most unusual fan encounters of her career, revealing that it happened while she was on the operating table.

The 46-year-old Outlander star said the incident took place during a medical procedure when an anesthesiologist, recognising her, began singing the show’s theme song as she was being put under.

“I think my weirdest one was an anesthesiologist who decided to start singing the theme tune to me as she was putting me under,” Balfe told People.“That was a lot. She's supposed to be keeping me alive.”

Balfe, who has played Claire Fraser since Outlander premiered in 2014, said the experience stood out among many fan interactions over the years due to its timing and setting.

The actress also reflected on the emotional weight of filming the series’ final season, describing it as an intense period for both her and co-star Sam Heughan, as well as the wider cast.

She said she “cried like 20 times” during filming, adding that saying goodbye to a show that has defined more than a decade of her life was particularly difficult.

“It’s been a humongous part of both of our lives,” she said, noting the strong bond shared by the cast over the years.

Following production, Balfe said the cast took time away from work to process the end of the series in their own ways, with each of them pursuing different experiences after filming wrapped.

“I went off and did a retreat,” she said, while others explored more adventurous or transformative breaks after the emotional conclusion of the long-running show.

Balfe also revealed she kept several souvenirs from set, including props and costume pieces tied to her character’s journey.

“I got a vase, and also I asked for my rings,” she said. “I feel like if I’ve gone through that many marriages, I deserve the hardware.”