Virgin River: How Old Muriel Is (& Her Age Gap With Cameron) Explained

While Netflix is famous for prematurely canceling its shows, Virgin River is one of the longest-running series on the streaming platform, and that's largely due to its gripping romantic storylines — making a case for why the genre should be taken more seriously. The show premiered in 2019 and is still going strong, with an upcoming Virgin River season 7 announced in 2024. Though Virgin River centers on nurse practitioner Mel, retired movie star Muriel St. Claire is just as big a fan favorite. Muriel left her glamorous Hollywood life to settle down in the quaint titular Northern California town.

Settling into small-town life nicely, Muriel is known around Virgin River as a member of Hope McCrea's sewing circle, which consists of some of the town's most prominent older women. But Muriel doesn't spend all of her time knitting, though, and has an active romantic life. While things didn't work out with Vernon, Muriel begins a relationship with Cameron Hayek, a local doctor. From there, Muriel and Cameron became one of Virgin River's best romances, despite their age gap.

Muriel's Age Is Never Explicitly Stated In The Show

Though The Virgin River Books Reveal She Is 56 Years Old

Although Muriel's age is never explicitly stated in Virgin River, Teryl Rothery, the actress who plays her, is 62 years old. It's safe to say that Muriel is roughly the same age, as Rothery doesn't appear to be wearing any sort of costume or makeup that's supposed to alter her age. The fact that Muriel is a retired movie star doesn't really give any indication of her age, as — thought incremental progress has been made — Hollywood has been famously unwelcome to aging actresses.

In the Virgin River book series, however, Muriel does have a distinct age — she is 56 years old, according to character sketches on the official website of Robyn Carr, the author of the novels. But whether in her late 50s or early 60s, Muriel is clearly comfortable in her own skin. She has wholeheartedly embraced the slower pace of Virgin River, fitting right in with Hope's knitting circle and living her best small-town romance life.

Muriel & Cameron's Age Gap Is Likely Between 15–21 Years

The Virgin River Actors Are 15 Years Aapart

Cameron, much like Muriel, is never given an exact age in the show. However, Mark Ghanimé, the actor who plays Cameron is 47 years old, making him 15 years younger than his romantic co-star, Teryl Rothery. But if fans are going off of Robyn Carr's character sketches, the age gap is bigger, as Cameron is listed as 35 years old to Muriel's 56, making them 21 years apart. While the number isn't insignificant, Muriel and Cameron's age difference have never bothered viewers as a whole, and age-gap relationships are becoming incredibly common on television.

Cameron and Muriel's relationship begins to bloom after Muriel volunteers to help out with paperwork at his clinic. After Muriel's house burns down, Cameron takes her in and admits his feelings for her. His feelings are more than reciprocated by Muriel, as the pair soon start dating, but only after she discusses their relationship with her former partner, Vernon. But sadly, that's not the end of their story.

What's Next For Muriel In Season 7

She's Battling Breast Cancer

Muriel and Cameron's relationship appears to be up in the air at the end of Virgin River season 5 when the subject of kids is brought up. The retired movie star makes it clear she's not interested in having children, while Cameron wants to be a father. In the season 6 premiere, Muriel confirms that the two have parted ways.

However, though there is some wistfulness between them, as Muriel is exploring a new relationship with Walt while Cameron has rekindled with his ex-fiancée and moved back to San Diego. Those hoping for a Muriel-Cameron reunion will be disappointed, as it's been confirmed Cameron won't return as a regular in Virgin River season 7.

Beyond Cameron, Muriel endured one of the most difficult storylines of all in season 6 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While the diagnosis devastated fans, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith discussed in an interview with TVLine that Muriel's cancer battle will look more positive in season 7. Smith said, “We’ve now seen her persevere through the diagnosing of it, and in season 7 we’ll get into the treatment part of it." (via US Magazine). With those reassuring words, it looks like, Cameron or no Cameron, Muriel will get her happily ever after in Virgin River after all.