Annette O’Toole may play the warm yet feisty Hope McCrea on Netflix’s Virgin River, but off-screen, the actress just proved she’s got rock ’n’ roll running through her veins.
On September 9, the 73-year-old star stunned fans during a rare red-carpet outing at the Spinal Tap II: The End Continues premiere, held at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. O’Toole was joined by her longtime husband, actor and musician Michael McKean, for a night that blended Hollywood nostalgia with pure rocker energy.
Annette’s Bold Red-Carpet Look
O’Toole commanded attention in a black-and-white printed dress featuring a plunging neckline, paired with thigh-high brown boots—a daring, youthful choice that drew cheers from fans. She topped off the look with tousled gray locks and a bold reddish-orange lip, a striking departure from her more understated Virgin River wardrobe.
The actress radiated confidence as she posed with McKean, 77, whose sharp black suit and easy grin made them one of the most stylish—and adored—couples of the night.
The following day, O’Toole shared a romantic snapshot with McKean on Instagram, captioning it simply: “What a wonderful night. #SpinalTap.”
Fans Can’t Get Enough of the Couple
Social media quickly lit up with praise for O’Toole’s timeless beauty and the couple’s enduring bond.
✨ “What is it like not to grow old? You look magnificent ❤️,” gushed one fan.
✨ “Stunning couple—Annette, you look 20 years younger!” another marveled.
✨ “You and Michael make a lovely couple! So glad you had a wonderful night out.”
Others highlighted McKean’s luck, with one playful comment reading: “You lucked out, Mike!!”
A Hollywood Love Story
While O’Toole and McKean’s love story has spanned more than 26 years of marriage, their connection goes back even further. The two first met in the 1970s while working on Laverne & Shirley, but sparks didn’t fly until they reunited on the 1988 Lifetime movie Final Justice. From there, a friendship blossomed into a lasting romance, cementing them as one of Hollywood’s most resilient and beloved couples.
The pair, often private, has made a few sweet public appearances recently—including a hand-in-hand shopping date in August—proving their chemistry is as strong as ever.
The Return of Spinal Tap
The evening was particularly special for McKean, who reprised his iconic role as David St. Hubbins in the long-awaited sequel to 1984’s cult classic This Is Spinal Tap.
Directed by Rob Reiner, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues reunites McKean with co-stars Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel) and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls) as the now-estranged bandmates hunt for a new drummer and prepare for one last outrageous reunion concert. The film hits theaters September 12.
From Virgin River to Rock ’n’ Roll
As O’Toole gears up for the release of Virgin River Season 7, where her character Hope continues to recover and rebuild, fans are seeing a whole new side of the actress: fearless, glamorous, and radiating rockstar confidence.
Whether on the small screen in Netflix’s small-town drama or lighting up a Hollywood red carpet alongside her husband, Annette O’Toole is living proof that talent—and style—never age.
