NCIS's Michael Weatherly Has Unexpected Virgin River Connection and We're Living for It

Remember Michael Weatherly's Anthony DiNozzo from CBS's NCIS? Truth be told, this outgoing, charismatic character is impossible to forget. Even seven years after he left the show, Weatherly is sorely missed by many fans of the long-running procedural.

As it turns out, the actor has a massive fandom who love the actor even though he no longer appears on their favourite show. Few people know that Michael Weatherly is related to Virgin River's leading lady, Mel Monroe. The fan-favourite actress Alexandra Breckenridge is Weatherly's niece and goddaughter.

Wow, it appears that talent and charm run in the family. With an uncle like Weatherly, it's no surprise that Alexandra developed an interest in acting and performing on stage at an early age. She started getting her first roles on TV when she was only 16, and she gradually gained popularity with parts in teen comedies and various popular franchises and series.

Around the time Weatherly secured the NCIS role, Breckenridge appeared in Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She went on to star in American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, This Is Us, and other TV hits. Of course, like her uncle, she has also made appearances in procedurals.

Michael and Alexandra briefly shared the NCIS universe when Breckenridge portrayed criminal Pia Bonfilio, an old associate of Navy Petty Officer Jennifer Coates and Vince Dolan, in Season 10, Episode 8 of NCIS's parent show, JAG. Alexandra has also done one-episode roles in the CSI and Law & Order franchises.

But today, most viewers recognise and adore the actress from Netflix's romantic hit, Virgin River. And part of that fame can be attributed to Alexandra's famous relative, who acted as something of a mentor early in her career.

‘He can commiserate with me about whatever difficulties I'm going through, and he tends to have a lot of really good advice. It's wonderful to have a family member who's so close, who's also my godfather,’ Breckenridge told Connecticut Magazine in 2008.

Though Weatherly has shifted more towards directing since leaving NCIS, we hope the special bond between him and his goddaughter might lead to him appearing in Virgin River, even if just for a brief cameo.

Source: Connecticut Magazine.