You know that moment when you’re watching your favorite television show and one of the cast members looks familiar, but you can’t quite place them so you promptly go down a Google rabbit hole?
This was precisely what happened when I was watching Mel, the main character on Netflix’s Virgin River. It turns out, the actress’s name is Alexandra Breckenridge, and she has a pretty impressive resume that includes films and television shows such as This Is Us, American Horror Story and the 2000s classic, Big Fat Liar. In honor of season 6, which is supposedly getting an earlier release than expected, here’s everything to know about the hit show’s female lead.
1. Who Is Alexandra Breckenridge?
Alexandra Breckenridge is an actress, singer, photographer, voice artist, wife and mother. She is best known for her role as Melinda Monroe (Mel, for short) on Netflix’s series, Virgin River. The 42-year-old actress was born in Connecticut and at 13, relocated to Los Angeles with her mother. She is married to professional guitarist, Casey Hooper, with whom she shares two children.
In an interview with New Beauty, Breckenridge discussed her struggle to maintain a work-life balance. “I try to keep that balance, but there’s only so many hours in a day,” she told the outlet. “It gets overwhelming. I think the trick is not to beat yourself up over all of the little things and just try to improve on what you can, right?”
2. What Is Virgin River?
Virgin River is a hit Netflix series that centers around Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner who relocates to the remote town of Virgin River to get a fresh start on life. She quickly realizes that small town living isn’t quite as simple as she expected, and she soon learns that her past secrets can only stay buried for so long. Secret romances, family drama and a serious illness are just some of the dramatic events that take place in seasons two and three. In season four, Mel learns that she’s pregnant with Jack’s child. Things get complicated when Doc hires a new doctor at the clinic, Cameron, who doesn’t approve of Mel’s relationship with Jack.
For the fifth season, Mel is forced to choose between her pregnancy and her career. Meanwhile, a nearby wildfire threatens the town of Virgin River. As for the upcoming sixth season, which is getting an earlier-than-expected release date according to The Direct, the premise is still being kept under wraps, but is sure to expand upon the dramatic events of season five.
3. What Other Movies and TV Shows Has Alexandra Breckenridge Starred In?
Breckenridge began acting in her teenage years and has had a fairly successful career since, with supporting roles in teen movies such as Big Fat Liar and She’s the Man. Her career really took off after starring in the 2007 series Dirt, which led to her recurring role in the first season of the popular series American Horror Story. She even came back to guest star in a completely different role during season three. Not long after, she joined the cast of The Walking Dead and also appeared in HBO’s True Blood.
With all of those acting credits under her belt, it’s no surprise that Breckenridge snagged a leading role on NBC’s hit show This Is Us. Initially meant to be a guest role, Breckenridge ended up staying on for five seasons. Not to mention, she’s also done a handful of voice over projects. Pretty impressive.
