From Grey's Anatomy To Virgin River: 10 Shocking Facts About Martin Henderson, The Actor Who Plays Jack Sheridan

The New Zealand actor who embodies the rugged, beloved former Marine Jack Sheridan on Netflix’s hit drama Virgin River is Martin Henderson, and his career is far more expansive and surprising than fans might realize. As of today, December 12, 2025, the latest news surrounding Henderson is incredibly exciting for fans of the show, as he is stepping into a brand-new role behind the camera for the highly anticipated Season 6. This deep dive explores his full biography, his most iconic roles outside of Virgin River, and the recent updates that have the fandom buzzing.

Martin Henderson has successfully captivated a global audience as the kind-hearted bar owner Jack Sheridan, whose tumultuous but ultimately enduring romance with Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) forms the emotional core of the series. Beyond the cozy, dramatic world of the fictional town of Virgin River, Henderson boasts a career that spans international horror blockbusters, Bollywood-inspired musicals, and a pivotal role in one of the most iconic music videos of the 2000s.

Martin Henderson: Complete Biography and Profile

Martin Henderson is a celebrated New Zealand actor whose career has seen him transition seamlessly between television and film in both his home country and Hollywood.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Martin Henderson
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1974
• Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Early Career Start: Began acting at age 13, appearing in the television movie Raider of the South Seas (1990).
• Breakout Role (New Zealand): Stuart Neilson on the long-running soap opera Shortland Street (1992–1995).
• Major U.S. TV Role: Dr. Nathan Riggs on Grey's Anatomy (2015–2017).
• Current Main Role: Jack Sheridan on Virgin River (2019–Present).
• Notable Film Roles: Noah Clay in The Ring (2002), Will Darcy in Bride & Prejudice (2004), Mike in The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018), and Wayne in X (2022).
• Personal Life: Henderson is known for keeping his personal life private, often sharing his love for the outdoors, motorbikes, and his dogs on social media.

The Shocking Career Path: From Horror Movie Star to Beloved Romantic Lead

While many fans know Martin Henderson exclusively as Jack Sheridan, the actor has a diverse and often surprising filmography that demonstrates his incredible range. His transition from Hollywood thrillers to a beloved Netflix romantic drama is one of the most interesting arcs in modern television.

The Hollywood Horror Breakout in ‘The Ring’

Before he was pouring drinks at Jack’s Bar, Henderson was starring opposite Hollywood veteran Naomi Watts in the chilling 2002 horror remake, The Ring. Henderson played Noah Clay, the skeptical ex-boyfriend of Watts' character, Rachel Keller, who helps her investigate the deadly videotape. This role solidified his status as a major player in American cinema and is a far cry from the comforting presence of Jack Sheridan.

This early success led to a string of other major film roles. He starred in the action film Torque (2004) and the war drama Flyboys (2006). He also appeared in the critically acclaimed disaster film Everest (2015), playing Andy "Harold" Harris, a guide who tragically perishes on the mountain.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Britney Spears and Bollywood: The Unexpected Roles

One of the most surprising facts about Martin Henderson’s career is his appearance in a global pop culture phenomenon: the music video for Britney Spears’ 2003 hit, "Toxic." Henderson played the role of a love interest in the video, a fact that often shocks new fans of Virgin River. This demonstrates his willingness to take on diverse, high-profile projects outside of traditional acting roles.

He also took a unique turn as the male lead, Will Darcy, in the 2004 Bollywood-inspired romantic comedy Bride & Prejudice. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, this adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice saw Henderson singing and dancing, showcasing a completely different side of his performance capabilities.

The Latest Buzz: Martin Henderson Directs Virgin River Season 6

The most current and exciting news for Martin Henderson and the Virgin River fandom is his expanded role for the upcoming Season 6. For the first time in the series, Henderson will be stepping behind the camera to direct an episode. This move is a significant professional milestone, allowing him to shape the narrative and aesthetic of the show in a new way. The official Virgin River social media accounts confirmed this development, sharing photos of the actor in his new directorial capacity.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

In recent interviews, Henderson has also been discussing the major plot points that will define Jack Sheridan’s journey in the next season. He has specifically addressed the "wonderful" adoption cliffhanger from the end of Season 5, where Jack and Mel Monroe decide to pursue the adoption of an orphaned teen. This storyline promises to explore new emotional depths for the couple, moving them forward as a family unit.

The continued success of the series, based on the novels by Robyn Carr, relies heavily on the chemistry between Jack and Mel. Henderson's investment in the series, now as both a lead actor and a director, signals a commitment to maintaining the high quality and emotional resonance that viewers have come to expect. His involvement as a director will bring a fresh perspective, especially to the character he knows best—Jack Sheridan.

More Than Just Jack: Other Major Television Roles

While his time on Virgin River is his most prominent current role, Martin Henderson has been a fixture on television for decades. He is well-known for his three-year run on the Shonda Rhimes medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, where he played Dr. Nathan Riggs, a cardiothoracic surgeon with a complicated past. His character was a significant love interest for Meredith Grey, creating a major storyline that kept fans engaged for several seasons.

Prior to Grey’s Anatomy, he starred in the American mystery crime drama Secrets & Lies (2014) as Ben Gundelach. More recently, he has appeared in the New Zealand-set crime series The Gloaming (2020) and the popular Australian mystery series My Life is Murder, where he plays the recurring role of Will Crowe.

This long list of credits, from the teenage soap opera Shortland Street to the global phenomenon of Virgin River, showcases a career defined by consistent work and a knack for choosing roles that resonate with audiences. Martin Henderson’s journey is a testament to his versatility, ensuring that even as Jack Sheridan remains a fan favorite, there is always a fascinating new project—or director’s chair—on his horizon.