Rising Star Libby Osler Of Virgin River On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry

Yitzi Weiner
Authority Magazine
Published in
18 min readSep 17, 2024

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…I think the show reminds us that we can care for others while still maintaining our own dignity. It’s about showing up for your community, even when things aren’t perfect or when the people around you are different from you. The show is a great reminder to be aware of those around us, to give back to our community, even if we don’t always agree with or understand everyone. It encourages us to lead with love, compassion, and service. And, of course, to go for walks in the woods — there’s something about nature and the simple beauty of the world around us that the show captures so well…

I had the pleasure of talking with Libby Osler. Libby is a Canadian actress whose growing presence in film and television has garnered increasing attention, particularly for her role as Ava in the popular Netflix series Virgin River. Osler, originally from a small island off the west coast of Canada, has appeared in a range of genres, from supernatural dramas to mystery films, establishing herself as a versatile performer.

Osler’s early years were spent in a tight-knit, artistic community, a backdrop that significantly influenced her eventual career path. Growing up, she participated in a children’s theater group, Tír na nÓg, run by a local couple with acting backgrounds.

Her early career saw her take on guest roles in popular TV series such as Supernatural and Stargate: Atlantis. In Supernatural, she played Cinderella in a 2005 episode, and in Stargate: Atlantis, she portrayed Sharon Wallace in 2004, contributing to one of television’s most beloved sci-fi franchises. These early appearances helped Osler gain experience and recognition in the competitive world of television, laying the groundwork for her more recent successes.

In recent years, Osler has continued to build a steady resume, appearing in shows such as When Calls the Heart and Fairly Legal, while taking on roles in mystery and drama films. Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to move seamlessly between genres. Notably, she portrayed Reese in The Hot Zone, a thriller series about a deadly viral outbreak, and Harper in Chesapeake Shores, a drama centered around family and relationships.

Libby also starred as Kendra in the holiday-themed A Very Merry Bridesmaid (2020). Her recurring role in Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2021) contributed to the ongoing success of the Hallmark Channel’s popular mystery series, known for its blend of suspense and charm.

Libby Osler’s journey from a small island in Canada to the growing landscape of television and film is marked by a blend of artistic dedication and a desire to stay true to her roots. With a career that spans various genres and mediums, she continues to build on her reputation as a dynamic and versatile actress, committed to both her craft and her personal growth as an artist.

Yitzi: Libby, it’s an honor to meet you. Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share the story of your childhood and how you grew up?

Libby: I grew up on a little island off the west coast of Canada, which I feel really lucky about because it was a very small, close-knit community. We lived by the sea, and there was a lot of freedom to make believe, play in the woods, and just explore. I’m still very good friends with a lot of people I grew up with, and I feel really grateful for that.

When it comes to acting and the career I ultimately chose, one of the great things about that island was that there was this lovely couple: Jack and Julie — one from New Jersey and the other from England — who ended up on the island, and they were actors. They started a little theater called Tír na nÓg, which was a great place for the kids of the island to go. It became a normal after school activity for us. A lot of us grew up in that theater, putting on plays that ranged from adaptations of The Moomin Trolls, to classics like Peter Pan, to productions of Bertolt Brecht. From the age of six to 18, I was part of that theater company. They would put on a spring festival of plays, and each age group would perform a full play. The entire community would come out to watch.

I loved how unpretentiously ambitious it was- it was 14-year-olds doing these really big plays. I remember putting on plays at the local legion or rehearsing in a barn in someone’s backyard, for a few years our stage was the island’s old boxing ring. I still remember a King Lear where a 15-year-old girl played the titular role. It was the best production of the play seen to this day. I remember a time when the island’s power went out during a performance of Hamlet, and they did the whole thing by candlelight. The community just sat there, watching this 13-year-old girl play Hamlet by candlelight. It was beautiful.

And the community didn’t just show up as audience members, they also contributed heavily in all sorts of ways. I remember a woman named Shirley who made these incredible medieval costumes for the Shakespeare plays. Jack was a carpenter as well I believe, so he would build new sets every week for each show in the festival, and then Julie would paint them.

So yes, that experience was a huge part of my upbringing, especially around the arts. It showed me how art can bring a community together. It wasn’t about putting on the best play ever — it was about committing to it, finding joy in creating something, and bringing people together.

Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson that you learned from it?

