From sci-fi star to small-town hero — get to know the quietly captivating actor making waves on Netflix’s most heartwarming hit.
While Virgin River may be anchored by stars like Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, and Benjamin Hollingsworth, there’s another fan-favorite character whose quiet strength and emotional depth continue to resonate deeply with viewers: John “Preacher” Middleton.
Played with heartfelt sincerity by Colin Lawrence, Preacher is the loyal right-hand man at Jack’s Bar — and often the moral compass of the show. But who is the man behind the grill and the guardian instincts? As it turns out, Colin Lawrence is a true journeyman actor, with nearly 30 years in the industry and more than 130 acting credits to his name.
Here’s everything you need to know about the steady force at the heart of Virgin River.
🎬 Who Is Colin Lawrence?
Born in London, England, and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, the now 51-year-old Lawrence didn’t exactly follow the traditional Hollywood path. Without formal training in the arts, he left a “normal” job behind, took a leap of faith, and enrolled in acting classes before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream.
What started as a risk has turned into a steady and remarkable career. While he’s not (yet) a household name, Lawrence has built a reputation as a consistently strong presence on screen — and fans of Virgin River know exactly why.
Off-screen, Colin is a family man. He’s been married to actress Lucia Walters for over 20 years, and the couple shares two daughters. Walters even appeared as Preacher’s love interest Julia on Virgin River — a romantic pairing that mirrors their real-life chemistry.
📺 Where Have You Seen Him Before?
Before settling into the rustic warmth of Virgin River, Lawrence carved out an impressive resume across television and film:
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Battlestar Galactica (2006–2009): One of his breakout roles came as Hamish “Skulls” McCall in the beloved sci-fi reboot.
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The Killing: He portrayed Benjamin Abani in the acclaimed crime drama.
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Riverdale: Fans of The CW hit may recognize him as Coach Clayton.
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Supernatural, The L Word, and Endgame also feature notable guest appearances.
On the big screen, he’s shared the spotlight with Arnold Schwarzenegger in The 6th Day, appeared in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, and took on a role in Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Versatile, reliable, and always compelling, Lawrence has quietly made his mark across genres — from dystopian thrillers to heartfelt dramas.
💡 The Role of a Lifetime: Preacher on Virgin River
For Virgin River fans, John “Preacher” Middleton is more than just Jack’s dependable business partner. He’s the quiet protector, the gentle giant, the man who shows love through action. His devotion to Christopher — especially through the emotional rollercoaster of Seasons 3 and 4 — revealed Preacher’s selfless nature.
In Season 4, we saw Preacher’s world expand as he juggled managing the bar, searching for a kidnapped child, and cautiously opening his heart to Julia — played by Lawrence’s real-life wife, Lucia Walters. Their on-screen chemistry brought an added layer of authenticity to Preacher’s evolving storyline.
Whether breaking up bar fights or offering Mel and Jack a shoulder to lean on, Preacher is the anchor we didn’t know we needed. And Lawrence’s performance makes every scene count.
🌲 A Quick Refresher on Virgin River
Still catching up? Virgin River follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who moves to a remote Northern California town for a fresh start — only to find that healing isn’t so simple. The series, based on Robyn Carr’s novels, has become a global hit and is now Netflix’s longest-running live-action scripted series, with Season 8 officially confirmed.
Alongside Lawrence, the show stars Jenny Cooper, Lauren Hammersley, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, and Melinda Dahl, creating a rich tapestry of stories about love, loss, family, and finding where you belong.
📣 Final Thoughts: Why Colin Lawrence Deserves More Spotlight
In a series full of standout performances, Colin Lawrence’s Preacher offers something rare: subtle strength and emotional vulnerability wrapped into one. His portrayal of a man who quietly sacrifices, fiercely protects, and gently loves has earned him a place in viewers’ hearts — even if he doesn’t always steal the spotlight.
With more seasons on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Preacher — and for the ever-evolving career of the actor behind him.
Watch Colin Lawrence as Preacher in Virgin River, streaming now on Netflix.
