From small-town charm to big-time talent, this Canadian actor is growing up on screen.
Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey, born September 11, 2000, is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Ricky in Netflix’s beloved drama Virgin River. Though young, Gurnsey has already built an impressive résumé across film and television, and he continues to be a fan favorite for his heartfelt and grounded performances.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Grayson began acting at a young age. His first foray into the industry came with acting classes at just eight years old, and by age 12, he had already landed leading roles on Canadian TV.
One of his earliest big breaks came in the form of the children’s TV series “Giver” and then the family sitcom “The Stanley Dynamic” (2015–2017), where he starred as Larry Stanley—a zany, animated character brought to life through a hybrid of live-action and animation.
Virgin River & Rising Fame
Grayson joined Virgin River in Season 1 as Ricky, a sweet and earnest teenager working at Jack’s Bar who dreams of joining the Marines. His character quickly became a fan favorite for his emotional sincerity, boy-next-door charm, and a blossoming romance with Lizzie (played by Sarah Dugdale).
Throughout the first few seasons, Ricky’s story tackled mature themes like love, loss, loyalty, and personal growth, showing off Gurnsey’s range as an actor. His decision to enlist in the Marines created some of the most emotional moments of Virgin River’s early seasons.
Though Ricky was absent in Season 5, the door remains open for a potential return—a prospect many fans hope to see come true in Season 7 or beyond.
Other Notable Roles
Outside Virgin River, Grayson has appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including:
-
“Game On” (YTV sitcom)
-
“Garage Sale Mysteries” (Hallmark)
-
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” (2019), where he played a younger version of Milo Ventimiglia’s character
-
“Family Pictures” and “Timeless”, showcasing his versatility across genres
Personal Life & Passions
When not acting, Grayson is an avid lover of writing, directing, and storytelling in all forms. He’s expressed interest in working behind the camera in the future, aiming to eventually become a director or screenwriter.
He’s also known for his thoughtful approach to fame, often using his platform to discuss mental health, self-growth, and the value of staying grounded in the entertainment industry.
What’s Next?
While his next major role hasn’t been announced yet, Grayson is undoubtedly one to watch as he transitions from teen roles to more mature characters. Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind it, his future in Hollywood looks bright.
Charming, talented, and deeply relatable, Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey represents the new wave of emotionally intelligent young actors bringing heart to every role.
