Martin Henderson, the charismatic star of Netflix’s hit romantic drama Virgin River, has long captured the hearts of millions with his portrayal of Jack Sheridan, a former Marine turned bar owner who finds love in a small Northern California town. But off-screen, the 50-year-old New Zealand-born actor has recently found himself at the center of swirling rumors about his dating life—specifically, a supposed preference for younger women. While Henderson has largely kept his personal life private, whispers in Hollywood circles and among fans have sparked curiosity about his romantic inclinations.

Henderson, who has been busy filming the seventh season of Virgin River in Vancouver, has not directly addressed these rumors. However, the speculation gained traction after a series of public appearances and social media interactions over the past year. Fans have noted that Henderson, known for his rugged charm and youthful energy, often appears alongside younger co-stars and acquaintances, leading some to question whether age plays a role in his romantic choices. “He’s got that timeless appeal,” one fan commented on Instagram, “but I’ve heard he’s only interested in women much younger than him. I wonder if it’s true.”

The actor’s rise to global fame through Virgin River, where he stars opposite Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe, has only intensified public interest in his personal life. Henderson’s on-screen chemistry with Breckenridge, who is 42, has been a focal point of the series, but off-screen, some sources claim that Henderson has a pattern of dating women in their 20s and 30s. An anonymous insider reportedly told a tabloid last month, “Martin loves the energy and spontaneity that younger women bring. He’s not looking for anything too serious, and he enjoys the thrill of a youthful connection.” However, without concrete evidence or a statement from Henderson himself, these claims remain speculative.

Adding fuel to the fire, Henderson’s recent social media activity has drawn attention. In a video posted on Instagram in April 2025, the actor addressed fans from his rented living room in Vancouver, warning them about fake accounts impersonating him. In the video, he appeared relaxed, wearing a hoodie and glasses, but fans couldn’t help noticing his casual mention of being “busy with life.” Some interpreted this as a subtle hint about his personal relationships, though Henderson offered no specifics. The same month, a report by The New Zealand Herald revealed that a woman had been scammed out of $375,000 by someone pretending to be Henderson, further highlighting the actor’s appeal to a wide demographic of admirers—many of whom are younger women.

Despite the rumors, Henderson has a history of keeping his romantic life under wraps. Unlike some of his Hollywood peers, he rarely discusses his relationships in interviews. In a December 2024 interview with Deadline, he spoke about his commitment to Virgin River and his career, saying, “I haven’t given it a lot of thought, just because I’ve been so committed and busy with Virgin River and some other stuff and life.” This focus on work might suggest that Henderson prioritizes his career over public scrutiny of his dating habits, but it hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.

Critics of the rumor argue that assumptions about Henderson’s dating preferences may stem from ageist stereotypes in Hollywood, where older male actors are often paired with younger women on-screen, perpetuating a narrative that spills into their real lives. Henderson’s role in Virgin River, a show centered on romance, might also amplify these perceptions. Others point out that without direct evidence, such claims are unfair and potentially misleading.

For now, Martin Henderson remains focused on his craft, with Virgin River season 7 expected to premiere in early 2026. Whether the rumors about his dating preferences hold any truth remains to be seen. As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Jack Sheridan’s love story, they’ll likely continue to speculate about the real-life romantic adventures of the man behind the character.