Last month, Netflix's romantic drama Virgin River returned for another 10-episode season, reuniting TV viewers with the love shared between Jack and Mel, while also reintroducing audiences to all the other characters that populate their quaint, nature-friendly surroundings. Based on the book series of the same name by Robyn Carr, this streaming series continues to find its audience with each consecutive season, though it's still too early to know if the Canadian program will be renewed for a third season. Before we find out, let's take a look at the ensemble that fills out this passionate show.
If you recognize Virgin River's cast but you can't put your finger on where you've seen these actors before, we're here to help.
Alexandra Breckenridge (Melinda “Mel” Monroe)
As Melinda "Mel" Monore, a nurse practitioner and midwife who recently moved from Los Angeles to Virgin River, Alexandra Breckenridge plays the lead role in this Netflix romantic drama series. Outside of this performance, Breckenridge is known for Dirt, This is Us, The Walking Dead, She's the Man, Big Fat Liar, American Horror Story: Murder House, and American Horror Story: Coven. Additionally, the actress voices several characters on Family Guy. She also appeared in the short-lived sitcom, The Ex List, and she played one of the main parts in the NBC comedy series, Save Me.
Some of Alexandra Breckenridge's other notable television credits include Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, JAG, Psych, Life Unexpected, True Blood, Franklin & Bash, Medium, and Law & Order: SVU. She also did voice work for American Dad and she starred in the TV film, Romy and Michele: In the Beginning. Additionally, Breckenridge's film credits include Orange County, D.E.B.S., Zipper, and Broken Vows. She was last seen in February's TV movie, Love in Store.
Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan)
In the role of Jack Sheridan, a local restaurant/bar owner and former Marine who suffers from PTSD, Martin Henderson plays the male lead in Netflix's Virgin River. Most notably, Henderson is known for Grey's Anatomy and 2002's The Ring. He also played a lead in ABC's short-lived drama series, Off the Map, and he's remembered for his recurring role in the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. Additionally, Henderson had main cast member parts in Sweat, The Red Road, Secrets & Lies, and the Australian series, Big Sky, while he also had a recurring role in Home & Away and guest appearances in House and Rake. Also, earlier this year, Henderson starred in the Stan original series, The Gloaming.
Outside of television, Martin Henderson starred in Little Fish, Smokin' Aces, Devil's Knot, Everest, Miracles from Heaven, The Strangers: Prey at Night, Bride and Prejudice, and The Moment, as well as Torque, Windtalkers, Kick, Perfect Opposites, Juveniles, and Skagerrak. He also appeared in the music video for Britney Spears' "Toxic."
Colin Lawrence (John ‘Preacher’ Middleton)
As John "Preacher," Middleton, one of Jack's close Marine friends who works as a chef at his bar, Colin Lawrence plays a prominent part in Virgin River. The TV actor is best known for playing Lt. Hamish "Skulls" McCall in Battlestar Galactica. Additionally, Lawrence had recurring roles in The Killing, iZombie, Impastor, The L Word, The Good Doctor, Stargate SG-1, Endgame, and Riverdale. He can also be seen in episodes of Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce, Colony, Rogue, The Man in the High Castle, Supernatural, The 100, Arrow, Fringe, and Smallville, as well as Jeremiah, Dark Angel, The X-Files, and The Outer Limits.
Moreover, Colin Lawrence's film credits include X2: X-Men United, Fantastic Four (2005), The 6th Day, Head Over Heels, Dreamcatcher, Slam Dunk Ernest, House of the Dead, Y2K, and Blank Point, as well as Watchmen (2009), 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded, Fifty Shades Darker, and 2017's Beaches remake. Additionally, Lawrence starred in the TV movie, Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy. And he'll soon be seen in Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing.
Jenny Cooper (Joey Barnes)
Playing the part of Joey Barnes, Melinda's older sister, Jenny Cooper's character doesn't appear in Season 2 as often as she did in the first season, but Cooper still remains one of the main cast members. Previously, the film and TV actress played starring roles in Showtime's Fast Track and Open Heart, and she had recurring roles in 24, Jake and the Kid, Strange Days at the Blake Holsey High, Law & Order True Crime, and Foreign Objects. Additionally, Cooper starred in the mini-series, Feasts of All Saints, and she had guest star appearances on Grey's Anatomy, CSI: Cyber, Rizzoli & Isles, Bones, Scandal, Ghost Whisperer, Monk, and The Outer Limits.
Outside of television, Jenny Cooper also starred in Baby Blues, Godsend, Shovel Buddies, and last year's Cross 3. She also wrote, co-produced, and starred in 2013's comedy, I Think I Do.
