If you’ve spent any time watching Outlander, you know the name Ian Murray carries a lot of weight. But here’s the thing that trips up casual viewers: there isn't just one. We’ve got "Old Ian" and "Young Ian," and honestly, the actors behind them are just as fascinating as the 18th-century Highlanders they play on screen.
When we talk about the Outlander Ian Murray actor, most modern fans immediately picture the face of John Bell—the tattooed, fierce, and deeply soulful "Young Ian." But the legacy actually started with Steven Cree.
Steven Cree: The Original Ian Murray
Steven Cree is the guy who started it all. He played Ian Murray, Jamie Fraser’s best friend and brother-in-law, since Season 1. Cree’s Ian is the rock of Lallybroch. He's the man who lost a leg at Fontenoy but never lost his spirit or his loyalty to the Frasers.
Funny enough, Cree almost didn't make it back for the later seasons. Schedules are a nightmare in Hollywood (or Scotland, in this case). He was actually missing from the show for quite a bit because of his work on A Discovery of Witches where he played Gallowglass. Fans were genuinely worried he wouldn't return to close out Ian’s story.
The "Old Ian" Identity Crisis
When Cree finally did return for Season 7, he noticed something hilarious—and a bit bruising for the ego. The scripts and the trailers started referring to him as "Old Ian" to differentiate him from his son.
Cree didn't take it lying down. He’s been vocal in interviews, jokingly ranting about how he's the "original" Ian Murray. It’s that kind of wit that made him such a fan favorite. He brings a grounded, weary warmth to the role that balances out the high-stakes drama of Jamie and Claire's lives.
John Bell: The Transformation of Young Ian
Then we have John Bell. If you're looking for the Outlander Ian Murray actor who underwent the most radical physical transformation, it’s him.
Bell joined the cast in Season 3 as a gangly, energetic teenager. By the time we hit the later seasons, he's unrecognizable. He's got the Mohawk. He's got the Mohawk tattoos. He’s basically a walking embodiment of the cultural bridge between the Scottish Highlands and the Mohawk nation.
Why He Almost Quit Acting
Here is a bit of trivia most people miss: John Bell almost walked away from the industry entirely.
Before landing the role of Young Ian, he was at a crossroads. He’d been a child actor—you might remember him as Bain in The Hobbit movies or from an early episode of Doctor Who—but the transition to adult roles is notoriously brutal. He was literally two weeks away from starting university to study something completely different when the Outlander audition came through.
Can you imagine the show without him? I can't. He didn't just play a character; he grew up on that set. You can see the literal aging process from the kid who got kidnapped by pirates to the man who falls in love with Rachel Hunter.
Dealing With the "Young" Label
Even as the character hits his 30s in the story, he's still called "Young Ian."
It’s a Scottish thing, mostly. Ian, son of Ian. But John Bell plays into that beautifully. He keeps that youthful spark and impulsiveness, but he layers it with the trauma of his time with the Mohawk. He’s spoken about how the makeup process—which takes hours—helps him slide into that headspace.
"My favorite part of the day is the makeup in the morning... I go from looking scrawny to being a warrior." — John Bell
What to Expect Next for the Murrays
As we move into the final stretches of the show, the Ian Murrays are more important than ever.
We’re seeing a "full circle" moment. Young Ian has returned to Scotland. He’s facing his father—the elder Ian—and dealing with the reality of time passing. It’s emotional. It’s messy. It’s exactly what the fans have been waiting for.
If you’re following the actors' careers outside the stones:
- Steven Cree continues to be a powerhouse in British drama and remains a staple at Outlander conventions for his legendary banter with Sam Heughan.
- John Bell has been exploring stage work, including a highly acclaimed one-man show, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, proving he's got range far beyond the buckskins.
The casting of these two was a stroke of genius. They actually feel like father and son. They share a certain "Murray" energy that feels distinct from the Fraser fire.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're keeping track of the Murrays, keep these details in mind for your next rewatch or fan theory discussion:
- Identity Matters: Steven Cree is the "Elder" or "Original" Ian; John Bell is "Young Ian."
- Career Saves: Outlander essentially saved John Bell's acting career right before he gave up.
- Physicality: Bell’s tattoos and Mohawk aren't just for show; the actor spent months researching the cultural significance to ensure he portrayed the Mohawk transition with respect.
- The Return: Watch for the Season 7 chemistry between the two; it's some of the best acting in the entire series.
Keep an eye on the official Starz social media for updates on the final season. Both actors have a habit of dropping behind-the-scenes gems that you won't find in the episodes.