Even though Marco Grazzini (Mike) joined the cast of Virgin River in season three, his role as Mike has quickly become one of the most beloved in the series. As fans tune into the drama, they’ll learn more and more about this man who’s come to Virgin River to fix the mistakes of his past and make something positive out of it. What you might not know about him, however, is what makes him such a fascinating character on screen and an integral part of the Virgin River family off screen as well. 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Virgin River’s Marco Grazzini
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1) His real name is Michael
The actor who portrays Detective Mike Valenzuela on Virgin River is actually named Michael. He has a long list of acting credits and has been in the industry for over 15 years. His first role was as an extra in Air America with Mel Gibson back in 1990. His last role before joining the cast of Virgin River was a series regular in Fox’s The Mindy Project.
2) He isn’t Portuguese
Marco is actually from Toronto, Canada and not Portuguese like Mike Valenzuela in the TV series. He also joined the cast of Virgin River as a 15-year veteran of the film & television world. He has been acting since he was 18 years old and has taken part in over 100 projects. His first big break came when he starred on one of Nickelodeon’s most successful TV shows The Adventures of Pete & Pete for two seasons.
3) He likes to write about his work
I enjoy writing about my experiences and the things I’ve learned. It’s a different way to look at life, and it can sometimes be therapeutic. I’m always looking for ways to make people laugh, as well as make them think
Everyone has something that they do in their spare time – like yoga or running – and I write!
When you’re interested in what you do, that interest will come through in your work.
4) His family lives in Portugal
Marco is originally from Toronto, Canada. In 2020 he joins Virgin River as Mike, a Marine friend of Jack’s who works as a police detective, A 15-year veteran of the film & television world, Marco is originally from Toronto, Canada. In 2020 he joins Virgin River as Mike. A 15-year veteran of the film & television world, Marco is originally from Toronto, Canada. His family lives in Portugal and his favorite food is pizza with red sauce and cheese.
5) Star Trek fan
Marco was a guest on the famous sci-fi show, Star Trek in 1994. He played Dr. Paul Stubbs, a Starfleet medical officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, in the episode Samaritan Snare. His character assists in surgery after an away team is beamed aboard and is injured by an explosion. The surgery is successful, but Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) suffers a heart attack and dies at the end of the episode.
6) One of his first jobs was with Tom Hanks
Marco was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. When he was 18 years old, he moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. One of his first jobs was with Tom Hanks in the critically acclaimed film Big. He also starred alongside Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in Point Break.
7) He was in the Canadian Navy
Marco was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He enlisted in the Canadian Navy at a young age and served for five years. After his service, he attended film school at Ryerson University where he received his degree. Following graduation, Marco moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television.
8) Married with children
Marco is married to actress Natalie Brown. They have two children together, a son and a daughter. He met his wife in high school when she was just 16 years old.
He has since appeared in The Sopranos, Chicago PD, and Rizzoli & Isles. He played Nick Lassard in the American film Bad Company (1995).
