When fans tune in to Netflix’s Virgin River, they’re captivated by the warmth, resilience, and emotional depth of Mel Monroe, the midwife who mends broken hearts and

delivers hope in equal measure. Behind the scenes, however, Alexandra Breckenridge—the actress who brings Mel to life—is mastering a role far more personal and profound:

motherhood. Off-camera, she is the devoted mom of two young children, Jack and Billie, skillfully navigating the demands of Hollywood while raising a family in the serene landscapes of rural Georgia.

Married to musician Casey Hooper since 2015, Breckenridge has deliberately built a life that balances her thriving career with family priorities. “The rural areas of Georgia have an amazing sense of community we were lacking in L.A.,” she explained in a 2019 interview with Atlanta Magazine. “We wanted our children to grow up in a place where they could play and ride their bikes that didn’t feel like a big city.” For Breckenridge, the slower pace and grounded environment are essential to nurturing her children while staying fully present in their lives.

A Star is Born… So Was Jack

In September 2016, Breckenridge and Hooper welcomed their first child, Jack Breckenridge Hooper, into the world—a moment that profoundly reshaped her priorities. Reflecting on that life-changing day in a PEOPLE interview, she said, “When I first held my baby, the world melted away and I knew he was the most important thing I’d ever do.”

Even before Jack’s arrival, the excitement was palpable. Friends hosted a quilting-themed baby shower, Instagram tributes poured in, and the actress’s joy radiated through every post. In a particularly heartfelt message, she announced, “Someone doesn’t want to hide in his mom’s tummy anymore… Casey and I are very excited!!” Over the years, while she has remained protective of her children’s privacy, Breckenridge has occasionally shared glimpses of Jack, often accompanied by deeply personal reflections. On National Sons Day in 2020, she wrote:

“My first born. Jack. Apple of my eye. Tried to put together a video of this little child but there was just way too much good stuff.”

A Girl Named Billie

Just over a year later, the Breckenridge-Hooper family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Billie, in December 2017. The timing couldn’t have been more special—learning she was having a girl on her own birthday, Breckenridge called it “the best birthday present ever.” Filming This Is Us Season 2 during her pregnancy, she expertly navigated hiding her baby bump through clever camera angles and set tricks. Reflecting on the experience, she laughed, “They can also digitize it out these days!”

Six weeks after Billie’s birth, she shared a tender Instagram moment, capturing her daughter snuggled next to her newly-earned SAG Award, captioned simply: “Home to my tiny princess.” These intimate snapshots offer fans rare but cherished windows into Breckenridge’s life beyond the bright lights of Hollywood.

A Family Far from the Flashbulbs

While Breckenridge’s career thrives in television and streaming projects, her heart and home are rooted far from the glare of Los Angeles. The family’s decision to live in rural Georgia has provided both stability and space for their children to grow, explore, and simply be kids. From bike rides to backyard adventures, these grounded experiences anchor Breckenridge in her most cherished role: mom.

Art Imitates Life: Emotional Depth on Screen

Breckenridge’s personal experiences infuse her performances with authenticity. In Virgin River Season 5, Mel faced the heartbreak of a miscarriage—a storyline that resonated profoundly with the actress. In a 2023 Deadline interview, she revealed that her own son Jack had once suffered a life-threatening illness, an event that brought the fragility of life painfully close to home.