For years, Virgin River fans have been captivated by Benjamin Hollingsworth’s portrayal of Dan Brady—the brooding ex-Marine whose troubled past and complicated relationships made him one of
the show’s most compelling figures. But now, Hollingsworth is signaling a dramatic shift in his career. The Canadian actor has announced that he is officially moving on from the “bad boy” roles
that helped define him, opening the door to a new era of storytelling and self-discovery. It’s a move that may leave some fans stunned, but one that promises to reveal a very different side of Hollingsworth’s talent.
The Rise of Brady in Virgin River
When audiences first met Brady, he was the quintessential anti-hero—an ex-soldier with a shadowy history, a short temper, and a dangerous knack for making the wrong choices. In a town built on love stories, Brady was the one who stirred trouble, blurring the lines between villain and victim.
Yet under Hollingsworth’s careful performance, Brady became more than just a stereotypical rebel. He was layered, vulnerable, and, at times, deeply sympathetic. Fans may have despised some of his actions, but they couldn’t help rooting for his redemption. His love affair with Brie Sheridon (Zibby Allen) only heightened the emotional stakes, adding heart and humanity to a man once written off as irredeemable.
Brady’s arc—from bar fights and shady business deals to heartfelt pleas for forgiveness—cemented Hollingsworth as a key player in Virgin River’s success.
Breaking Free from the “Bad Boy” Mold
But while Brady resonated with viewers, Hollingsworth admitted that continually being cast as the rebel with a dark past began to feel limiting.
“I’ll always be grateful for Brady and what that role has given me,” Hollingsworth shared in a recent interview. “But I don’t want to spend my entire career playing the same kind of guy. The ‘bad boy’ archetype is fun, sure, but it’s not the only story I want to tell.”
Typecasting, while flattering in its own way, can be a creative trap. Hollingsworth’s announcement isn’t just about stepping away from Brady—it’s about reclaiming his career trajectory and proving he has much more to offer than leather jackets and brooding stares.
The Double-Edged Sword of Typecasting
Hollywood has a history of boxing actors into specific roles. Once an actor nails a certain persona, producers are quick to recycle them into similar parts. For Hollingsworth, the rebel-with-a-heart-of-gold routine earned him recognition and a loyal fan base, but it also became a cage.
The actor’s choice to pivot signals both courage and ambition. Instead of chasing comfort and familiarity, he’s seeking roles that challenge him in fresh ways—roles that showcase his range rather than reinforce old stereotypes.
Though Brady may be Hollingsworth’s breakout role, his career extends far beyond Virgin River. Fans of medical drama will remember his work in Code Black, where he stepped into an ensemble of high-intensity storytelling. He has also appeared in films and guest roles that allowed him to test his versatility.
Now, Hollingsworth wants to pursue characters rooted in resilience, leadership, and even hope. He’s interested in playing figures who inspire rather than destroy, men who grow not through chaos but through strength. It’s a sharp departure from the troubled rebels of his past, but one that feels natural for an actor who has already proven his ability to blend grit with vulnerability.
How Virgin River Paved the Way
Ironically, the very role that cemented his bad-boy image may also be the one that liberates him. Brady’s arc in Virgin River was never static; he evolved from an antagonist into a man yearning for redemption and love. That evolution mirrors Hollingsworth’s real-life journey as an actor determined to transform.
Fans have already seen glimpses of his softer, more earnest side through Brady’s relationship with Brie. Hollingsworth hopes casting directors will take note of those layers and envision him in roles far beyond the rebellious archetype.’
Off-Screen: The Real Benjamin Hollingsworth
Outside of Hollywood, Hollingsworth couldn’t be further from his brooding on-screen persona. A devoted husband and father, he frequently shares glimpses of his family life on social media—moments filled with laughter, tenderness, and joy.
This wholesome, grounded side rarely finds its way into his roles, but it’s precisely the energy he wants to channel moving forward. Could he thrive as a rom-com lead? Or perhaps as a loving father in a heartfelt family drama? The possibilities are wide open, and Hollingsworth seems eager to embrace them all.
Why Audiences Love the Bad Boy
The decision to move on naturally raises the question: why are audiences so drawn to bad boys in the first place? From James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause to TV favorites like Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, rebellious characters have always held a magnetic pull. They’re unpredictable, dangerous, and often misunderstood—making them irresistible.
Hollingsworth captured that allure with Brady, but he also proved that even bad boys can evolve. Just as Brady sought redemption, Hollingsworth now seeks reinvention.
What’s Next for Hollingsworth?
While he hasn’t announced his next project yet, Hollingsworth has made it clear that he’s pursuing roles that inspire, uplift, and surprise. He’s also hinted at an interest in producing—taking control behind the camera to shape stories that reflect his broader vision.
For fans, this marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter. Hollingsworth isn’t abandoning Brady so much as he’s expanding beyond him, stepping into an unknown future with ambition and authenticity.
Fan Reaction: Bittersweet but Hopeful
Unsurprisingly, reactions from Virgin River fans have been mixed. Many adore Brady and struggle to picture Hollingsworth in any other role, while others are excited to see what new dimensions he can explore. Social media has been buzzing with speculation—will Hollingsworth headline a romantic comedy? Will he play a heroic lead in a drama?
Regardless of the mixed feelings, one thing is clear: fans are eager to follow his journey, wherever it leads.
Why Hollingsworth’s Shift Matters
This isn’t just about one actor’s career. Hollingsworth’s move speaks to a larger conversation in Hollywood about letting actors grow. Typecasting may feel safe, but it robs audiences of the chance to witness the full scope of a performer’s talent.
By walking away from the “bad boy” mold, Hollingsworth isn’t just redefining himself—he’s challenging the industry to see actors as multidimensional.
Brady’s Lasting Legacy
Even if Hollingsworth’s career takes a new direction, Brady will always be remembered as one of Virgin River’s most layered and unforgettable characters. He symbolized the possibility of second chances, the fight for redemption, and the complexity of human nature.
Brady may have been flawed, but he was real. And that legacy will remain with fans long after Hollingsworth moves on to new horizons.
A Message of Gratitude
Through it all, Hollingsworth remains deeply grateful to his fans. “Without the fans, Brady wouldn’t exist, and neither would the opportunities I now have,” he said. “I owe them everything.”
It’s this humility, paired with his drive to grow, that has made him not just a TV heartthrob, but an actor to watch.
Conclusion: The Future Is Wide Open
Benjamin Hollingsworth’s decision to step away from “bad boy” roles marks a defining moment in his career. While fans will always cherish his performance as Brady, the prospect of seeing him tackle fresh, inspiring roles is undeniably exciting.
Sometimes the bravest move is leaving behind what’s comfortable. For Hollingsworth, that means trading rebellion for reinvention. And if his journey so far is any indication, the best is still to come.
