Jenny Cooper – Virgin River

By starrymag | May 21, 2021

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) When you read the script, what was it about the show and your character, Joey Barnes, that made you want to sign on to the project?

A) I loved the tone of the script and the relationship between Mel and Joey. It felt very authentic and familiar. Also, the story and characters have so much complexity and warmth. So many shows, at the time I read the pilot, seemed edgy and high concept. This felt like a series you could relax and feel comforted by and I definitely wanted to be a part of that.

 

Q) Were you familiar with the “Virgin River” books by Robyn Carr before landing the role?

A) I wasn’t, but I did read several of them in preparation for the show and think they’re very addictive!

 

Q) Congrats on the show getting picked up for a third season! Any idea when fans can expect it to drop on Netflix?

A) Thank you so much and we’re not exactly sure, but sometime before the end of 2021.

 

Q) We saw less of Joey in season 2 than we did in Season 1. Does this mean we get more of her in Season 3? If so, what can we expect from Joey in the third installment?

A) In an ensemble show, when you’re not the lead character, it’s pretty normal for certain seasons to favor some characters over others. I think the creators wanted to show Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) pulling away from her sister and getting settled in Virgin River. Yes, you will see more of Joey in Season 3 than you did in Season 2 and more will be revealed about her troubled marriage. And, of course, Mel and Joey will continue to be there for each other.

 

Q) We ended Season 2 on a cliffhanger with Jack. What will be the impact of that crisis on the residents of Virgin River?

A) OMG, I can’t tell you that! You’ll have to watch and find out, sorry!

 

Q) Season 2 pulled in two million viewers and nabbed the coveted 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes, beating the reigning Netflix Queen herself, “The Crown.” What has the fan response been like and did the instant popularity surprise you?

A) The popularity this season was bananas! And it seemed a lot of viewers were discovering the whole show for the first time and got to watch all twenty episodes at once. It was a lovely surprise and very rewarding. “Virgin River” fans are extremely kind and supportive of the show. It’s really amazing. I think it is the right show at the right time and like I said before, kind of comfort-watching in a turbulent time.

 

Q) Let’s talk about Joey. She seems to be a type-A personality, always there for her sister, Mel, while remaining on top of things in her own busy life. All that changed when her marriage crumbled and now it seems she needs her sister more than ever. Is this why Joey has problems with being happy for Mel and her new life? Because it is a life that isn’t so easily accessible to Joey and her needs?

A) Hmm, I don’t think Joey has difficulty being happy for Mel. In fact, I think she desperately wants her sister to be happy. She just wants her to be happy in LA! That’s why when she finally visits Mel in Virgin River and sees the life that she has created for herself and the relationships she has formed (especially the one with Jack), Joey apologizes and says she can see how good the change is for her (Mel).

 

Q) You have fantastic chemistry with Alexandra Breckenridge who plays your sister Mel. Did that develop organically or was it something the two of you had right from the start?

A) It was immediate. I can’t speak for Alex, but I felt an instant kinship with her and when we did our first scene, it felt oddly familiar. I have so much respect for her talent, but also for her ability to juggle motherhood, work and just being an all-around great person and I think that translates into chemistry. If you’re lucky.

 

Q) The art of acting lies in the similarities between the actor and the character, even when they are nothing alike. What is that thread that ties you to Joey? How are you like your character?

A) I would say the strongest thread is my relationship with my own sister. No one knows you quite like a sibling does and when they ask how you’re doing, they mean “cut to the chase and tell me how you’re really doing.” I can’t escape the truth with my own sister, and I think Mel and Joey are that way, too.

 

Q) In your career, you have picked up roles in some of network TV’s most popular and beloved series; like “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” How has working for a streaming giant like Netflix differed from your time on network television?

A) I would say the main difference is when you guest star or recur on a popular network show, there are certain pressures inherent to that show and their ratings, etc. It’s like jumping on a moving train. Being up in Vancouver and working on “Virgin River,” we sort of feel like we’re in a bubble (filming Season 3, we were literally in a bubble, due to the pandemic). So, the pressures only come from within and the desire on everyone’s part to put out the best product we possibly can. And then we wait for it to drop and keep our fingers crossed!

 

Q) What motivates you as an actor because it isn’t all yeses, great parts, and successes? It can be a tough climb to the top.

A) Dinner and go to my kid’s baseball game. I think my priorities have really shifted since becoming a mom. Work is not the be-all, end-all. My children and husband are. So, if something doesn’t go my way professionally, I’m honestly just as happy to get to make dinner and go to my kid’s baseball game.

I am motivated by strong parts written for women who have experienced the ups and downs of life. I find I have little patience for scripts where the female characters aren’t well drawn or complex in some way.

 

Q) Besides getting back into Joey’s shoes, are you working on any other projects the fans can keep an eye out for?

A) I’m also a writer and am working on a couple new scripts at the moment, as well as a few other things that I can’t really disclose.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of your work?

A) Just that we are so grateful for the support and all the love you send our way, and we hope you enjoy Season 3!