From Superman III to Virgin River, this beloved actress has been lighting up screens for decades. But during a recent outing in Los Angeles, fans were left doing a double take when the now-73-year-old star was spotted running errands — a far cry from her glammed-up TV persona.
Wearing a camel coat, black crossbody bag, and embracing a makeup-free glow, Annette O’Toole — yes, Mayor Hope McCrea herself — was seen collecting her laundry like any other Angeleno. And while she may be dressed down off-set, her resume remains nothing short of A-list elite.
Then vs. Now: A Hollywood Chameleon
In the 1980s, Annette O’Toole turned heads with her cascading brunette curls and girl-next-door charm. Audiences fell in love with her in Superman III, where she starred opposite Christopher Reeve, and later in the romantic comedy Cross My Heart and action-packed 48 Hours. On TV, she delivered memorable performances in Nash Bridges, the chilling IT miniseries, and as Martha Kent in Smallville.
Now, with her hair in a natural, elegant crop and her radiant skin front and center, Annette is fully leaning into authenticity. It’s a graceful evolution that mirrors her current role in Virgin River — a fan-favorite Netflix series where she plays the fiercely loyal and occasionally fiery Mayor Hope.
Life On the Road Isn’t Always Glamorous
Though her character in Virgin River is known for her sass and stamina, real-life filming hasn’t been without its struggles. In a candid interview with Hello!, O’Toole opened up about the emotional cost of filming far from home. While the show shoots in Vancouver, her heart often remains in Los Angeles — where her 99-year-old mother resides.
“That’s the hardest part about the show for me,” she shared. “It’s being away from my family… My husband works as well and he’s all over the place. My kids are grown and all over the place.”
Despite the challenges, O’Toole remains committed to the craft — and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Behind the Scenes: A Hollywood Love Story
Annette has been married to actor-comedian Michael McKean (This Is Spinal Tap, Better Call Saul) since 1999 — a beloved Hollywood couple who often keep their personal life out of the spotlight. Between them, they’ve built careers spanning genres and generations, all while keeping family a priority.
What’s Next for Hope in Virgin River?
As Virgin River prepares for its highly anticipated Season 7 — with a surprise filming stint in Mexico — O’Toole’s character is expected to play a larger role, especially with Hope’s ex-husband Roland reportedly returning to the fold. With big changes on the horizon, both on-screen and off, there’s no doubt Annette O’Toole will continue to shine — fresh-faced and fearless.
