Virgin River Cast and Character Guide
Season 5 of Netflix’s popular romantic drama series Virgin River is scheduled to air on September 7, 2023. The show concerns Melinda Monroe, a woman with a checked past who takes a new position as a birthing specialist in Northern California, where she becomes embroiled in the lives of several sordid small-town characters. The harder Melinda tries to escape from her former life, the more difficult it proves to be.
With Season 5 looming, it’s worth reinforcing fans and informing newbies of who they will become acquainted with on the show. After all, the superb ensemble in Virgin River features many characters and an incredible cast of international characters that some fans will recognize and others won’t.
Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda Monroe
American actress Alexandra Breckenridge plays Melinda “Mel” Monroe. Mel is a household nurse who moves from Los Angeles to work as a birthing expert in Virgin River. Mel wants to start a new life after she experienced her fifth workshop and the death of her husband, Mark. Alas, Virgin River proves to be anything but an ideal escape for Mel. Luckily, the finds a connection with Jack, a local bar owner in town.
Breckenridge is a supremely talented actor who has spent much of her career on the most popular TV shows around. After spending a decade honing her craft, Breckenridge broke out in the acclaimed TV anthology series American Horror Story, playing two different characters in as many seasons. However, her most notable roles include playing Jessie Anderson on The Walking Dead and Sophie Larson in This Is Us.
Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan
New Zealand actor Martin Henderson portrays Jack Sheridan. Jack is a bar owner in Virgin River who becomes romantically involved with Mel. Jack is also a former U.S. Marine dealing with PTSD over losing one of his men in battle. While Jack can be rough around the edges at times, he truly cares for Mel. The two are currently engaged to marry and are expecting a child.
Henderson began his career by starring in such TV shows as Echo Point and Big Sky before transitioning to film. His notable movie credits include The Ring, Smokin’ Aces, and most recently, X. Meanwhile, many fans are sure to recognize Henderson from the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, in which he played Dr. Nathan Riggs from 2015 to 2017.
Tim Matheson as Vernon “Doc” Mullins
American actor Tim Matheson plays local physician Vernon “Doc” Mullins. Doc immediately clashes with Mel when she arrives in town but soon welcomes her with open arms after she saves a man’s life. Doc is married to Hope McCrea, although his extramarital affair from 20 years prior strains their relationship. As such, Doc begins a romance with a local woman named Muriel, which further complicates his personal and professional life.
With nearly 200 credits in his career, Matheson remains best known for playing Eric Stratton, aka Otter, in National Lampoon’s Animal House. In terms of television, viewers may recall seeing Matheson star as Vice President John Hoynes on the hit political drama The West Wing. Matheson also gave a memorable turn as Dr. Brick Breeland in the beloved CW TV series Hart of Dixie.
Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton
British-born Canadian actor Colin Lawrence portrays John “Preacher” Middleton. Preacher served under Jack in the Marines and now works as a bartender in Jack’s Bar in Virgin River. Preacher’s arc involves helping a woman named Paige, a woman escaping her abusive husband Wes with their son, Christopher. Despite meaning well, Preacher is forced to make hard decisions that bend the law.
