From Arctic thrillers to small-town drama, this Lebanese-Canadian star brings brains, charm, and depth to every role.
Whether he’s navigating viral outbreaks in the Arctic or stirring hearts as a swoon-worthy physician in Virgin River, Mark Ghanimé has a talent for bringing intelligence and intensity to the screen. With Lebanese roots, a trilingual background, and a career shaped by both indie hits and major TV roles, Ghanimé has become one of Canada’s most quietly compelling actors.
Early Ambitions: From Finance to Film
Born on December 1, 1977, in Calgary, Alberta, to a Canadian mother and Lebanese father, Ghanimé was raised in both Calgary and Montreal, which helped him become fluent in English, French, and Arabic. Initially set on a path in business, he earned a finance degree from the University of Lethbridge—but his creative spirit led him to take vocal and hip-hop dance lessons, eventually landing him on set in 2004 as a background actor in Chasing Freedom. That was the moment he fell in love with acting—and never looked back.
Breakthrough Roles and Career Highlights
After building up a portfolio of small roles on Canadian TV favorites like Smallville, Supernatural, and Emily Owens, M.D., Ghanimé landed his breakout part as Major Sergio Balleseros in Syfy’s sci-fi thriller Helix (2014–2015). His performance—stoic, intense, and emotionally grounded—caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
He later played Don Carlos in Reign, the Spanish nobleman with royal ambition, and Justin Faysal in the chilling anthology Slasher. Ghanimé has also become a go-to for Hallmark Channel romance films, including Candy Cane Christmas, Always and Forever Christmas, and To All a Good Night.
But his most recognizable role to date? The charming, compassionate Dr. Cameron Hayek in Virgin River, who joined the series in season 4 and quickly became a favorite among fans of the Netflix hit.
Real-Life Passions & Representation
Mark isn’t just about Hollywood heartthrob looks—he’s passionate about changing the narrative for Middle Eastern characters on screen. As a proud Lebanese-Canadian, he’s visited Lebanon many times and openly expresses his desire to see more positive, nuanced portrayals of Middle Eastern people in film and television.
“I want to showcase the beauty of places like Lebanon,” he’s said in interviews, emphasizing the importance of diversity and thoughtful storytelling.
Off Screen
Though he keeps his private life mostly under wraps, Ghanimé splits his time between Canada and the U.S. and remains active on social media, where fans appreciate his candid glimpses behind the scenes of Virgin River and his love of travel, fitness, and culture.
What’s Next?
With Virgin River continuing to thrive and an ever-growing list of credits under his belt—including 2024’s Hallmark film A Dance in the Snow—Mark Ghanimé is proving that his blend of intellect, warmth, and international appeal is only just beginning to shine on a global scale.
Smart, smooth, and soulfully grounded—Mark Ghanimé is redefining the leading man for a new era of television.
