In the picturesque, drama-laced world of Virgin River, one woman stands out not just for her grit and gumption, but for her unshakable presence:

Hope McCrea, the feisty mayor who pulls no punches and loves even harder. Behind this unforgettable character is the extraordinary Annette O’Toole,

a Hollywood veteran whose five-decade career spans film, television, theater, and even songwriting. While many now know her as the soul of Virgin River,

O’Toole’s journey through entertainment has been marked by reinvention, resilience, and relentless passion.

From her early days as a child performer to becoming one of the most dynamic presences on Netflix’s flagship drama, Annette O’Toole’s evolution is a testament to the enduring power of talent, grace, and a little bit of Texas fire.

Born to Perform: A Star from the Start

Born on April 1, 1952 in Houston, Texas, Annette Toole (she would later adopt her stage name, O’Toole) was practically destined for the spotlight. Her mother, a professional dance instructor, introduced her to the world of movement and performance at the tender age of three. By 13, the family had relocated to Los Angeles, and O’Toole made the leap from dancing to acting — a decision that would chart the course for a remarkable career.

Rise Through the Ranks: Smile, Superman, and Stardom

Annette’s early television appearances read like a who’s who of classic American TV. She popped up in My Three Sons, The Virginian, Hawaii Five-O, and Gunsmoke, making a name for herself as a versatile young actress.

Her breakout came in 1975 with the dark comedy Smile, a satirical take on beauty pageants that showcased her charm and acting chops. It wasn’t long before she was landing lead roles in films like One on One and Foolin’ Around.

Then came the role that would forever etch her into the annals of superhero cinema: Lana Lang in Superman III (1983). As Clark Kent’s hometown sweetheart, O’Toole brought warmth and depth to a character who might have otherwise been overshadowed by the iconic Lois Lane. Her performance was more than just girl-next-door appeal—it was human, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Queen of the TV Mini-Series

Through the 1980s and 1990s, O’Toole carved a unique space for herself as a go-to actress for dramatic mini-series and made-for-TV movies. She portrayed legendary figures, troubled women, and historical icons with ease and nuance.

In 1990, she stunned audiences as Beverly Marsh in the ABC adaptation of Stephen King’s It, holding her own opposite Tim Curry’s terrifying Pennywise. That same year, she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, capturing the matriarch’s strength and sorrow with rare emotional precision.

She continued this streak with Stand by Your Man, where she embodied Tammy Wynette, and Dead by Sunset, a gripping true-crime drama that showcased her as a woman grappling with love, betrayal, and survival.

Smallville and a Superhero Comeback

In a delightful twist of fate, nearly two decades after playing Lana Lang, O’Toole returned to the Superman mythos—this time as Martha Kent, the steadfast adoptive mother of Clark Kent in Smallville. For six seasons, she portrayed a woman both tender and tough, guiding a young Superman with integrity and love. It was a full-circle moment for fans, and one that cemented her legacy in the superhero genre.

Enter Hope McCrea: The Heart of Virgin River

But it’s her role as Hope McCrea in Netflix’s Virgin River that has introduced Annette O’Toole to an entirely new generation of fans. Since the series’ debut in 2019, O’Toole has portrayed the no-nonsense, fiercely loyal, and often stubborn mayor of the town with unmatched flair.