IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEXANDRA BRECKENRIDGE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Alexandra Breckenridge is one of Netflix’s most dependable leading ladies, anchoring its longest-running scripted series, Virgin River, which returns for its highly anticipated Season 7 on 12th March. Beyond Virgin River, Alexandra recently proved her undeniable star power with Netflix’s holiday hit My Secret Santa, which outperformed major studio titles on the streamer. With a career that spans beloved dramas, genre-defining series, and a growing presence in the food and lifestyle space, she continues to connect with audiences through warmth, depth, and authenticity.

Virgin River has become Netflix’s longest-running scripted series. What do you think audiences keep connecting to season after season?

I think people really connect with the sense of community in the show. While the romantic relationships anchor the main characters, it’s the friendships that truly become family. Through all the ups and downs, they lean on each other, and that feels very real. I think that’s something we all need from each other. It’s always comforting to know that you have loved ones you can rely on.

What can the fans expect when the show returns, after such a long wait?

I honestly think this season is one of our best in terms of being really rooted in the emotional connection of the characters and their experiences. There’s a lot of laughing and crying and happy tears this year. I think the fans will really enjoy it.

blazer, skirt and sandals TIBI
earrings GUZEMA

Mel Monroe has gone through immense emotional highs and lows. How has playing her shaped you personally?

My personal life has had its own highs and lows, and those experiences have given me a unique perspective in creating Mel. She’s not exactly like me, we’re still very different, but I do think a lot of her empathy and humor, and I’d like to believe her strength, are qualities that run deep in me as well.

Do you feel a responsibility when portraying storylines that resonate so deeply with viewers’ real-life experiences?

Yes, I think it’s really important to try and tell these very personal storylines as truthfully as possible. Many people struggle with loss, infertility and PTSD. There are so many different character journeys on the show, and I think audiences can find something to connect with in all of them.

dress and pants ELY ELY
pumps AQUAZZURA
earrings JENNY BIRD
cuffs ELISABETTA FRANCHI and CARTIER

You’ve been part of ensemble hits like This Is Us and Virgin River, What do you love most about working on projects with large casts?

I think having so many different characters enriches the viewing experience for the audience. It’s always wonderful as an actor to get the opportunity to work with castmates you don’t often share scenes with. With a large ensemble, storylines naturally branch off in different directions, so you don’t always overlap. When those worlds come back together, it creates such a rich tapestry of storytelling.

My Secret Santa became Netflix’s biggest holiday film last year. Why do you think audiences embraced it so strongly?

I am still pleasantly surprised that it was so popular. I think the film was very family friendly, with silly slapstick comedy, a splash of romance and some emotional realism parents experience around the holidays. I personally was drawn to the project because it was challenging for me as an actress. I don’t often get presented with roles like this so the opportunity to fill Santa’s shoes was very exciting and also terrifying. I’m really glad I was able to be a part of it.

suit ZADIG ET VOLTAIRE
pumps BRITT NETTA
earrings JENNY BIRD

Winning a SAG Award, did that moment change your confidence or outlook?

I had no idea I was going to receive a SAG Award at the time. It was a complete shock. We walked backstage and there was an award with my name on it. I think I’m still a little bit in disbelief.

I had already finished the season, and my role on the show was complete, it just hadn’t aired yet. I went to the SAG Awards simply to cheer on my fellow actors in their category.

It sits on my desk to this day, but part of me still questions whether I truly earned it. That may or may not be a little bit of the imposter syndrome so many artists experience. What I do know is how deeply grateful I am to have been part of something that moved so many people.

dress and pants 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
mules KOLANE
earrings AGMES
bracelet CARTIER

You’ve also built a massive following in the food space. How does sharing recipes and cooking content fulfill a different side of you than acting?

I’ve been cooking and creating since I can remember. I love food and cooking fulfills so much for me. It can be meditative. It can also be such a beautiful part of creating for others. It’s my love language. Cooking with friends and for family really brings me a lot of joy. I’m grateful that I have other outlets outside of acting that can fill up my cup.

coat and shoes ELISABETTA FRANCHI
earrings AGMES

You co-host a podcast with Zibby Allen. What does having that platform allow you to explore?

I absolutely adore Zibby. We decided to take on this podcast project, and it wasn’t originally meant to be centered around Virgin River. But since we launched it while we were filming season six, it naturally evolved in that direction. It was a wonderful way to spend time with the cast outside of work. It was also fun to explore what other people’s reality of the show was at the time when it was at a peak moment. That season centered around Mel and Jack’s wedding.  It was the first time we had a key art photoshoot for the show and we were just so incredibly grateful to still be working on a series people genuinely adore. 

I love podcasts and find the interviews to be a window into what people really think, especially when you have actors talking to actors, musicians talking to musicians, etc. It’s different when speaking with your peers and I think that’s what makes “I like you very much” a real feel good moment on the platform.

dress and blazer JASON WU
boots BRITT NETTA
ear cuff JENNY BIRD

How do you protect your energy and well-being while juggling acting, food content, and family life?

This is the eternal question. I think people ask this a lot of successful individuals who seem to have so much going on, and it makes sense. It can feel like there’s some kind of holy grail, some secret formula to balancing it all. But honestly, I think most of us are just holding it together the best we can. I certainly don’t have all the answers.

I never neglect self-care. It’s essential. I understand that parents want to put their children first, and work often takes center stage, but taking care of yourself is incredibly important for your mental health and overall well-being.

I’ve also embraced a lot of hobbies outside of work. I have a garden, chickens, and pets. I love pottery, photography, painting, sculpture, and watching fellow actors in television and film. I think appreciating beauty in the world is vital. And if you’re someone who helps create that beauty, it’s important to keep that momentum going. Human beings will always need art.

jacket KOOKAI
pants ELY ELY
earrings SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE
mules BRITT NETTA

As Virgin River continues its historic run, what excites you most about what’s still to come?

It’s not lost on me how rare it is to be the longest running original series drama on Netflix. When I first took the role, I was not expecting the show to go more than one season. At the time, most shows on Netflix had very short runs, one to two seasons. I’ve been a part of many failed pilots and television shows that got picked up and promptly canceled, so to be a part of something that not only has success in its own right, but has stood the test of time, so to speak, is pretty remarkable. Of course, it’s a journey every year to see where the characters go and season eight feels like a new journey that I’m ready to take on.

dress VALENTINO
earrings GUZEMA

TEAM CREDITS

talent ALEXANDRA BRECKENRIDGE
photography LENA MELNIK
styling ELISE SANDVIK
makeup COREY CRYSLER
hair  JASON MURILLO
digi tech and 1st ac NIKITA KHOLKIN
styling assistant LUNA CARSANA and KRISTINE STRAND EDVARDSEN
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN