Netflix’s Virgin River features plenty of familiar faces, but we were surprised to learn there’s quite a bit of Grey’s Anatomy overlap. After some research, it turns out that not one, but four cast members from Virgin River previously appeared on Grey’s Anatomy: Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan), Zibby Allen (Brie Sheridan), Jenny Cooper (Joey Barnes), and Annette O’Toole (Hope McCrea). Keep reading for the details!
1. Martin Henderson
Role on Grey’s Anatomy: Dr. Nathan Riggs
Before joining Virgin River, Henderson played Dr. Nathan Riggs on Grey’s Anatomy. He was known as Meredith Grey’s first love interest after the loss of her husband, Derek Shepherd. Henderson appeared in 48 episodes from 2015 to 2017. (Fun fact: he also starred in Britney Spears’s “Toxic” music video.)
2. Zibby Allen
Role on Grey’s Anatomy: Nurse Zibby
Allen had a brief role on Grey’s Anatomy, appearing in just five episodes. She might be hard to remember unless you recall the nurses’ strike storyline in season two, where she was introduced as a temporary nurse. Interestingly, her character was first named “Angela,” but the writers later updated it to Zibby.
3. Jenny Cooper
Role on Grey’s Anatomy: Bethany Tanner
You might remember Cooper as Bethany Tanner, a patient’s mother who stirred up trouble in season 12. She appeared in the episode titled “Sledgehammer,” where her refusal to accept her daughter Jessica’s sexual orientation caused such a commotion that the hospital staff had to involve Child Protective Services.
4. Annette O’Toole
Role on Grey’s Anatomy: Madeleine Skurski
O’Toole guest-starred in season nine, episode 18, called “Idle Hands.” Her character was admitted with what was initially thought to be the stomach flu, but Meredith soon discovered she was battling terminal cancer. (Thanks to our readers for pointing out this fourth connection!)
