Fans of Virgin River have recently discovered that a key actor from one of 2025’s biggest horror films featured in several episodes of ‘s popular romantic drama.
The series, set in a small town, follows Mel Monroe (portrayed by Alexandra Breckenridge), who relocates to the village after a personal tragedy and falls for Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), a bar owner and former Marine.
Alongside forming friendships with the locals and assisting them through their individual challenges, Mel supports her new partner (now husband as of season six) in dealing with his own post-military trauma.
A sharp-eyed viewer took to when they recognised a significant member of Jack’s Marine squad appearing in The Monkey, Osgood Perkins’ successful horror film based on a Stephen King short story.
“Just watched the movie The Monkey and looked up one of the actors, Rohan Campbell, whose face you don’t really see much (bc of having bangs, not a spoiler),” they started.
Virgin River fans discover ‘unrecognisable’ star was in hit horror film (Image: NETFLIX)
“And it says he played “Lonergan” in 4 episodes of VR, but I have literally no memory of this character. Who is this?”
In the film, Campbell plays Ricky, a young man harbouring a grudge against Hal Shelburn (Theo James) and sporting a goth look, complete with long, black hair obscuring much of his face.
It’s understandable why Virgin River fans might have overlooked this link, given Campbell’s character in the show doesn’t get much screen time.
One fan responded: “Lonergan was a member of Jack’s squad or platoon in the Marines.”
This actor played a crucial role in Jack’s Marine storyline (Image: NETFLIX)
In the gripping TV series Virgin River, this key character’s shocking fate left a lasting impact on protagonist Jack.
“[Spoilers] he was killed, which has had lingering effects on Jack [Spoilers]. They hired an actor for the flashbacks to Jack’s time in war.”
Although Lonergan hasn’t been a central figure in Virgin River’s ongoing plot, his crucial role in Jack’s past is undeniable.
It was revealed through emotional flashbacks that Lonergan tragically died in Jack’s arms, burdening him with deep-seated trauma that continues to haunt him. During a poignant moment by a campfire, for example, when Jack’s former Marine comrade Zeke (Garfield Wilson) mentions Lonergan, Jack clams up and abruptly leaves to grab another beer.
The Monkey’s Rohan Campbell portrayed Lonergan in Virgin River (Image: GETTY)
Fortunately, Jack finds solace in Mel’s unwavering support, enabling him to confront his haunting memories as a Marine, leading to significant improvements in his mental health recently.
Remarkably, he’s also quit drinking after realising it was a crutch for coping with his PTSD.
His bond with military mates like Preacher (Colin Lawrence) remains robust, and Ricky’s (Grayson Gurnsey) choice to join the military stirs mixed emotions in Jack. Will Lonergan’s tragic demise resurface in upcoming plots?
Eager Virgin River enthusiasts must eagerly anticipate the show’s seventh season to discover what unfolds.
Virgin River is available to stream on .