Libby: Yeah, well, it’s funny — actually, in Tír na nÓg, during one of the plays, I think I learned a good lesson. I’ve made a ton of mistakes, but one that stands out was when I was playing Ariel in The Tempest. There’s a scene where Ariel becomes a harpy, so I had a mask I was supposed to wear for the transformation. And it happened on stage so I had to hide it inside my costume until the time came to transform. One night I hadn’t fastened it properly, so it ended up falling down. I was wearing this onesie dress situation, and the mask had a huge beak. As I danced around as Ariel, the mask slid down and got stuck in my crotch area, with this giant beak pointing through my costume! It looked like I was “very happy to see Prospero” if you get my meaning. Everyone in the audience started cracking up and I had no idea why.

That taught me a lesson about not taking myself too seriously. Embarrassing things are going to happen when you’re putting yourself out there as an actor, and you just have to find the humor in it.

Yitzi: Great, so that segues to the next question. You’ve been in the industry for a while, and you probably have some amazing stories. Can you share with our readers one or two of your favorite memories, favorite anecdotes from your professional life?

Libby: I’ll share one from theater and one from TV. The theater one would definitely be when I was 24. I was part of a small theater company in Vancouver, and we decided to put on the first professional female Hamlet in Canada. I’ve always been really drawn to that play and to the character of Hamlet, so I ended up playing her in this production. It was a short run — maybe two or three weeks — but we spent about a year developing the show. It was a modern version of Hamlet. The theater was called the Renegade Theater, and that space doesn’t exist anymore but it was such a beautiful underground space, a real DIY black box theater. There were recording studios above it, which is how they made money to keep the theater going I think. So while we rehearsed, you’d hear people jamming upstairs. It was just a really special art space.

Everyone involved put their heart and soul into the project. I was working with BlackSpear Productions, which is a team of two amazing filmmakers, Sam and Kailey Spear, who were the directors. It was their idea, their vision that they had been developing for years, and it felt both exciting and scary. We all pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones, and again it was very community-driven. The shows ended up being sold out, and people really came out to support us.

That project taught me so much about acting, stamina, and facing fears head-on. It was a special time working with people who were so generous with their time and energy, and that memory will always be really close to my heart. It was also so special working with two such talented, imaginative, and ambitious creators.

Another show I really enjoyed was a Canadian show I did last year called Allegiance. Most of my scenes took place in the police station during an interview. It almost felt like filming a two hander play because we spent the whole day filming in just that one setting. It was me and the lead, Supinder Wraich, who’s such a fantastic actor. I felt so grateful to be working with someone like her, who puts so much care, thought, and heart into her performance. Restorative justice is a big theme that they are exploring on that show, and it’s a special feeling when you can tell the whole cast and crew of a project is putting their hearts into it and cares about each other and the stories they are telling. That episode was directed by Madison Thomas, who is incredible. Those are the memories that stick with me the most — when you’re surrounded by people who are deeply passionate about what they’re doing and really giving it their all.

My step father was a tennis player and he always talked about how you always wanted to make sure you were playing against a better player. That kind of commitment and skill pushes everything and everyone to the next level.

Yitzi: We love hearing stories where somebody a little further ahead opens up a door or creates an opportunity that changes someone’s life or career. Do you have a story like that where somebody either did that for you or you did that for someone else?

Libby: I think what’s really cool about this industry — or any industry, really — is that you just never know when a connection is going to happen or how something small can lead to something bigger. I’ve had moments where I thought no one was paying attention, but then later found out that someone had seen my work in an unexpected way. It’s like a spider web of connections — you never know what the ripple effects will be.

One time, someone I really looked up to championed me for a role. It didn’t end up working out but just the fact that they remembered me and reached out to my team meant so much to me. It made me feel like my work had value, even when I wasn’t sure it did. Especially when you can feel like you’re sending auditions out into the void, it’s incredibly meaningful when someone you respect mirrors back to you that your work is being seen and appreciated. It gives you the energy to keep going.

In this business, you can feel very alone at times, so it also means a lot to have peers who are also colleagues. Even though we’re all working on our own careers, it feels like we’re moving forward together. That sense of community really lifts your spirit. I always appreciate when someone thinks of me, and I try to do the same for others when I can.

Yitzi: You have so much impressive work, Libby. Can you share with our readers the exciting projects you’re working on now and what you hope to announce in the near future?

Libby: Actually I think I’ve been reflecting on how through my 20s, I was so passionate about acting and telling stories that I put all my self-worth into whether or not I was successful. My whole life revolved around the hope of getting the work I wanted. When that work didn’t come, or even when it did but didn’t quite live up to my expectations, it could be really disheartening.

