We tune in to “Virgin River” to watch the romance between our favorite
couple Mel and Jack, to see how pregnant Charmaine is, what Doc and Cameron
are up to, and in general, how the townsfolk celebrate life and each other.
We also tune in for the gorgeous scenery, and, yes, also the gorgeous actors. There is no shortage of handsome and beautiful among the cast members on one of Netflix’s top-watched shows.
And while we’re happy to watch the characters in sweatshirts and jackets, fishing and camping gear, flannel shirts and knit beanies, and even the occasional dress or Renaissance Fair outfit, it’s not the same as seeing what their portrayers are like in real life.
Thanks to the magic of the world wide web and social media, though (shout out to Instagram), we can catch glimpses of what Alex and Martin and the rest of the “Virgin River” gang get up to when they’re not filming in the woods and towns of Canada.
Martin Henderson
“Virgin River” character Jack Sheridan comes by his love of the great outdoors naturally — actor Martin Henderson is a big fan. The New Zealand native documents his adventures in the wild on his social media pages, often using the hashtag #getoutside. When not filming for Netflix, he’s jaunting about various landscapes, and even makes it back home. “Spring is here in New Zealand!!!” he posted on Instagram. “First post-winter dip and feeling so alive and grateful to be from this magical country.” And then he posted this photo. (Insert big, appreciative sigh here.)
Alexandra Breckenridge
We truly love Melinda “Mel” Monroe and her “just keep swimming” attitude on “Virgin River.” But it’s good to be reminded actor Alexandra Breckenridge has been in a few of our other favorite shows, too. A quick double-take revealed a T-shirt she wore showed a picture of her character Jessie Anderson from “The Walking Dead.” And you probably remember her fondly as Sophie Larson, the woman who had Kevin Pearson’s heart all along on “This Is Us.” Now you know why you love her so much as Mel — Breckenridge does great characters!
Mark Ghanimé
We usually see Dr. Cameron Hayek all buttoned-up on “Virgin River” — white coat or suit jacket, stethoscope or tie around his neck, and neatly groomed with short hair and a clean-shaven face. So when actor Mark Ghanimé posted a photo looking all casual and cute, and definitely not in conservative medical doctor mode, eyes were popping. From the impressive bicep to the tousled hair, from the days-old scruff and impressive mustache, there’s not a sizzling inch a “Virgin River” fan can’t appreciate.