Martin Henderson is one of those rare actors who has managed to reinvent himself time and again, moving seamlessly from one stage of his career to another while charming audiences around the globe. Today, millions know him as Jack Sheridan, the rugged and reliable bar owner from Virgin River, Netflix’s small-town romance phenomenon. But before Henderson became a household name in streaming culture, he had already built an impressive and eclectic résumé spanning decades. From soap opera stardom in New Zealand to Hollywood blockbusters and beyond, Henderson’s path has been anything but ordinary. Here are ten fascinating things many fans don’t know about his life and career.

1. Martin Henderson started acting at just 13 years old.
Long before Hollywood came calling, Henderson was a teenager with big dreams in New Zealand. His very first acting role came when he was only 13, appearing in the local children’s television show Strangers. The experience gave him a taste of the performing world and sparked the passion that would drive him forward. Unlike many young actors who fade out after child stardom, Henderson turned his early break into a lifelong career.

2. His breakout role was in the New Zealand soap Shortland Street.
Every Kiwi recognizes Shortland Street, the long-running medical soap that has been a launching pad for many actors. Henderson joined the cast in 1992 as Stuart Neilson, a role that made him a household name in his home country. He spent three years on the series, honing his craft and building a loyal fanbase. For Henderson, Shortland Street was both a springboard and a classroom—it taught him discipline and the relentless pace of television production.

3. He took a bold leap by moving to Australia and later to the U.S.
After leaving Shortland Street, Henderson knew he had to take risks if he wanted an international career. He relocated to Australia, where he picked up work in series like Echo Point and Big Sky. But the bigger leap came in the late 1990s when he moved to the United States. At first, it wasn’t easy—he had no established connections, no guaranteed roles, and faced the same uncertainty every actor does. But his determination kept him in the game.

4. Henderson starred opposite Naomi Watts in The Ring.
In 2002, Henderson broke through to international audiences with his role in The Ring, the American remake of the Japanese horror hit. Playing Noah, the photographer who helps Naomi Watts’s character uncover the mystery of the cursed videotape, Henderson delivered a performance that caught Hollywood’s attention. The film was a huge box office success, cementing Henderson as a serious contender in the industry.

5. He was once cast in a Shonda Rhimes series before Grey’s Anatomy.
Many people associate Henderson with his later role as Dr. Nathan Riggs on Grey’s Anatomy, but few realize he had crossed paths with Shonda Rhimes’s work earlier. He was cast in the short-lived ABC series Off the Map (2011), another medical drama created by Rhimes’s production team. Although it was canceled after one season, Henderson’s performance was memorable and foreshadowed his future with Grey’s Anatomy.

6. His Grey’s Anatomy character sparked controversy.
When Henderson joined Grey’s Anatomy in 2015 as Dr. Nathan Riggs, he quickly became embroiled in a complicated love story with Meredith Grey. Fans were divided—some welcomed him as a breath of fresh air after Derek Shepherd’s death, while others fiercely resisted the idea of anyone stepping into Derek’s place. Though his time on the show lasted only two years, Henderson left a mark on one of television’s most passionate fan communities.

7. Henderson almost gave up acting altogether.
Despite his successes, there was a period in his career when Henderson nearly walked away from acting. After years of auditions and struggling to land steady roles in Hollywood, he admitted in interviews that he felt burned out and disillusioned. He even considered returning to New Zealand permanently. But persistence—and the arrival of the Virgin River opportunity—pulled him back into the spotlight.

8. He has a strong passion for adventure sports.
Off-screen, Henderson lives a life filled with adrenaline. He has long been a fan of outdoor adventure, including surfing, motorcycling, and extreme sports. This adventurous spirit reflects his upbringing in New Zealand, a country known for rugged landscapes and thrill-seeking culture. His fans often see glimpses of this lifestyle on his social media, where he shares photos of motorcycle rides, hikes, and trips into the wilderness.

9. Henderson keeps his private life remarkably private.
Unlike many celebrities, Henderson does not court constant media attention. While his work is highly visible, his personal life is kept largely out of the public eye. He has been linked to various relationships over the years but avoids turning his love life into tabloid fodder. His choice to remain private has earned him respect, as fans focus more on his talent and less on gossip.

10. Virgin River gave him the role of a lifetime.
Although Henderson has played many memorable characters, Jack Sheridan in Virgin River may be the one that defines his career. The Netflix drama, with its mix of romance, small-town charm, and heartfelt drama, became a runaway hit and introduced Henderson to a new generation of fans. His portrayal of Jack—a man both tough and tender, struggling with PTSD while trying to build a life with Mel Monroe—resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. For Henderson, Virgin River has not only revitalized his career but cemented his place as a leading man in modern television.

Taken together, these ten insights show that Martin Henderson’s journey has been one of resilience, transformation, and quiet strength. From soap opera beginnings in New Zealand to horror movies in Hollywood, from struggling actor to Netflix superstar, he has navigated the highs and lows of the industry with determination. What makes his story especially inspiring is that he has never allowed setbacks to define him. Instead, he used them as fuel to keep moving forward.

For fans, Henderson is more than just Jack Sheridan. He is proof that persistence pays off, that reinvention is always possible, and that sometimes the best roles arrive when you least expect them. As Virgin River continues to dominate Netflix’s charts and Henderson explores new projects, one thing is certain: the world will be seeing much more of this Kiwi heartthrob in the years to come.