I eventually took a step back and really reevaluated my priorities. I asked myself, “What does my life need to look like so that I can be proud of how I am showing up in the world, even if the acting work isn’t coming in the way I want?” That’s when I realized I needed more balance in my life — more focus on relationships, health, community, and the things that bring me joy, like walking in the woods with my dog or spending time with loved ones. I didn’t want to feel like I had to live in a certain city, far away from people I care about, just to pursue my career. I wanted to make sure I was present and engaged with my life.

Another thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is how to keep my creativity alive when I’m not booking jobs or getting “permission” from someone else to act. I’ve always loved writing, and it’s been a huge passion of mine. So I think my focus right now is really on my own writing, creating projects, and collaborating with other artists I’ve had the privilege of meeting throughout my career. I’m excited to see where my writing and creativity can take me, especially in terms of developing my own projects.

Yitzi: As you know, Virgin River has been one of the most popular TV shows, with a real cult following. In your opinion, what was it that captured people’s attention about the series?

Libby: One of the things that really struck me about the show is how beautifully it brings you into this small, close-knit community. As I spoke about in my first answer,I feel privileged to have grown up in a similar environment, especially one that looks a lot like the Virgin River in the Pacific Northwest.

What I think grabs people is the way the show captures both the charm and the challenges of living in a small, insular community. There are always pros and cons — everyone knows all of your business, and the show portrays that very well. At the same time, it can be isolating, with its own unique struggles. But one of the most beautiful aspects of the show, to me, is the knitting circle and the bond between the members of the town. I think that kind of support system or sense of belonging in a community is something we all can long for.

Yitzi: What lessons do you think our society can take from the themes and motifs of Virgin River?

Libby: Yeah, I think for me it really comes down to the theme of community and the care that comes with it. In Virgin River, you see characters who genuinely care about one another, even when they make mistakes or overstep. Like Hope, for example — she cares deeply, but sometimes she gets a little overzealous. Yet, underneath it all, there’s a real beauty in how much these characters look out for and love each other.

Mel is such an amazing character — someone I think we all fall in love with and would love to have as a best friend. I felt so grateful to be able to play her friend on the show. She’s so strong, can stand up for herself, and has such integrity, but she’s also incredibly compassionate and service-oriented. Jack is the same way. Both of them live in a state of service and care, but they’re not pushovers. They lead with courage, commitment, and integrity, which I think is something we can all aspire to.

I think the show reminds us that we can care for others while still maintaining our own dignity. It’s about showing up for your community, even when things aren’t perfect or when the people around you are different from you. The show is a great reminder to be aware of those around us, to give back to our community, even if we don’t always agree with or understand everyone. It encourages us to lead with love, compassion, and service. And, of course, to go for walks in the woods — there’s something about nature and the simple beauty of the world around us that the show captures so well.

Yitzi: How would you compare and contrast your personal character, Libby, to the character you play, Ava? How are you similar, and how are you different?

Libby: I had a good laugh when the character of Ava came through because I felt like, in so many ways, my life has really mirrored hers. When I got the role, I had just come back to the west coast and moved in with my sister after living in Toronto for 6 years.

I found it kind of funny that Ava is also a queer person living in a bigger city who moves back to her small town to live with her sister. I was like, “Okay, well, I think I know a few things about this!” So, there was a lot about Ava that I could really relate to.

I also loved working with the showrunner, Sean. He had such a great vision for Ava, and I think she was a character close to both of our hearts. One thing I think he wanted to show was a queer character who’s been supported and cared for by her small town and who feels safe there. That’s unfortunately not the narrative most of us have experienced, but I think we wanted to show people something aspirational. What could it look like for a small community like Virgin River to take care of their queer folks?

Bringing that to Virgin River was really special, and hopefully, it sets an example of how those spaces can be inclusive. I’ve loved hearing from my friends in the queer community about how much they enjoy the show. After I started working on it a lot of them came out of the woodwork, telling me how Virgin River is the comfort show they watch with their partners. Knowing that the show already had a queer demographic watching made it even more meaningful to bring in a bit more representation for them. That was definitely a joy for me.

I also felt a lot of privilege and responsibility to be a part of a storyline that centered around endometriosis. Endometriosis is something that has been so misdiagnosed and ignored by our medical systems. In preparing for Ava, I spent some time talking to women with endometriosis who very generously spoke with me about their experiences and I really had my mind opened. Endometriosis is something that has been so misunderstood and so many women have been failed by the medical system and not provided with the proper care they’ve needed and had their pain completely dismissed. I was really happy a show like Virgin River decided to bring that conversation to the table.

Yitzi: Beautiful. So this is our signature question. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success, and now, looking back to when you first started, do you have a few things you know now that you wish someone had told you back then?

