For fans of Netflix’s Virgin River, Jack Sheridan is the ultimate romantic lead: loyal, rugged, emotionally complex, and always there when you need him. Played with quiet intensity by actor Martin Henderson, Jack has become a cornerstone of the show’s success—a calming presence in a town filled with personal storms. But for many viewers, there’s a lingering sense of déjà vu. Where have they seen that familiar face before?
As it turns out, Martin Henderson has been working in film and television for over two decades, and chances are you’ve seen him—maybe even screamed at his character’s fate—without even realizing it. From horror classics to steamy medical dramas, here’s a deep dive into why Jack Sheridan from Virgin River looks so familiar.
A Netflix Heartthrob with a Long Resume
While Virgin River may have brought Martin Henderson back into the spotlight for a new generation of TV lovers, it’s far from his first brush with stardom. Henderson has been quietly building an impressive career, balancing indie films, big-budget thrillers, and television dramas across continents. His ability to shift from brooding to brave to heartbreakingly vulnerable has made him a standout presence in every project he touches.
On Virgin River, Henderson’s portrayal of Jack—the ex-Marine turned bartender who falls for nurse practitioner Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge)—has captivated viewers. But fans curious about his past roles don’t have to look far to see his range on full display.
Before Virgin River: A Nightmarish Turn in The Strangers: Prey at Night
In 2018, just a year before Virgin River premiered, Martin Henderson appeared in the horror sequel The Strangers: Prey at Night, a follow-up to the terrifying 2008 home-invasion hit The Strangers. Playing opposite Christina Hendricks, Henderson took on the role of a family man whose vacation turns into a nightmare when masked killers begin to terrorize his family at a deserted trailer park.
Although the film didn’t quite reach the iconic status of the original, Prey at Night was praised for its nerve-wracking atmosphere and solid performances—including Henderson’s. He brought a grounded authenticity to a genre that often relies on cheap scares, proving that even in the midst of slasher chaos, he could find emotional truth.
Henderson’s Heartthrob Status Cemented in Grey’s Anatomy
If you’re a long-time fan of Grey’s Anatomy, you likely remember Henderson as Dr. Nathan Riggs—a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon with a complicated backstory and a smoldering on-screen romance with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Henderson joined the ABC hit in Season 12 and appeared in nearly 50 episodes, quickly establishing himself as a major character.
Riggs wasn’t just another hospital flirt; his past was woven deeply into the show’s fabric. He was once engaged to Megan Hunt, sister of Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), before she went missing in Iraq. His arrival at Grey Sloan Memorial brought emotional baggage and sparks with Meredith, creating one of the show’s more grounded romantic arcs in its later seasons.
Though his time on Grey’s came to an end in Season 14—when Megan miraculously returned, leading to his character’s emotional exit—Henderson’s stint on the show left a lasting impact. His chemistry with Pompeo and nuanced performance helped Riggs stand out in a crowded ensemble cast.
A Face You Remember from The Ring
Of all Henderson’s earlier roles, perhaps none is more haunting than his appearance in 2002’s The Ring, Gore Verbinski’s American remake of the Japanese horror classic Ringu. Henderson played Noah, the ex-boyfriend and investigative partner of Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts), a journalist trying to unravel the mystery of a cursed videotape that dooms anyone who watches it to a grisly death within seven days.
Noah, it turns out, is also the father of Rachel’s son—and one of the tape’s unfortunate victims. Though he doesn’t get as much screen time as Watts, Henderson makes every scene count, especially his truly horrifying final moment. His death in The Ring remains one of the most shocking scenes in early 2000s horror cinema, with his facial expression in those final seconds seared into the memories of genre fans everywhere.
From Down Under to Hollywood
Martin Henderson was born in New Zealand and began acting as a teenager in the popular Kiwi soap Shortland Street. He quickly made the leap to international projects, appearing in Australian dramas before making a splash in Hollywood with roles in Windtalkers, Bride & Prejudice, and Little Fish. Whether he’s playing a haunted photographer or a small-town hero, Henderson has a knack for disappearing into his roles—often making audiences forget they’ve seen him before.
His international appeal has only grown over the years, with performances in everything from mystery thrillers (The Gloaming) to Sundance dramas (The Red Road with Jason Momoa), proving he’s more than just a handsome face.
Martin Henderson’s Magic: Subtle, Strong, and Deeply Relatable
What makes Martin Henderson’s performances stick with viewers—whether he’s in a hospital, a haunted house, or a cozy bar in Northern California—is his emotional accessibility. He doesn’t overplay scenes. Instead, he brings a quiet strength and vulnerability that allows audiences to truly connect with his characters. That’s especially true of Jack Sheridan, whose struggles with PTSD, relationship insecurities, and love for Mel make him one of Netflix’s most three-dimensional romantic leads.
The Future Is Bright for Henderson—and Jack Sheridan
With Virgin River heading into its sixth season and fans more invested than ever, Martin Henderson is riding high. The show continues to be one of Netflix’s most streamed originals, thanks in large part to his grounded and heartfelt performance. And with talks of potential spin-offs, it’s not out of the question that Jack could be sticking around Virgin River—or perhaps venturing into new territory—for years to come.
So if you’ve been watching Virgin River and wondering why Jack looks so familiar, now you know: Martin Henderson has been scaring, healing, and charming us for over 20 years. And judging by his recent work, he’s just getting started.
