From quiet moments in the countryside to bold new ventures in film, activism, and family life, the stars of Virgin River are proving that life off-screen can be just as compelling as the drama in town. With Season 7 wrapped and Season 8 underway, here’s how the beloved cast is growing, thriving, and embracing life far beyond the fictional Northern California mountains.
Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe): From Small-Town Nurse to Creative Powerhouse
In 2025, Alexandra Breckenridge continues to be the emotional heartbeat of Virgin River, but her life outside of Mel Monroe’s scrubs is just as fulfilling—and fiercely independent. Living just outside Atlanta with her husband, musician Casey Hooper, and their two young children, Alexandra finds joy in grounding activities: tending to her vegetable garden, baking with her kids, and painting when the house finally quiets down.
This year, she stepped into a producer role for a limited Netflix drama about grief and intergenerational healing—drawing inspiration from her Virgin River journey and her own reflections on loss, motherhood, and identity. “I wanted to create something that felt real and comforting,” she shared in a recent interview. “Something that speaks to where I am as a woman right now.”
Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan): Serenity, Surf, and Self-Discovery in New Zealand
Martin Henderson may play the protective, emotionally complex Jack Sheridan, but off screen in 2025, he’s embracing a simpler, more tranquil existence. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and his native New Zealand, Martin has been restoring a historic farmhouse near the coast, where he surfs daily and hosts intimate dinner parties with longtime friends.
While he remains tight-lipped about his romantic life, rumors persist that he’s in a committed long-term relationship. He’s also recently become a quiet advocate for mindfulness and mental wellness, hosting occasional retreats and journaling workshops in New Zealand’s countryside. “The more time I spend in nature, the more I realize how important it is to be still,” he says.
Tim Matheson (Doc Mullins): Director, Mentor, and Still the Wise One
Tim Matheson, a Hollywood staple and Virgin River’s resident curmudgeon-turned-softie, Doc Mullins, is having one of his most active years yet at age 77. Not only is he continuing to act on the show, but he’s taken on a directorial role for multiple Season 8 episodes—while mentoring emerging filmmakers both on and off set.
Long involved in political and civic activism, Tim is also a vocal proponent of arts education funding and public service. “There’s still a lot of good work to be done,” he says, whether referring to the stories he wants to tell or the impact he wants to leave behind. Fans and castmates alike call him “the heartbeat of the crew.”
Annette O’Toole (Hope McCrea): Writing, Singing, and Celebrating Women’s Stories
In 2025, Annette O’Toole is leaning fully into the artistic renaissance she’s quietly cultivated for decades. With her husband, actor-musician Michael McKean, she recently released a folk album filled with tender ballads and bluesy reflections. The duo even hit the road this spring for a cozy, acoustic-style tour across art houses and historic theaters.
But that’s not all. Annette is writing a memoir spotlighting women in television from the 1960s to today—part personal journey, part cultural commentary. Her honesty, humor, and decades of industry experience have turned her into a voice many young creatives look to for guidance. “There’s no expiration date on reinvention,” she’s known to say.
Benjamin Hollingsworth (Brady): Fatherhood and Fierce Advocacy
Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays the ever-conflicted Brady, is living a more grounded and heart-filled life off screen. Married to lingerie designer Nila Myers and raising three young kids, Ben often shares candid family moments online—camping in British Columbia, silly dance-offs in the kitchen, and quiet bedtime stories.
But 2025 has also seen him step into a deeper role: mental health advocate. Using his platform, he’s championing male vulnerability, opening up about anxiety, and launching a podcast that brings together fellow actors and therapists. “Playing Brady’s redemption arc taught me a lot,” Ben said. “But being a dad—that’s where the real transformation happens.”
Zibby Allen (Brie Sheridan): Creativity Without Borders
Zibby Allen continues to embody layered strength as Brie Sheridan, but off-screen, her artistic soul knows no genre limits. In 2025, she’s starring in a dark psychological thriller and simultaneously penning her debut novel—a work of speculative fiction exploring grief, time, and womanhood.
Zibby’s also a committed traveler and feminist advocate. Whether she’s hiking glaciers in Iceland or leading book clubs on feminist literature, her Instagram is a celebration of curiosity, compassion, and creative living. Married and based between Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest, Zibby says the key to it all is “chasing the ideas that scare you a little.”
Colin Lawrence (Preacher): Champion of the Community
Colin Lawrence’s Preacher may be the show’s moral compass, but the actor’s real-life mission is even more impactful. In 2025, Colin launched a youth initiative in Vancouver offering free sports programs and mentorship for underserved teens. “Not everyone has someone to believe in them early,” he said. “I want to change that.”
A father and husband (married to actress Lucia Walters for over 20 years), Colin blends wellness, service, and acting into one cohesive life. On set, he’s known for starting early morning workouts with castmates and giving back rubs on long shoot days. “Your body is your instrument,” he often reminds younger actors.
Lauren Hammersley (Charmaine): Redefining Herself On Her Own Terms
While Charmaine’s onscreen journey has taken many emotional turns, Lauren Hammersley is using 2025 to explore bold new terrain behind the camera. She’s developing a dark comedy series with a female-led writers’ room, drawing from her love of satire and complex women’s stories.
Off screen, Lauren is an animal lover, frequent hiker, and bookworm, often posting snapshots of her rescue dogs or favorite indie novels. She’s also become a quiet but important voice in the body positivity movement—championing the idea that beauty has no size, shape, or timeline.
More Than Just a Cast—They’re Family
Whether they’re exploring new creative frontiers, advocating for causes close to their hearts, or simply finding joy in family life, the cast of Virgin River remains as tight-knit as ever. In behind-the-scenes footage from Season 7’s wrap, birthday celebrations, set pranks, and teary embraces were commonplace. “There’s real love here,” Breckenridge said. “We’re not just colleagues—we’re chosen family.”
As production ramps up for Season 8, it’s clear that the cast’s off-screen bond continues to enrich the show’s heartfelt storytelling. And as fans tune in for more romance, drama, and healing in Virgin River, they can take comfort in knowing the people behind the characters are living full, inspired lives—with stories still waiting to be told.
Virgin River returns to Netflix in 2026. Until then, keep an eye on the stars lighting the way both on-screen and off.
