Not a day passes by when we don’t long to return to the majestic town of Virgin River.
While we still don’t have an official release date on Virgin River Season 6, we’re patiently awaiting that news and pleased to spend some more time with our favorite characters.
And there’s no shortage of characters we’ve come to adore and welcome into our homes as if they were dear friends or family.
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Virgin River Season 6’s Major Players Are Definitely Coming Back
Unsurprisingly, we have a stacked cast for this series.
The community of Virgin River is almost at the center of the series every bit as much as Mel and Jack’s love story.
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And with the series focusing almost as much on those characters as our leads, there are plenty to consider our major players.
There are core characters we can fully anticipate seeing, as the series simply wouldn’t be what it is without them.
Melinda “Mel” Monroe – Alexandra Breckenridge
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Mel Monroe is our multilayered protagonist who fled the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles after a devastating loss and sought refuge in the small town of Virgin River.
A passionate and devoted nurse practitioner and midwife, she’s since dedicated all of herself to serving the small community of Virgin River, which has become a family for her.
In season five, Mel and Jack faced some of their most difficult battles yet.
Mel, in particular, as her fertility struggles got infinitely worse as she endured another miscarriage amid a wildfire.
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Her devastating loss while also facing things like delivering Charmaine’s baby or challenging Jack to face some of his demons and drinking meant she had a tough time.
But she also learned that her biological father was alive and residing in Virgin River somewhere, and she got the chance to meet him.
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After a rocky first introduction, he made amends, and the door to their bonding is wide open.
Alexandra Breckinridge has an extensive career and has appeared on many of your favorite shows.
She got into acting as a teenager, relocating to Los Angeles with her mother after being born and raised in Connecticut.
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She’s not the only one in her family with the acting bug; N.C.I.S. and Bull’s Michael Weatherly is her uncle.
She pursued an acting career and landed many projects, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Freaks and Geeks, and Dawson’s Creek.
She also did some voice work, lending her sultry voice to many characters in Family Guy and doing some celebrity impersonations.
Some of her most notable roles have been in The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and This is Us.
Jack Sheridan – Martin Henderson
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Jack Sheridan is Virgin River’s golden boy and perpetual hero.
He’s a guardian of the small town, the person everyone turns to for whatever situation, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or anything in between.
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He’s great when it comes to everyone else, but by the fifth season, we saw how his personal demons and past have deeply affected him.
He spent much of the season self-reflecting, confiding in a therapist, and minimizing his drinking.
He was excited about the prospect of having a child with Mel and devastated when she miscarried.
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And it was almost a point of contention for them when she didn’t want to try again, and he did.
But he also had to mourn the loss of being the biological father to Charmaine’s twins as well when the truth regarding their paternity came out.
Martin Henderson is a devilishly handsome Kiwi who pursued acting rather than science and business at college.
He made the New Zealand soap rounds before pursuing his acting studies in the U.S., hoping to make a break.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Henderson’s path to success was one of hard work and constant grinding, but he at least had the emotional and sometimes financial support of his good friend Heath Ledger to keep him going.
He appeared on the stage, in film, and even in Britney Spears’s “Toxic” video, but his breakout U.S. television role was in the one-season series Off the Map, a Shondaland production.
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He appeared in Secrets & Lies and Red Road and eventually reunited with Shonda Rhimes for a short stint on Grey’s Anatomy as Nathan Riggs.
John “Preacher” Middleton – Colin Lawrence
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Preacher is perpetually the nice guy.
Everyone loves Preacher; if they don’t, they must be a “bad guy.”
He always serves as Jack’s partner, most trusted confidant, and voice of reason.
He’s the accomplished cook who pours all of his love and heart into the meals at Jack’s Bar and serving the entire community.
On the topic of hearts, he’s given his time and again as he has one of the most unfortunate love lives in the series.
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But alas, while fighting a wildfire, he found something special with Kaia Bryant, a firefighter turned new fire chief.
Unfortunately, his past of protecting his previous paramour and her son by any means necessary, covering up a self-defense killing and burying a body, has arisen and threatens to disrupt his entire life.
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Colin Lawrence is a British-Canadian actor who had appeared in some of your favorite binge-worthy series well before he took on the role of the gentle chef with a heart of gold.
He’s starred in Battlestar Galactica, Riverdale, iZombie, and The Killing.
He is also no stranger to working alongside loved ones.
His actual wife has guest-starred in Virgin River as his former love interest, Julia, and he costarred with one of his daughters, Bianca Lawrence, in Dancing Through the Snow.
Vernon “Doc” Mullins – Tim Matheson
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Doc Mullins has spent years keeping the town of Virgin River and some of its surrounding areas treated.
Doc shouldered a lot for the community as Virgin River’s primary doctor, gaining their trust and support and seeing the two through some of the best and worst times of their lives.
