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Martin Henderson
New Zealand actor (born 1974)

Martin Henderson (born 8 October 1974) is a New Zealand actor. He is known for his roles on the American medical drama series Off the Map as Dr. Ben Keeton (2011), the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Nathan Riggs (2015–2017), the Netflix romantic drama Virgin River as Jack Sheridan (2019–present), and for his performances as Noah Clay in the horror film The Ring (2002) and Wayne Gilroy in the slasher film X (2022). In his home country, he is known for his teenage role as Stuart Neilson in the soap opera Shortland Street (1992–1995).

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Early life

Henderson was born in Auckland to Ian and Veronica Henderson. They divorced when he was five.3 He began acting at the age of thirteen, appearing in Strangers, a local television production. He attended Birkenhead Primary Northcote Intermediate and Westlake Boys High schools.4 He played rugby as a flanker and his team won the championship in 1990 and 1991.5 He turned down going to study at university when he was 17, in favour of acting.6 He initially considered studying science and business.7

Career

Early work

At age 17, in 1992, Henderson starred as Stuart Neilson in the New Zealand prime-time soap opera Shortland Street.8 He played the role until 1995. Shortland Street became New Zealand's longest-running drama and soap opera.9 He subsequently lived in Australia for three years10 and appeared in a number of Australian films and television productions including Echo Point and Home and Away.

Move to the United States

Henderson moved to the United States in 1997 to pursue a career in Hollywood films and to train in a two-year program at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City with a student visa.11 To pay the tuition, he took a job at night as a restaurant food runner.12 While at school, he starred as Hamlet in the off-Broadway play Ophelia Thinks Harder. He left the school halfway through the two-year course and moved to Los Angeles.13

Heath Ledger helped him financially during a period of numerous auditions without securing any role.14 Henderson first landed a voice over part in a Fanta commercial, speaking with an Australian accent.15 In 1999, he appeared in Kick, for which he was nominated for an AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2000.16 After more than a year unsuccessfully auditioning for film roles in Los Angeles, in 2001 he was cast in a supporting role in the John Woo-directed war film Windtalkers.17 In 2002, Henderson starred opposite Naomi Watts in the horror film The Ring.18 Following the box office success of the film, he was cast as Drew in Perfect Opposites,19 and subsequently as the lead character in the biker film Torque, released in early 2004.20 Later that year, he starred opposite Aishwarya Rai in the British romantic film Bride and Prejudice and appeared in Britney Spears' "Toxic" music video.21 In 2005, he appeared in the award-winning Little Fish starring Cate Blanchett.22 In 2006, Henderson received rave reviews in London's West End in a theatre production of Fool for Love with Juliette Lewis.2324

He was set to star alongside Jordana Brewster in the television series adapted from the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith. However, the series was not picked up by any network. In 2006, he appeared in the movie Flyboys. He also appeared in a commercial for the 2008 Cadillac CTS, and the House episode "Painless". In 2010, Henderson was cast in Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes' short-lived television series Off the Map as a New Zealand doctor.25 In 2014, he starred in the multi-platform Australian drama television series Secrets & Lies and in the SundanceTV drama series The Red Road.

In 2015, Henderson appeared in Everest,26 with Jake Gyllenhaal. In June that year, he joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy, as a potential love interest for series lead Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey,27 making his first appearance in November. The actor exited two years later, his final appearance in October 2017. Henderson told Deadline that his departure was a storytelling-based decision, adding, "This [was] my final year so I was expecting Nathan’s storyline to be wrapped up."28 In 2016, he starred in the film Miracles from Heaven opposite Jennifer Garner.29

Since 2019, Henderson has co-starred on the Netflix series Virgin River alongside Alexandra Breckenridge, playing the role of Jack Sheridan, a former marine with PTSD.30 The seventh season commenced filming in spring of 2025.31 He was cast in A24 horror film X (2022) as Wayne Gilroy.32

Personal life

As of 2017, he lives in Los Angeles with his dog.33

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1999KickTom BradshawNominated—AFI Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
2000The Summer of My DefloweringLukeShort film
2002WindtalkersPrivate Thomas Nellie
2002The RingNoah Clay
2003SkagerrakIan / Ken
2004TorqueCary Ford
2004Perfect OppositesDrew Curtis
2004Bride and PrejudiceWilliam Darcy
2005Little FishRay Robert HeartNominated—AFI Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role34Nominated—FCCA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
2006FlyboysReed Cassidy
2006Smokin' AcesHollis Elmore
2007Battle in SeattleJay
2009Cedar BoysMathew
2010Home by ChristmasYoung Ed
2013The MomentJohn / Peter
2013Devil's KnotBrent Davis
2015EverestAndy Harris
2016Miracles from HeavenKevin Beam
2018The Strangers: Prey at NightMike
2018JuvenilesOliver
2018HellbentJeb Dupre
2022XWayne Gilroy

