If you’ve spent any time in the cozy, drama-filled world of Virgin River, you know that Ricky is basically the heart of Jack’s Bar. He’s the kid we all watched grow up, the one who made us cringe with his awkwardness and then break our hearts when he finally decided to man up and join the Marines. But let’s be real for a second. When Ricky Virgin River actor Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey vanished from our screens after Season 4, it left a massive, awkward-teenager-shaped hole in the show.
Where did he go? Was he fired? Did he just get tired of the California fog? Honestly, the rumors were flying faster than Hope’s gossip sessions.
The truth is actually pretty simple, but it has some layers that most casual fans totally missed. Grayson Gurnsey didn't just walk away; he followed a character arc that was actually written in the stars—or at least in Robyn Carr’s original books.
Who is the man behind Ricky?
Let’s talk about the guy himself. Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey isn't just some random kid they found on the street. He’s a Canadian talent born in Calgary back in 2000, which makes him about 25 years old now in 2026. He’s been acting since he was a literal child. We’re talking about a kid who convinced an adult acting coach to let him into a professional class when he was only eight. That’s some serious Ricky-level determination right there.
Before he was serving drinks at Jack’s, he was in big-budget stuff like Godzilla and Wonder. He even shared the screen with Milo Ventimiglia in The Art of Racing in the Rain. So, when he landed the role of Ricky Sudder, he wasn't a newbie. He brought a specific kind of "earnest nerd" energy that made his relationship with Lizzie feel both adorable and totally doomed.
Why did Grayson Gurnsey leave Virgin River anyway?
The "disappearance" happened at the end of Season 4. Ricky finally followed through on his dream of joining the Marines. For the show, it was a huge narrative pivot. For the fans, it was a bummer.
Basically, the writers needed to let the character grow up. You can only be the "clumsy busboy" for so long before it gets stale. By sending him off to basic training, the show gave Grayson a break and allowed Sarah Dugdale’s character, Lizzie, to move on to that whole complicated saga with Denny.
Grayson was noticeably absent throughout Season 5. Fans kept expecting a FaceTime call or a surprise letter, but... nothing. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith eventually had to come out and admit that while they wanted him back for the Christmas specials, the timing just didn't work. The episodes were already packed with Mel and Jack’s drama. There just wasn't room for a "Hey, I’m back from boot camp" cameo.
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The Season 6 Return: What Really Happened
If you haven’t caught up on the latest, here’s the scoop. Ricky Virgin River actor Grayson Gurnsey finally made his comeback in Season 6. But it wasn't exactly the "happily ever after" reunion with Lizzie that people were dreaming about.
He showed up for Jack and Mel’s wedding—because obviously, he wouldn't miss that—but he felt... different. He wasn't the shaking, nervous kid anymore. He had the haircut, the posture, and unfortunately, some of the baggage that comes with military life. The show touched on a burgeoning drinking problem and some heavy emotional weight he was carrying. It was a brief two-episode stint, but it served a purpose. It showed us that the "old" Ricky is gone.
Then, just as fast as he arrived, he was shipped out to the Middle East. It felt like a tease to some, but it kept the door wide open for Season 7.
What's the deal with Season 7?
People are already asking if he’s coming back for good. As of early 2026, the word is that Grayson is still very much in the mix. While he isn't necessarily a "series regular" in the way Martin Henderson or Alexandra Breckenridge are, he’s a vital part of the town's fabric.
The show thrives on that "small town, big secrets" vibe. Having Ricky return as a veteran—potentially dealing with the fallout of his deployment—adds a layer of realism that the show usually reserves for Jack and Preacher. It’s a passing of the torch, in a way.
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Quick Facts on Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey:
- Age: 25 (Born September 11, 2000)
- Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
- First Major Role: Saints (TV Series)
- Other Projects: Game On, Van Helsing, iZombie
- Directing: He actually writes and directs his own short films when he’s not acting.
What you can do next
If you're missing that Ricky energy, there are a few things you should actually check out instead of just re-watching Season 2 for the tenth time.
First, look up Grayson's early work in The Art of Racing in the Rain. You can see the seeds of his acting style there.
Second, if you're a die-hard for the lore, you've gotta read the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr. Ricky has a massive storyline there that the show hasn't even touched yet. It might give you some clues about where his character is heading in Season 7 and beyond.
Lastly, keep an eye on Grayson’s social media. He’s pretty low-key compared to some of the other cast members, but he occasionally drops behind-the-scenes looks that confirm whether he’s on set in Vancouver.
The "Ricky" we knew is definitely growing up. Whether he ends up back with Lizzie or finds a new path entirely, it's clear the actor isn't done with this town just yet.