While his start with Mel was rocky, he has since developed a strong paternal friendship with her and has since shifted his focus to his own health.
While juggling his concerns for his wife, Hope, and her T.B.I., he’s also been dealing with his Macular Degeneration and stepping back from running the practice.
But even with their hardships, they have much to look forward to.
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Denny and Lizzie have enriched their lives, and with an incoming child, they’re welcoming the opportunity to be grandparents.
Tim Matheson is a legend of the small and big screen and veteran actor and Marine Corps vet with many projects under his belt.
Matheson has worked with many greats, including Lucille Ball, Kurt Russell, Jim Belushi, and more.
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He’s starred in Leave it to Beaver, National Lampoon’s Animal House, and cult hits like Hart of Dixie.
Matheson also directed episodes from various hit shows, including Suits, Covert Affairs, Criminal Minds, and Virgin River.
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Hope McCrea can be a bit of an acquired taste, but she’s vital to Virgin River.
She’s why the town exists, taking the helm as mayor and always having the community’s best interest at heart.
Hope faced some challenges when she got into a bad accident that caused her to have a T.B.I.
It meant others questioned her judgment as mayor as she struggled to navigate her new condition while running things, but she eventually found her way and proved why she was still more than capable.
Annette O’Toole is a multi-talent who has appeared on television and in film since 1967.
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O’Toole has appeared in shows like Gunsmoke and the original Hawaii-5-0.
She’s starred in various films such as “It” and as Martha Kent in Superman lore.
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Dan Brady – Benjamin Hollingsworth
Brady is Virgin River’s resident Bad Boy with a heart of gold, and he is deep into his redemption arc.
He is Jack and Preacher’s comrade who hasn’t transitioned to civilian life well and sealed and trafficked drugs as part of Virgin River’s seedy criminal lifestyle.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Brady found some love and solace with Jack’s sister, Brie, but his attempts to escape his previous troubled lifestyle tore them apart.
He’s proving his value as a member of Virgin River’s community.
The charming Benjamin Hollingsworth is no stranger to playing some troublesome characters with the Bad Boy edge.
In the unfathomably underrated Code Black, Hollingsworth played a doctor of a similar caliber, and he’s also played a rival in Suits.
Given his stint on Virgin River, he’s fitting played in his fair share of Hallmark movies. Yes, you guys, he’s a Hallmark Hunk!
Secondary Characters Will Pull Their Weight with Interesting Storylines
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Brie Sheridan – Zibby Allen
Brie Sheridan has been a breath of fresh air since she stepped foot in Virgin River.
She effortlessly befriended Mel and fell into step as Jack’s endearing younger sister despite facing her own trials.
While she made peace with things and testified against the man who assaulted her, she’s since been trying to find her place in Virgin River while being a consummate support to Jack and Mel.
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Zibby Allen is as talented as her moniker is wonderfully eccentric.
She’s an actress, writer, and musician who loves sharing her gifts with the world and has an infectious smile.
She has one of those faces, as you’ve likely caught her in various roles from Grey’s Anatomy to Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mike Valenzuela – Marco Grazzini
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Mike is the trusty law enforcement officer who comes in clutch.
Sure, sometimes it’s easy to suspect that he may have ulterior motives, but the fact is that he’s genuinely a good guy in all of this.
Maybe that’s why he always seems so suspicious.
Nevertheless, he’s close to Jack, and now, he’s been dating Brie, much to the Brady/Brie shippers’ disappointment.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
Marco Grazzini is another guy who leads incredibly well in Hallmark features.
The Italian-Filipino heartthrob was born in Canada and has made his rounds in the Canadian television and film scene.
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He’s also incredibly passionate about cooking and photography, as much as he dazzles us with his characters onscreen.
Charmaine Roberts – Lauren Hammersley
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There is very little love lost for us when it comes to Charmaine Roberts, but she’s become more tolerable than she used to be, which is progress.
Charmaine became more isolated during the fifth season as she grappled with becoming a bit of a pariah in town after the truth about her twins’ paternity came to light.
But she delivered happy and healthy twins and garnered more sympathy when we learned that Calvin was the person who knocked her up.
Lauren Hammersley is a lovely Canadian actress who began her career as a tween.
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Like Grazzini, she had a passion for photography and used that to support herself until her long-term acting gig with Mr. D paid off.
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In addition to being well-known for Virgin River, she’s also recognizable for her roles in Orphan Black and Sullivan’s Crossing.
There Will Be No Shortage of Romantic Conflict and Drama With Some Characters
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Lizzie – Sarah Dugdale
A recovering troubled teen, Lizzie has genuinely blossomed and evolved nicely in the series.
By the fifth season, she had made Virgin River her home, carved out a special place in the community, and found an acceptance she had previously been missing.
She rose to the occasion and became her best self by assisting Hope as much as she did and managing to get into the political realm as a result.
