Netflix’s hit romantic drama Virgin River has never been afraid to explore unexpected relationships, and one pairing that quickly caught viewers’ attention was Cameron Hayek and Muriel St. Claire.
Their romance, introduced in later seasons of the series, surprised many fans — largely because of the noticeable age gap between the two characters. As the storyline developed, questions began circulating online about how far apart Cameron and Muriel are in age.
Although the show never confirms their exact ages, strong clues throughout the series offer a reasonable estimate. Cameron Hayek is portrayed as an experienced physician who has already completed medical school and several years of hospital training, placing him in his mid-to-late 30s.
Muriel St. Claire, meanwhile, is depicted as a longtime resident of Virgin River who is enjoying her retirement years while remaining socially active in the community. Most viewers estimate Muriel to be in her late 50s or early 60s.
Based on these details, the age difference between Cameron and Muriel is believed to be approximately 20 to 25 years.
In real life, the gap between the actors is slightly smaller. Mark Ghanimé, who plays Cameron, was born in 1977, while Teryl Rothery, who portrays Muriel, was born in 1962 — creating an age difference of about 15 years.
While the pairing initially sparked debate among fans, many later praised Virgin River for portraying the relationship with sensitivity and maturity. Rather than focusing on controversy, the series presented their connection as genuine and respectful, reinforcing the show’s recurring theme that love does not follow traditional rules or timelines.
