In the world of Virgin River, where scenic landscapes meet emotional turmoil, one character continues to command attention with sharp wit, unwavering strength,

and an undeniable presence—Hope McCrea. The woman behind this beloved role, Annette O’Toole, has had a storied journey in entertainment,

weaving her way through film, television, and music for more than five decades. And now, in her reinvention as Virgin River’s tenacious town mayor,

O’Toole once again proves she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Born to Perform: A Texas Beginning

Annette O’Toole was destined for the spotlight from the very beginning. Born on April 1, 1952, in Houston, Texas, she was raised by a dance instructor mother who enrolled her in lessons at the age of three. It didn’t take long for young Annette to fall in love with the rhythm and performance of show business. By her teenage years, her family had relocated to Los Angeles—a pivotal move that launched her into acting.

This transition marked the start of an illustrious journey, one that would take her from background roles in classic television to some of the most memorable and emotionally rich performances of the last several decades.

From ’70s Sitcoms to Superhero Stardom

O’Toole’s early years in Hollywood featured a steady stream of appearances on some of TV’s most iconic series, including My Three Sons, The Virginian, Hawaii Five-O, and Gunsmoke. But her breakout came in 1975 with the satirical pageant film Smile, where she captured audiences with her down-to-earth beauty and magnetic energy.

Soon after, roles in One on One and Foolin’ Around showcased her range, but it was 1983’s Superman III that catapulted her to stardom. Cast as Lana Lang—Clark Kent’s high school sweetheart—O’Toole brought charm, heart, and humanity to a role that resonated with fans. Her portrayal offered a softer contrast to the bombastic world of superheroes, anchoring the film with emotional realism.

A Powerhouse of the Mini-Series Era

The 1980s and ’90s saw O’Toole flourish in dramatic mini-series and television films, becoming a fixture in homes across America. Most notably, she starred as Beverly Marsh in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, captivating audiences with her ability to tap into raw emotion and fear.

In The Kennedys of Massachusetts, O’Toole’s performance as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination, solidifying her as a leading actress in prestige television. From playing country legend Tammy Wynette in Stand by Your Man to starring in the chilling Dead by Sunset, her versatility knew no bounds.

Coming Full Circle: Martha Kent in Smallville

In one of Hollywood’s poetic turns, O’Toole returned to the Superman universe in 2001, this time playing Martha Kent, the adoptive mother of Clark Kent on Smallville. For six seasons, she delivered a nuanced performance that helped define the show’s moral compass. Her Martha was both fierce and nurturing—a true maternal anchor in a world of chaos.

This role endeared her to a new generation of fans, proving that O’Toole’s talent transcended decades, genres, and even fictional universes.