And she forged a special bond with Doc as well, looking to both as parental figures and mentors.
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Now, she’ll be facing her next challenge, parenthood, and figuring out what that means regarding her relationship with Denny.
For Sarah Dugdale, Virgin River is most likely her breakout role.
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However, the bilingual actress is a Lifetime pro, appearing in many fun, delicious thrillers, including The Bad Seed alongside Rob Lowe, The College Admission Scandal, and many more.
Denny Cutler – Kai Bradbury
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Denny gave Doc and viewers the shock of a lifetime when he announced that he was his grandson.
But since then, Virgin River has treated us to a wonderful dynamic between him and Doc.
His story has also been compelling as he’s a young man who recognizes that he doesn’t have long in this world due to his Huntington’s Disease diagnosis, the same condition that killed his father.
And that poses an interesting conundrum when he faces parenthood with Lizzie versus his desire to travel and go to school.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
A very poised Kai Bradbury is trained in acting, singing, and dancing.
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He also speaks multiple languages and enjoys improv.
He starred in The Man in the High Castle and appeared in Supernatural, Motherland: Fort Salem, The Boys, and much more.
Muriel – Teryl Rothery
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Muriel has slowly become a fan-favorite as the character has continued to evolve.
Behind her maneater edge is a woman who was profoundly lonely and longed for love, something that came to light in time with her relationship with Doc.
She’s often in the hub of gossip as part of the sewing circle, but she’s also inspiring it due to her May/December romance with Dr. Cam.
Teryl Rothery is a television, stage, and film actress who started in dance, which led her to the stage and extensive theater performances.
She performed as a radio personality for many years and has also contributed her voice to many voice-acting and animation projects.
Honestly, it’s easier to ask what she hasn’t been in, from Cedar Cove, Arrow, and The Good Doctor to feature films like Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
Cameron Hayek – Mark Ghanimé
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Cameron eventually won the love and respect of the residents of Virgin River, but he had a rough time with some of them.
Doc was resistant to him potentially taking his play and making him feel obsolete.
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At the same time, Jack was put off by Cameron butting into his relationship with Mel and overstepping with his unfavorable opinions.
But we’ve since moved on from that, and now Cam is a trusted community member who can take over the practice and treat everyone.
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He also has some romantic issues that could implode sooner rather than later, with his ex wanting to reconcile things and his new romance with Muriel hitting a snag because he wants children, and she doesn’t and is too mature for them.
Ghanimé is trilingual, speaks English, French, and Arabic, is of Lebanese descent, and is passionate about playing more Middle Eastern characters to combat negative stigmas.
He starred in the SYFY. hit Helix and appeared in Smallville, Reign, and other projects.
Kaia Bryant – Kandyse McClure
Preacher makes up with Kaia and they have a fresh start after admitting their feelings for each other. (Netflix Screenshot)
Kaia is a newcomer to Virgin River but has already made her mark with her hot and heavy romance with Preacher.
She’s a firefighter who came to Virgin River to combat the wildfires alongside her ex, Jay, and eventually takes a more permanent position there.
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Kaia doesn’t know that her boyfriend, Preacher, has a connection to a body authorities found in the woods.
Kandyse McClure is a South African and Canadian actress whose debut role was alongside Lou Diamond Phillips in the film In a Class of Its Own.
(Courtesy of Netflix)
She went on to star in Higher Ground and has starred in Battlestar Galactica, Persons Unknown, the Charmed reboot, and Hemlock Grove.
She works with a non-profit organization, CARE Canada, to fight poverty in developing regions.
Everett Reid -John Allen Nelson
We don’t know much about Everett, but you can bet we will during the sixth season!
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Everett apparently had an intense love affair with Mel’s mother many years ago. They conceived Mel and continued writing letters to one another until Mel’s mom ended things.
It surprised Mel that he lived in Virgin River the whole time.
However, he initially declined knowing her or her mother and was rather rude, he’s since tried to make up for it and wants to get to know her better.
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However, one of the biggest cliffhangers is that he has something important he needs to tell her, and we’ll be on the edge of our seats waiting to know what that is.
John Allen Nelson is an American actor and screenwriter best known for his roles in Baywatch, 24, Vanished, and Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.
The Sixth Season Will Feature Many Returning Characters and New Faces
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We can likely expect the return of these major players:
- Nicola Cavendish as Connie
- Gwynyth Walsh as Jo Ellen
- Libby Osler as Ava
- Stacy Farber as Tara
- Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes
- David Cubitt as Calvin
- Ian Tracey as Jimmy
- Elise Gatien as Lark
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The sixth season will also add newbies Gigi Neil, Erin Kathleen Boyes from The Man in the High Castle, The Hardy Boys’ Rachel Drance, and Supergirl‘s Ese Atawo.
Over to you, Virgin River Fanatics.
Who are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
Sound off in the comments section below!
You can view the original article HERE.
