For fans of Netflix’s Virgin River, Jack Sheridan is everything you could ask for in a romantic lead—tough yet tender, steady under pressure, fiercely loyal, and heartbreakingly vulnerable. Played with magnetic subtlety by actor Martin Henderson,
Jack has become a pillar of the show’s success. As the former Marine turned bartender navigating love, trauma, and fatherhood alongside nurse practitioner Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), Henderson’s portrayal
is both emotionally grounded and undeniably compelling. But for many Virgin River viewers, Jack’s face sparks a sense of recognition. A familiar charm, a memory of past roles, perhaps even a moment of terror or longing from another time.
And that’s no accident—Martin Henderson has spent more than two decades quietly making his mark across genres, from psychological horror to steamy hospital drama, indie cinema to blockbuster thrillers.
Let’s take a closer look at why Jack Sheridan seems so familiar—and the dynamic career that’s made Martin Henderson one of Hollywood’s most versatile, and underappreciated, stars.
From Soaps to Stardom: A Global Journey Begins
Hailing from New Zealand, Martin Henderson first found fame as a teenager on the hit Kiwi soap Shortland Street. With his boyish good looks and raw talent, it wasn’t long before Henderson caught international attention. He quickly made the leap to larger productions, including Australian dramas and eventually Hollywood films.
His early career included a wide range of roles—romantic leads, war heroes, and tortured souls. It’s this chameleon-like quality, the ability to vanish into any part, that’s both his strength and why audiences often struggle to place him. He becomes the role, rather than playing it. And as a result, his performances linger long after the credits roll.
Heartthrob Status Cemented in Grey’s Anatomy
One of Henderson’s most recognizable roles came in the form of Dr. Nathan Riggs on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Introduced in Season 12, Riggs was more than just another love interest—he was a deeply layered character, haunted by the presumed death of his fiancée, Megan Hunt (the sister of Owen Hunt, played by Kevin McKidd). His past was shrouded in tension and betrayal, and his arrival sent ripples through Grey Sloan Memorial.
But it was his chemistry with Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey that truly left a mark. Their slow-burn romance—tinged with grief, guilt, and glimmers of hope—became a highlight of the show’s later seasons. Henderson played Riggs with a quiet strength, never overshadowing but always matching Pompeo’s intensity.
His exit in Season 14, following the miraculous return of Megan, was bittersweet but fitting. Riggs found closure and happiness—two things rarely granted in Shondaland—and Henderson exited with grace, leaving behind a character that fans still mourn today.
Scream-Worthy in The Ring: A Horror Hallmark
Before scrubs and love triangles, Henderson had already secured a place in horror history. In 2002, he starred opposite Naomi Watts in the chilling psychological horror The Ring, a remake of the Japanese cult classic Ringu. Henderson played Noah, the investigative partner and ex-boyfriend of Watts’ character, as they tried to unravel the mystery behind a cursed videotape that dooms its viewers to death within seven days.
Henderson brought emotional depth to a film that could’ve easily leaned into gimmicks. His scenes crackled with tension, especially those shared with Watts, and his terrifying final scene is etched into horror fans’ memories—a sudden, shocking jolt that left audiences breathless.
Noah’s death wasn’t just another horror trope—it was a brutal punctuation mark in a story built on dread and atmosphere. Henderson’s performance gave the tragedy weight, proving once again his ability to evoke empathy even in genre-heavy settings.
