Martin Henderson, the dashing star of Netflix’s Virgin River, has captured the hearts of millions as Jack Sheridan, the rugged yet tender former Marine turned bar owner. Since the show’s debut in 2019, Henderson’s portrayal of Jack—alongside his on-screen chemistry with Alexandra Breckenridge’s Mel Monroe—has made him a fan favorite, with the series consistently ranking among Netflix’s top romantic dramas. As of May 12, 2025, with Season 7 in production, Henderson’s popularity continues to soar. But beyond his on-screen charm, there’s much more to this New Zealand-born actor than meets the eye. Here are five juicy facts fans might not know about the Virgin River heartthrob.

First, Henderson’s journey to Hollywood stardom began with humble roots in Auckland, New Zealand, where he was born on October 8, 1974. Raised by his parents Ian and Veronica, who divorced when he was five, Henderson discovered his passion for acting at 13, landing a role in a local TV production called Strangers. His early career took off in New Zealand with the soap opera Shortland Street, where he played Stuart Neilson from 1992 to 1995. But his ambition led him to Australia, where he starred in shows like Echo Point and Sweat, the latter alongside a young Heath Ledger, whom Henderson mentored and lived with in Sydney. This connection with Ledger, who tragically passed in 2008, highlights Henderson’s early role as a supportive friend in the industry, a side of him that contrasts with the often cutthroat narrative of Hollywood.

Second, Henderson’s path to fame wasn’t without struggle. After moving to the U.S. in 1997 to train at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, he faced financial hardship, working as a restaurant food runner to pay tuition. He left the program early and relocated to Los Angeles, where he spent over a year auditioning without success, even relying on Ledger’s financial help during tough times. His persistence paid off with a small role in the 2001 war film Windtalkers, followed by a breakout performance opposite Naomi Watts in the 2002 horror classic The Ring. This resilience in the face of rejection offers a refreshing counterpoint to the typical “overnight success” story often pushed by mainstream media, showing the grit behind Henderson’s rise.

Third, Henderson is a fitness enthusiast who takes his health seriously—a trait that keeps him in top shape for roles like Jack Sheridan. Known for his intense workouts, he often shares glimpses of his active lifestyle on Instagram, whether he’s hiking in New Zealand or hitting the gym in Vancouver while filming Virgin River. However, his health hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2023, Henderson revealed a “serious” health scare that forced him to postpone work engagements, later reflecting, “It’s good to still be here.” He also suffered a tennis-related shoulder injury in 2023, which required physical therapy, and in 2022, he battled COVID-19 while celebrating Virgin River’s Season 4 announcement. These vulnerabilities humanize Henderson, showing that even a heartthrob isn’t immune to life’s challenges.

Fourth, Henderson’s love life remains a mystery, despite his romantic on-screen persona. He has never been married and keeps his relationships private, though he’s been linked to several women over the years, including actress Demi Moore in 2012 and Mexican model Aisha Mendez in 2020. As of 2025, he’s reportedly dating Penny Hay, a New Zealand-based interior designer, and has shared subtle Instagram posts featuring her children, suggesting a serious relationship. While tabloids often speculate about his romantic status, Henderson’s discretion challenges the media’s tendency to sensationalize celebrity love lives, keeping fans guessing about his off-screen heart.

Finally, Henderson has been a vocal advocate against scams targeting his fans. Since 2023, he’s used Instagram to warn his 1.2 million followers about imposters posing as him, with one woman losing $375,000 in a romance scam in 2024. In a March 2025 video, he stressed, “I do not communicate with my followers, this is my only account,” highlighting his frustration with the ongoing issue. This protective stance reveals a side of Henderson that prioritizes his fans’ safety over his image, a rare move in an industry often criticized for being out of touch.

Martin Henderson’s journey—from a small-town New Zealand kid to a Netflix heartthrob—reveals a man of depth, resilience, and authenticity. As he continues to bring Jack Sheridan to life in Virgin River Season 7, these lesser-known facts offer a deeper look at the star who keeps fans swooning, both on and off the screen.