Libby: Well, I think number one is to find your community. As an actor, you can feel really isolated, and it can also feel like you’re set up to compete against your peers. It can feel like everyone is in competition. But I’ve found it so much more fun, and it’s really improved my experience, when I have a community of people who understand what I’m going through. When you’re on a show or in a play, having that company around you can be beautiful. You’re on a team, working with others. But when you’re back out there auditioning, trying to get more work, it can feel really isolating, like, “What am I even doing? Does anyone know I’m here?” Having people who know your skill, have seen your work, and support you is essential. That community support makes all the difference.

Yitzi: Because of your great work and the platform you’ve built, you’re a person of significant influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?

Libby: I think, right now, with the world we’re living in, especially with social media and the amount of access we have to what’s happening globally, we’re so aware of where change and care are needed. And I think it’s really important to stay engaged and awake and find where we can individually take action. There are so many amazing activists who have dedicated their lives to change, do your research, find the people who are leading initiatives you care about and do what you can to help.

There’s a lot we can do — through educating ourselves, learning where we can donate and where we need to divest, and other personal actions. Something else that’s important is not turning everything into a statistic. I think our industry can be an important tool in this. When we tell stories we are asking people to identify with and open their hearts to others. I think responsible storytelling can help us stop dehumanizing others. I know it’s easy to harden your heart when you’re confronted with really disturbing images and information on the news. It’s easy to disconnect when it’s not happening right on our doorstep. But we have to find ways to stay engaged.

At the same time, it’s also important to ask, “What is happening on my doorstep?”. Where I live Virgin River is filmed on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples — Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations. There’s a lot we need to answer for as settlers on this land especially when it comes to reconciliation. Growing up, I didn’t receive much education about the true history of this place, and that’s something I’m always trying to educate myself on now.

There are Indigenous communities here that still don’t have access to clean drinking water, and it’s heartbreaking and maddening that this is still an issue today. There are some brilliant indigenous led projects you can donate to to help with this, but it’s a systemic issue and a reminder that there’s so much work that still needs to be done.

I was actually just listening to a podcast that my partner shared with me, called We Can Do Hard Things. There was an episode with Prentis Hemphill, who’s an incredible thinker, and they talked about how much fear we’re living with as a culture right now. They discussed how that fear affects us and what it means to ground ourselves and move through it. I think that’s a big part of the work we need to do — acknowledge the fear, process it, and then step forward to create change, both in our personal lives and on a larger scale. Those are some of my thoughts around that.

Yitzi: This is what we call our matchmaker question. Is there a person in Canada or the U.S. or the world with whom you’d like to collaborate with? We could tag them on social media.

Libby: The first person who jumped into my head is a Norwegian filmmaker named Julie Andem. She created this incredible Norwegian teen show called Skam. The writing was brilliant, and the way she collaborated with her actors was so beautiful. There was something about it that absolutely knocked my socks off. It was so smart and creative.

When I started watching it, I was like, “Who is this woman?!” She was such a powerhouse. I think she did so much of the work on her own with a relatively small crew. I just had the privilege of going to Norway for a month with my mother and sister, and we ended our trip in Oslo, where I visited some of the filming locations for Skam like the nerdy fan I am, so it’s top of mind for me right now. Writing-wise, performance-wise, creativity-wise, what she did was so innovative.

But there are so many people I’d love to collaborate with. I’m obsessed with everything Phoebe Waller-Bridge has ever done. She’s another one who creates her own worlds, like Brit Marling. People who are creating their own work like that really inspire me. Fleabag, especially the second season, has those beautifully contained scenes. The first episode of season two feels like a little stage play with the family, and Andrew Scott — who’s probably my favorite actor in the world — is just phenomenal in that. I love him so much.

Yitzi: How can our readers continue to follow your work? How can they support you in any way?

Libby: I don’t really know… Watch good TV, whether I’m in it or not? I just feel grateful to get to do what I do. I know how important stories are in my life, and how important artists are to me. I’m deeply thankful for all the people who’ve inspired me. I think about that a lot — what a privilege it is to tell stories. When people watch TV, they’re opening their homes to you in a way, even if it’s in a very boundaried way. That’s something I don’t take for granted.

Yitzi: Well, Libby, it’s been an honor to talk to you. I wish you continued success and blessings in your personal and professional life, and I hope we can do this again next year.

Libby: Yeah, absolutely. It was lovely spending time with you.

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Yitzi Weiner
Authority Magazine

A “Positive” Influencer, Founder & Editor of Authority Magazine, CEO of Thought Leader Incubator