Lauren Hammersley (Charmaine Roberts)
As Charmaine Roberts, Jack's friend with benefits, Lauren Hammersley plays a sexy character in Virgin River. Prior to her part in this streaming exclusive, Hammersley had a recurring role in Orphan Black. Additionally, she played one of the main characters in CDC's sitcom, Mr. D. The actress can also be seen in episodes of John Doe, Single White Spenny, and Saving Hope. Her film credits include Bloody Mary and Stag, as well as Harland Williams' comedy special, Child Wild.
Annette O’Toole (Hope McCrea)
In the role of Hope McCrea, the mayor of Virgin River, Annette O'Toole plays a sizable part in this romantic Netflix drama series. Often seen on screens both big and small, O'Toole is most commonly associated with her performances in Superman III, Smallville, Cross My Heart, Nash Bridges, 48 Hrs., Temptation, and 1990's IT mini-series, where she played Adult Beverly. Her other notable film and TV credits include Cat People, Here on Earth, Women Who Kill, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, Andre, Foolin' Around, One on One, The Huntress, Halt and Catch Fire, and Netflix's The Punisher, as well as guest appearances in Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Law & Order, Boy Meets World, The Partridge Family, and 11.22.63.
Earlier this year, Annette O'Toole starred in Blow the Man Down and The Incoherents. She also guest-starred in episodes of The Good Doctor, Search Party, and Kidding. Outside of her various acting roles, O'Toole is also a singer-songwriter. Notably, she co-wrote songs for A Mighty Wind, including "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow," which was Oscar-nominated.
Tim Matheson (Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins)
As Vernon Mullins, also known as "Doc," the local physician, Tim Matheson is one of the main cast members in Netflix's Virgin River. He also directed a couple episodes in both seasons. Most notably, the film and TV actor is best known for The West Wing, for which he was nominated for two Emmy awards, and National Lampoon's Animal House, where he played Eric "Otter" Stratton. He can also be seen in movies and shows like Van Wilder, Hart of Dixie, Burn Notice, She's All That, The Legend of Calamity Jane, Black Sheep, and Fletch. Additionally, Matheson voiced the titular character in Jonny Quest and starred in the 2019 TV movie, Killing Reagan, in the title role of President Ronald Reagan.
His other notable acting credits include Child's Play (2019), This is Us, Madam Secretary, The Good Fight, The Affair, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, CSI, No Strings Attached, Wolf Lake, and Charlie Hoover. He also appeared in Drop Dead Fred, To Be or Not To Be, Bonanza, The Virginian, and 1941.
Benjamin Hollingsworth (Dan Brady)
Playing the role of Dan Brady, a fellow veteran who served with Jack and struggles to re-adjust to common society, Benjamin Hollingsworth became a larger part of Virgin River in Season 2. Outside of this performance, Hollingsworth is best known for his work in CBS' Code Black and his recurring role in Suits. His other television credits include a series regular part in The Beautiful Life, his recurring roles in Cult and The Tomorrow People, and his guest star appearances in Once Upon a Time, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Backstrom, and CSI: Miami. Also, Hollingsworth can be seen in TV movies like The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream, Can't Buy My Love, 2003's The Music Man, and A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love.
Outside of television, Benjamin Hollingsworth's film credits include The Joneses, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, Joy Ride 3: Roadkill, Vendetta, Cold Pursuit, and Rabid. Also, earlier this year, Hollingsworth starred in the TV movie, Love Under the Olive Tree.
Grayson Gurnsey (Ricky)
In the role of Ricky, a young go-getter who works at Jack's Bar and wants to join the Marines, Grayson Gurnsey had an expanded role in Virgin River Season 2. Prior to this series, the TV actor starred in Game On and Saints, while also making guest star appearances in Impastor, Timeless, Wayward Pines, iZombie, and Van Helsing. Additionally, his film credits include Wonder, 2014's Godzilla, The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, and The Art of Racing in the Rain.
In addition to his acting credits, Grayson Gurnsey is also the director of a pair of 2014 short films, The Dating Journal and Discovered. He was also a contributing director on 2013's Lord of the Guys.
Sarah Dugdale (Lizzie)
A newcomer to this Netflix original, Sarah Dugdale joined Virgin River Season 2 in the role of Lizzie, Connie's niece based in Los Angeles. Prior to her appearance in this streaming series, Dugdale was seen in shows like R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour, Arrow, The Secret Circle, Supernatural, Mystery 101, and Ice. Additionally, her film credits include Netflix's In the Shadow of the Moon, Phil, The Age of Adulting, Hollow in the Land, and last year's Lifetime movie, The College Admissions Scandal. Next year, Dugdale stars in the upcoming horror-thriller, There's Someone Inside Your House.
Did you love Virgin River Season 2? Who's your favorite character? Let us know in the comment section! You can also catch up with the series at the link provided here.