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1989StrangersZane
1990Betty's Bunch
1990Raider of the South SeasJack TaylorTelevision film
1992–1995, 2017Shortland StreetStuart NeilsonMain (303 episodes, Seasons 1-4 & 26)
1995Echo PointZac Brennan
1996SweatTom NashMain (26 episodes, Season 1)
1996Home and AwayGeoff ThomasRecurring (7 episodes)
1997–1999Big SkyScotty GibbsMain (53 episodes, Seasons 1–2)
2009HouseJeffEpisode: "Painless"Nominated—AFI International Award for Best Actor
2011Off the MapDr. Benjamin "Ben" KeetonMain (13 episodes, Season 1)
2012RakeJoshua FloydGuest (2 episodes, Season 2)
2014–2015The Red RoadHarold JensenMain (12 episodes, Seasons 1–2)
2014Secrets & LiesBen GundelachMain (6 episodes, Season 1)
2015–2017Grey's AnatomyDr. Nathan RiggsMain (45 episodes, Seasons 12–14)
2019–Present35Virgin RiverJack SheridanMain role
2020The GloamingGareth McAvaneyMain Role (8 Episodes)
2021–PresentMy Life Is MurderWill CroweRecurring (Seasons 2–4)
2024Madam 36

Web series

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013–2014Auckland DazeMartin Henderson3 episodes

Music video appearances

YearTitleNotes
2003"Toxic"Britney Spears' Boyfriend

References

  1. Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (19 December 2018). "'Virgin River': Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson & Annette O'Toole To Star In Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018. https://deadline.com/2018/12/virgin-river-alexandra-breckenridge-martin-henderson-tim-matheson-annette-otoole-to-star-in-netflix-series-1202522991/

  2. "Shorty Street actor is the new McDreamy". Stuff. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2018. http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/4546562/Shorty-Street-actor-is-the-new-McDreamy

  3. Tailor, Leena (7 January 2016). "Martin Henderson returns to hospital". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/martin-henderson-returns-to-hospital/XDG3NOL3FJOJCGXMMTWCLKSNBU/

  4. "Past Pupil Martin Henderson Visits Westlake". 4 May 2010. Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100524205706/http://westlakers.co.nz/pages/news.html?func=displayPublicPost&postID=58

  5. Coddington, Sarah (4 May 2010). "Star visits school". Stuff. Retrieved 3 May 2023. http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/editors-picks/3650349/Star-visits-school

  6. Secher, Benjamin (11 July 2006). "My Hollywood nightmare". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3653755/My-Hollywood-nightmare.html

  7. "Martin Henderson on his return to Shortland Street: 'I feel like an alien'". nowtolove.co.nz. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2023. https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/martin-henderson-on-his-return-to-shortland-street-32594

  8. Harrop, Nicky (25 May 2017). "25 Years of Shortland Street: Martin Henderson". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2 May 2023. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/25-years-of-shortland-street-martin-henderson/PUXCWN4AW335FO6Q4FEOU3WGZQ/

  9. "Virgin River star Martin Henderson's accent in first ever role is jaw-dropping". Hello!. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/20230221164965/virgin-river-martin-henderson-first-tv-role-so-different-to-netflix-character/

  10. McWhirter, Erin (4 January 2007). "Ledger digs deep for a pal". Perth Now. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/ledger-digs-deep-for-a-pal-ng-7790e4d07e374fe1f676370423a042d4

  11. Kilgallon, Steve (9 April 2017). "Martin Henderson: When US immigration locked me up". Stuff. Retrieved 2 May 2023. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/91145090/martin-henderson-in-pursuit-of-happiness

  12. "Martin Henderson - Now that I'm older I don't give a ..." The Big Idea. 1 July 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://thebigidea.nz/stories/martin-henderson-now-that-im-older-i-dont-give-a

  13. "Martin Henderson - Now that I'm older I don't give a ..." The Big Idea. 1 July 2003. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://thebigidea.nz/stories/martin-henderson-now-that-im-older-i-dont-give-a

