Fans of Virgin River know Zibby Allen as Brie Sheridan, the strong, savvy sister of Jack Sheridan and a vital part of the Netflix drama’s emotional heart. Since joining the show in Season 3, Allen has become a fan-favorite, returning in Season 5 with the same fiery confidence and grounded charm that made viewers love her in the first place. But long before she ever stepped into the peaceful chaos of Virgin River, Zibby Allen had already carved out a rich and eclectic career in television, film, and even music.
From Seattle to Shondaland: A Grey’s Anatomy Debut
Allen’s first major break came on none other than Grey’s Anatomy, where she appeared in six episodes early in her career. In a full-circle twist, showrunner Shonda Rhimes even named her character “Nurse Zibby” in the scripts—a personal touch that didn’t go unnoticed by the actress.
“I never actually got to meet [Rhimes] in person,” Allen recalled in an interview with Cherry Picks, “but it felt like a little wink and a nod from her.” That early experience on a Rhimes production helped set a high bar for the types of work Allen would continue to seek: meaningful, emotionally rich, and grounded in authenticity.
The Hallmark Connection and Other TV Gems
Zibby Allen has worn many hats on screen. For Hallmark Channel fans, she’s a familiar face from heartfelt films like The Story of Us and The Vows We Keep. She’s also appeared in CW’s Nancy Drew, Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone reboot, and Lifetime’s chilling 2022 thriller Lies Between Friends.
Each role has shown off Allen’s versatility—from detective work to romantic leads to psychological suspense. But it’s Virgin River that has allowed her to stretch her dramatic muscles over multiple seasons and truly bond with her character.
Brie Sheridan: A Role That Resonates Deeply
Playing Brie has been more than just another job for Zibby—it’s been a personal evolution. In her Cherry Picks interview, she shared how her character’s resilience inspired her in real life.
“Brie has shown me a sense of durability and self-dignity that I appreciate so much,” she explained. “She’s got strong boundaries and is an advocate for herself. In real life, I probably lead with more tenderness and vulnerability, which is something I think Brie could use more of.”
In another conversation with Numéro Netherlands, Allen described Brie as her favorite role to date: “It’s been so satisfying for a million reasons. One of which being I get to actually play a character for longer than just one season… Brie is my good friend.”
Singer-Songwriter Soul: Music as Healing
But Zibby Allen isn’t only an actress—she’s also a musician. In 2011, she and friend Ian Merrigan formed the indie folk duo Socks and Chimes, a project that grew out of personal grief and creative catharsis.
Following the death of her brother, Allen found comfort in music. “I had trouble sleeping,” she told Eclair Magazine, “so I started learning ukulele and writing songs. It was highly therapeutic for me.” Sharing these songs with Merrigan led to a collaboration that blossomed into the whimsical, emotionally raw sound of their debut album I Love You Overall.
The duo has continued to create, though at their own pace. “For us, it’s always about the process and less about the product,” Allen shared. “We’re in no rush.”
What’s Next for Zibby Allen?
With Virgin River Season 5 under her belt and Season 6 on the horizon, Zibby Allen is firmly planted in the hearts of Netflix viewers. But with her dynamic range, natural charisma, and artistic spirit, it’s clear her talents extend far beyond Brie Sheridan.
Whether she’s onscreen battling emotional turmoil or strumming a ukulele with quiet grace, Zibby Allen is the kind of multi-talented performer who brings soul to everything she touches. And we can’t wait to see where she shows up next.
