Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins in Virgin River© COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Virgin River star Tim Matheson's famous ex-wife and love life explored

The 75-year-old actor plays Doc in the Netflix drama series

TV and film writer
August 7, 2023

Tim Matheson is a household name thanks to his illustrious TV and film career. While the 75-year-old has delighted viewers with his portrayal of Virgin River's charming doctor, Doc Mullins, in recent years, he's also known for his roles in The West Wing and Bonanza

But how much do you know about the actor's life away from the cameras? And did you know that he was once married to a famous film actress? Find out all about his love life here…

WATCH: Have you caught up on Virgin River season four?

Who is Tim Matheson?

Tim Matheson is a 75-year-old American actor. 

He began his acting career at the tender age of 13 when he played the role of Roddy Miller in the CBS comedy series, Window on Main Street.

© COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins and Teryl Rothery as Muriel in Virgin River

Since then, he has appeared in a vast amount of major TV shows and films, including 1968's Yours, Mine and Ours, which starred Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. He also appeared alongside Kurt Russell in the 1976 NBC series, The Quest.

Later on in his career, he landed a role in The West Wing, and his portrayal of Vice President John Hoyne earned him two Primetime Emmy award nominations. 

Virgin River's Doc Mullins isn't the only on-screen doctor Tim has played as he also portrayed Dr. Brick Breeland on the comedy-drama series, Hart of Dixie, from 2011 to 2015.

Tim Matheson's love life history 

Tim has been married three times. He was first wed to Canadian actress Jennifer Leak, whom he met on the set of the 1968 comedy-drama film, Yours, Mine, and Ours. The couple were in their early twenties when they tied the knot in 1968, but sadly, the romance didn't last as they went their separate ways in 1971. 

© CBS Photo Archive

Jennifer Leak as Gwen Sherman in the CBS daytime drama series, The Young and the Restless

Jennifer is perhaps best known for playing Gwen Sherman in the CBS soap, The Young and the Restless. She has also made appearances in Hawaii Five-O and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Over a decade after his split from Jennifer, Tim walked down the aisle for a second time with a woman named Megan Murphy. Not much is known about Tim's second wife, although the couple did welcome three children together, Cooper, 29, Emma, 35, and Molly, 36, before divorcing in 2010. 

© Ron Galella, Ltd.

Tim Matheson and his ex-wife Megan Murphy

SEE: Virgin River's Martin Henderson shares new hairdo ahead of season five release

MORE: NCIS' Michael Weatherly is related to this Virgin River star – details

Tim's current wife is Elizabeth Marighetto, who is reportedly a script supervisor. The couple tied the knot in March 2018 in L.A. before jetting off to Japan for their honeymoon.

© Tim Matheson/Instagram

Tim and his wife Elizabeth Marighetto on their honeymoon in Japan in 2018

While it's not known how and when the couple first met, Tim made things Instagram official back in 2016 when he shared a snap of the pair on the red carpet at the Critics' Choice Awards.

All you need to know about Virgin River season 5

The release date for season five of Virgin River is fast approaching, with the first eight episodes set to land on Netflix on September 7. Two festive specials will be released at a later date on November 30. 

Tim Matheson and Annette O'Toole as Doc and Hope in Virgin River

Viewers will be looking forward to seeing one of the show's fan-favorite couples, Doc and Hope [Annette O'Toole], reunite on screen. But what's in store for the on-screen husband and wife?

"As Doc and Hope's respective impairments throw their identities into question, the doctor and the mayor must find solace in their community, in their young new family, and in each other," reads the synopsis. 

Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson in Virgin River season five

As for Mel and Jack, played by leads Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, the nurse confronts issues of motherhood that push her to make a "big decision about her future at the clinic while her pregnancy unexpectedly sparks an emotional connection to her past," while Jack "squares off with some long-overdue confrontations – with his own demons, and of course, Charmaine".

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more