  14. McWhirter, Erin (25 January 2007). "Heath lends mate Martin Henderson a helping hand". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/heath-lends-mate-martin-henderson-a-helping-hand/5KHYYAXXO4OCGC6GRQZ42JH66E/

  15. Kilgallon, Steve (9 April 2017). "Martin Henderson: When US immigration locked me up". Stuff. Retrieved 2 May 2023. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/91145090/martin-henderson-in-pursuit-of-happiness

  16. "Past Awards". www.aacta.org. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/past-awards/range/2000-2010/year/2000/

  17. Mitchell, Elvis (14 June 2002). "FILM REVIEW; Of Duty, Friendship And a Navajo Dilemma". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/14/movies/film-review-of-duty-friendship-and-a-navajo-dilemma.html

  18. Secher, Benjamin (11 July 2006). "My Hollywood nightmare". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3653755/My-Hollywood-nightmare.html

  19. Martin Henderson in Perfect Opposites Archived 8 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine http://www.cubicao.tk/theory/principleopposites.html

  20. Kaufman, Gil (25 August 2004). "Yes, Britney Really Is Naked In The 'Toxic' Video: VMA Lens Recap – News Story | MTV News". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 28 August 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20040828000620/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490554/20040825/spears_britney.jhtml

  21. Kaufman, Gil (25 August 2004). "Yes, Britney Really Is Naked In The 'Toxic' Video: VMA Lens Recap – News Story | MTV News". MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on 28 August 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20040828000620/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490554/20040825/spears_britney.jhtml

  22. Secher, Benjamin (11 July 2006). "My Hollywood nightmare". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3653755/My-Hollywood-nightmare.html

  23. Brown, Peter (21 June 2006). "Fool For Love – Review". London Theatre Guide. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/fool-for-love

  24. Billington, Michael (16 June 2006). "Fool for Love, Apollo, London". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/jun/16/theatre1

  25. "From Shortland St to medic in Guatemala jungle". Otago Daily Times. 8 February 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/shortland-st-medic-guatemala-jungle

  26. "Martin Henderson: Surviving Everest and rhino attack". The New Zealand Herald. 10 September 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/martin-henderson-surviving-everest-and-rhino-attack/QM5P57RXORMCYBWNUNSV4H6LCY/

  27. Boardman, Madeline (16 June 2015). "Martin Henderson takes Patrick Dempsey's spot in Grey's Anatomy". usmagazine.com. Retrieved 30 March 2018. http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/martin-henderson-takes-patrick-dempseys-spot-in-greys-anatomy-cast-2015166

  28. Ausiello, Michael (27 October 2017). "Grey's Anatomy Shocker: [Spoiler] Exits". tvline.com. Retrieved 29 October 2017. http://tvline.com/2017/10/26/martin-henderson-leaves-greys-anatomy-nathan-season-14/

  29. Kroll, Justin (22 June 2015). "Martin Henderson Joins Jennifer Garner in 'Miracles From Heaven' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 3 May 2023. https://variety.com/2015/film/news/martin-henderson-miracles-from-heaven-1201525149/

  30. Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (19 December 2018). "'Virgin River': Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson & Annette O'Toole To Star In Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018. https://deadline.com/2018/12/virgin-river-alexandra-breckenridge-martin-henderson-tim-matheson-annette-otoole-to-star-in-netflix-series-1202522991/

  31. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/virgin-river-season-7-cast-release-date-news https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/virgin-river-season-7-cast-release-date-news

  32. "'X' Trailer: Mia Goth Stars in Ti West's A24 Horror Movie About a '70s Porn Shoot". Indiewire. 12 January 2022. https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/x-trailer-ti-west-a24-1234689930/

  33. Kilgallon, Steve (9 April 2017). "Martin Henderson: When US immigration locked me up". Stuff. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/91145090/martin-henderson-in-pursuit-of-happiness

  34. "Past Awards". www.aacta.org. Retrieved 30 October 2019. https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/past-awards/range/2000-2010/year/2005/

  35. Petski, Denise (20 December 2019). "'Virgin River' Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019. https://deadline.com/2019/12/virgin-river-renewed-season-2-netflix-1202814796/

  36. "Rachel Griffiths leads NZ dramedy Madam | TV Tonight". 29 September 2023. https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/09/rachel-griffiths-leads-nz-dramedy-madam.html