Photography: Charles Zuckermann
Growing up in Durban, South Africa, Kandyse McClure loved making up stories and playing pretend. But after losing everything in an unhealthy relationship as an adult, her spark disappeared and she never could’ve imagined the “dream” story she’d eventually write for herself.
“I pinch myself all the time, which is corny, but it feels like such a second chance,” the actress, 46, says of her new life, which sees her married to personal trainer Claureinne Swales and starring in Netflix hit Virgin River.
“You really can start over,” she enthuses.
“The best chapters don’t always come first and you don’t have to have it figured out by the time you’re 28. There’s life after 40 It’s the best time.”
A search for something more
It’s not surprising Kandyse, who grew up between South Africa and Canada, is still pinching herself given the turmoil she’s faced on her way to bliss. While she first dated Claureinne at university, he eventually headed to England, while Kandyse settled in Vancouver.
After discovering theatre, she went on to work on shows like Charmed, Supernatural and Battlestar Galactica, however, she felt “disillusionment” after leaving the popular sci-fi show.
“I felt like I hadn’t lived a life because I’d just been working. It made me go, ‘There’s so much I don’t know. I’ve never been in love or had my heart broken.’ So I made a concerted effort to find life! I moved cities and started saying yes.”
During this time, Kandyse was swept up in a “whirlwind, passionate” romance with a musician, whom she married and moved to the Caribbean with. Although initially it felt fun, the relationship was doomed.
Picking up the pieces
“I was in my early thirties and got caught up in a scene,” admits Kandyse.
“There were wonderful times and his family were great, but it was also deeply destructive. I lost myself. I felt quite low by the end. “Leaving was the last bit of me that was recognisable to myself. While saying I lost everything sounds dramatic, I truly left with nothing but a suitcase.”
Moving in with her mum, Kandyse juggled her return to acting with packing boxes in a warehouse. By drawing on her showbiz connections and borrowing a car to get to auditions, she slowly rebuilt her life. She and Claureinne, 48, were reunited when she visited London in 2022.
“The minute we saw each other, we realised we didn’t break up because there was something wrong and we’ve been inseparable ever since.”
A second chance on screen
Back in Canada, Kandyse auditioned for the role of firefighter Kaia Bryant in Virgin River and “profoundly” connected with the character.
She explains, “So much of Virgin River’s about second chances, and how you can start again and build up from nothing. In a week, I reconnected with the man of my dreams and got the job of my dreams!”
That series sees Kandyse working alongside Kiwi hunk Martin Henderson, who plays romantic lead Jack Sheridan.
“Nothing flusters Martin,” she laughs.
“He’s just Martin. He’d rather be on a boat or in Virgin River. Those are his two places! He directed us in season six, which was interesting because he’s got so many ideas and brought out more comedy in the characters.”
A love built to last
Kandyse and Claureinne wed in London in 2024, celebrating at a pub afterwards. Comparing it to her first marriage, is like “night and day”, she says. “The key difference is mutual respect. We’re friends first. I want the best for him, he wants the best for me and he supports that even if it doesn’t involve him. He’s not threatened by anything I do and we feel like equals.
“We’re both adventurous people, so he’s my partner in crime. I’ll say, ‘Babe, want to drive for eight hours to this place?’ And he’s like, ‘Let’s do it!’ I also appreciate how we can be together in silence for hours and be completely content. I sleep so well next to him and that’s how I know my nervous system feels safe.”
The couple has plans for a bigger second wedding in South Africa.
“We won’t turn anybody away,” she smiles.
“We’ll make enough food, have a big tent out on a field and welcome the community.”
Stronger than ever
As she focuses her energies on writing, producing and exploring her African heritage, Kandyse insists she’s thankful for the obstacles she’s faced.
“Rebuilding’s given me clarity, strength and a sense of self that I’m incredibly grateful for. There’s something truly unshakeable about a woman who has lost everything and rebuilt. “I now know I can trust and depend on myself, and that everything I have is because of my hard work and commitment. That will carry me through life.”
Virgin River is now streaming on Netflix.
