For years, Benjamin Hollingsworth has been the man you couldn’t look away from—the kind of actor who made playing “the bad boy” not only believable but downright irresistible. On Virgin River, his role as Dan Brady, the ex-Marine turned small-town rebel with a complicated moral compass, became one of the Netflix hit’s most layered arcs. Fans loved him for his smoldering intensity, the kind of charisma that made Brady hard to root against even at his lowest.
But Hollingsworth is ready for something new. The Canadian-born actor recently revealed that he’s leaving his “bad boy” typecast behind, trading leather jackets and dark pasts for something brighter, bolder, and, in his words, “more true to where I’m at now.”
Brady: The Role That Changed Everything
When Hollingsworth first stepped into Brady’s shoes, he knew he was tapping into a classic archetype. The ex-Marine with a checkered past, shady connections, and a heart that—just maybe—could be redeemed.
It worked. Fans were glued to his onscreen journey, watching as Brady transformed from Jack’s rival and the town’s troublemaker into someone far more complicated. His romance with Brie (Zibby Allen) gave audiences a glimpse of the vulnerable side hiding beneath the swagger. Hollingsworth gave Brady grit, yes—but also humanity.
“He wasn’t just a bad boy,” Hollingsworth reflects. “He was someone who had been broken and was fighting to put the pieces back together. That’s why fans connected.”
Why It’s Time to Move On
As grateful as he is for Brady and the recognition the role brought, Hollingsworth admits that being typecast can wear thin.
“I don’t want to spend my whole career playing the same kind of guy,” he explained in a recent interview. “It’s fun to play the rebel, but at some point, you want to show that you’re capable of more. That you can play the hopeful leader, the father, the hero who doesn’t always have to come from darkness.”
Hollywood, of course, loves typecasting. Once an actor nails a specific role, it’s easy for casting directors to recycle them into familiar molds. For Hollingsworth, the “bad boy” was both a blessing and a cage. Now, he’s ready to unlock the next chapter.
Redefining His Career
Hollingsworth has proven he’s versatile—appearing in medical dramas like Code Black and branching out into films that demanded emotional depth. Still, Brady remains the role most fans associate with him.
Ironically, Brady’s arc—struggling for redemption, striving to become better—mirrors Hollingsworth’s own career ambitions. Just as Brady longs to be seen as more than his mistakes, Hollingsworth wants to be seen as more than Hollywood’s rebel-for-hire.
And that means stepping into roles that highlight resilience, leadership, love, and even joy. “I want to play characters that inspire,” he says, hinting at a desire to lead projects that feel uplifting.
The Man Behind the Roles
Off screen, Hollingsworth couldn’t be further from the troubled men he plays. A devoted husband and father of three, his social media is filled with wholesome glimpses into family life. That side of him—the tender, playful, grounded dad—has rarely found its way onto the screen.
But that’s exactly the point. Hollingsworth wants to bring more of that authenticity into his work, whether it’s in a rom-com, a family drama, or even a project he creates himself.
He’s already expressed interest in producing, eager to shape the stories rather than just star in them. “It’s about control,” he admits. “Control over the kinds of stories I want to tell, the kinds of roles I want to explore.”
The Legacy of Brady
No matter where his career takes him, Hollingsworth knows Brady will always be a defining role. Fans will remember the redemption arc, the romance with Brie, the constant tug-of-war between his past and future.
“Without Brady, I wouldn’t be here,” he says. “And without the fans, Brady wouldn’t exist.”
That gratitude runs deep, and it’s part of why his announcement struck such a chord with Virgin River viewers. Many can’t imagine the show without its complicated bad boy. Others are excited to see what Hollingsworth does next.
Why This Shift Matters
In a Hollywood landscape that often values familiarity over growth, Hollingsworth’s decision to move on from typecasting is bold. It sends a message: actors are more than archetypes.
It’s also a gamble. Fans may miss Brady’s edge, but if Hollingsworth can deliver the same authenticity in new, uplifting roles, he could redefine his entire career—and maybe even inspire other actors to break out of their boxes.
What’s Next for Benjamin Hollingsworth?
While no new projects have been officially announced, Hollingsworth has hinted at pursuing roles that bring light instead of darkness. A romantic lead. A family man. A flawed hero who inspires rather than rebels.
Whatever comes next, it’s clear that Benjamin Hollingsworth is ready for reinvention.
Conclusion: Beyond the Bad Boy
Brady may always hold a place in fans’ hearts, but Hollingsworth is stepping into a future where his talent can stretch further. He’s closing one chapter but opening another—one that promises to showcase sides of him we’ve never seen before.
Sometimes the bravest move isn’t taking on another tough role. Sometimes it’s saying no to the safe choice, and yes to the unknown. For Hollingsworth, the future isn’t bad—it’s wide open.
