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How old is Muriel in ‘Virgin River?’

The character has become increasingly important for show's storylines, but how old is she supposed to be in the series?

Actress Teryl Rothery attends the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries summer 2019 TCA press tour event at Private Residence on July 26, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Shows about small towns almost always resonate with audiences, and the hit Netflix series Virgin River is a testament to this truism. The understated show has become a sleeper hit, beloved by audiences and critics alike thanks to its blend of deft drama and realism, as well as its comfort watch credentials.

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One recurring character who’s started racking up the fans in season five is the actress, Muriel (Teryl Rothery). But some people have been wondering: how old is Muriel in Virgin River? Read on to find out!

What is Virgin River about?

Jack and Mel are looking at each other in Virgin River.
Photo via Netflix

Virgin River follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a midwife and nurse practitioner who moves to the eponymous small town in Northern California with hopes of starting fresh and leaving the pain of her old life behind.

However, she quickly learns that small-town life isn’t as idyllic or simple as she first thought. As she ingratiates into the community she begins to question why she made the choices she did. She also is further drawn into life in Virgin River in the process.

The show is based on a series of novels by author Robyn Carr and is a romantic drama. The series streams on Netflix.

Who is Muriel in Virgin River?

Teryl Rotherty as Muriel in 'Virgin River' is smiling.
Image via Netflix

In the runaway hit show, Muriel Saint Claire is a resident of the town of Virgin River. She is a former movie actress who moved to the town for retirement and is an active member of the town’s knitting circle, as well as an animal lover.

She initially has a rivalry with the town’s mayor Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole), although as the show winds on, their relationship grows more complicated. The pair even become friends after Hope is beset by tragedy. In the series, she begins a relationship with Cameron, a doctor who moves to the town to practice medicine.

How old is Muriel in Virgin River?

Teryl Rotherty as Muriel in 'Virgin River'is smiling at a doctor.
Image via Netflix

This question has been asked by numerous Virgin River fans from the book series’ publication to the Netflix series premiere. Thankfully, you don’t have to look far to find an answer.

As per Robyn Carr’s official website, the character of Muriel is 56 years old as of the fifth book in the series, Second Chance Pass.

Who is Muriel in Virgin River played by?

Actors Dylan Neal (L) and Teryl Rothery speak onstage during the Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove panel at the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel portion of the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 24, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

There’s a good chance you have seen the actress behind Muriel in other cult television shows. In Virgin River, Muriel is played by the Canadian actress Teryl Rothery.

Rotherty, 60, is probably best known for the role of Janet Fraiser in the series Stargate SG-1. However, some viewers may also recognize her from Arrow.

Will there be a season six of Virgin River?

David Cubitt as Calvin in 'Virgin River' is talking to a man.
Screenshot via Netflix

Yes, there will be a sixth season of Virgin River. Netflix announced the show had been renewed in the May of 2023, just before the fifth season began.

Unfortunately, don’t expect the sixth season to come any time soon. This is because it was one of hundreds of projects affected by the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023, which has delayed its production significantly. While both monumental events are over, there is still much work to be done until Virgin River returns to our television screens.