For years, Benjamin Hollingsworth captivated audiences with his undeniable screen magnetism—the kind of presence that made the “bad boy” archetype not only believable but utterly compelling.

On Virgin River, his portrayal of Dan Brady, the ex-Marine turned small-town rebel, became one of the show’s most intricate and emotionally charged arcs. Brady’s moral grayness,

simmering intensity, and hidden vulnerability made him impossible to ignore. Fans rooted for him, debated his choices, and watched with bated breath as he navigated a world where love,

redemption, and past mistakes collided. Yet now, Hollingsworth is signaling a dramatic shift. The Canadian-born actor is stepping out of the shadows of typecasting, leaving behind the leather jackets, dark pasts, and morally complex characters that defined much of his career. In his own words, he’s moving toward roles that feel “brighter, bolder, and more true to where I’m at now.” For fans, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—both for Hollingsworth as an actor and for the stories he chooses to tell.

Brady: The Role That Defined a Generation of Fans

When Hollingsworth first took on the role of Dan Brady, he knew he was embracing a classic archetype: the brooding, conflicted ex-Marine whose life had veered into dangerous territory. But while the concept of the “bad boy” is familiar, Hollingsworth imbued Brady with a complexity rarely seen in small-town dramas.

Brady’s journey in Virgin River was as much about redemption as it was rebellion. From his tense rivalry with Jack (Martin Henderson) to his volatile interactions with other town residents, he was a character constantly straddling the line between hero and antihero. The romance with Brie (Zibby Allen) showcased a softer side—a man capable of love, loyalty, and deep emotional reflection. Hollingsworth’s performance made Brady not just a rebel, but a human being whose struggles were relatable, compelling, and deeply felt.

“He wasn’t just a bad boy,” Hollingsworth explains. “He was someone who had been broken and was fighting to put the pieces back together. That’s why fans connected.”

The connection was instantaneous. Viewers were drawn into Brady’s arc not only because of his charisma but because they could see themselves in his flaws, his regrets, and his desire for redemption. For Hollingsworth, this role became a landmark—one that demonstrated his range, depth, and the emotional intelligence he brings to every performance.

Breaking Free: Why It’s Time to Move On

Despite the critical acclaim and fan love, Hollingsworth admits that typecasting has its limits. “I don’t want to spend my whole career playing the same kind of guy,” he notes. “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 often gravitates toward familiarity. Once an actor nails a specific archetype, casting directors are quick to recycle them into similar roles. For Hollingsworth, the “bad boy” persona was both a gift and a cage. While it provided him with recognition and a strong fanbase, it also threatened to confine his career. Stepping out of this mold represents not just a career pivot, but a deliberate choice to explore richer, more diverse narratives.

Hollingsworth’s decision is emblematic of a broader conversation in Hollywood: the tension between artistic growth and industry expectations. By choosing to pursue roles that challenge him, he signals a commitment to evolution—both professionally and creatively.

Redefining His Career: From Darkness to Light

Hollingsworth’s versatility is well-established. From his appearances in medical dramas like Code Black to emotionally layered film roles, he has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to inhabit complex characters. Yet Brady remains the role most synonymous with his name—a character whose journey of redemption mirrors Hollingsworth’s own career aspirations.

Just as Brady longed to be more than his mistakes, Hollingsworth seeks to be more than the archetypal Hollywood rebel. He’s now eyeing roles that emphasize hope, resilience, love, and inspiration—characters who lead rather than rebel, who uplift rather than fall from grace. “I want to play characters that inspire,” Hollingsworth admits, hinting at a future filled with roles that challenge audiences in new ways.

This pivot is not just about acting. Hollingsworth has expressed interest in producing, seeking greater control over the narratives he inhabits. “It’s about control,” he explains. “Control over the kinds of stories I want to tell, the kinds of roles I want to explore.” By shaping projects from inception, Hollingsworth is taking ownership of his career trajectory, ensuring that the stories he tells align with both his vision and his evolving artistic identity.

The Man Behind the Roles

Off-screen, Benjamin Hollingsworth is a devoted husband and father of three, far removed from the dark, brooding men he portrays. His social media offers glimpses into family life—moments filled with warmth, playfulness, and authenticity. These real-life traits, he believes, are ready to inform his work.

Whether it’s a romantic comedy, a heartfelt family drama, or an inspirational lead role, Hollingsworth is determined to bring a sense of grounded authenticity to the screen. By doing so, he not only expands the types of stories told but also deepens the emotional connection audiences can form with his characters.

The Enduring Legacy of Dan Brady

While Hollingsworth is embracing new horizons, he acknowledges the significance of Brady in his career. The character’s arc—from troubled ex-Marine to nuanced, emotionally resonant figure—remains a high point in the Virgin River narrative. Fans will remember the tension, the romance with Brie, and the continual tug-of-war between Brady’s past and his desire for a better future.

“Without Brady, I wouldn’t be here,” Hollingsworth reflects. “And without the fans, Brady wouldn’t exist.”

It’s this combination of gratitude and ambition that makes his career pivot all the more compelling. While some fans may mourn the loss of the iconic “bad boy,” there’s widespread anticipation for the new dimensions Hollingsworth will bring to his future roles.

The Importance of This Career Shift

In an industry often resistant to change, Hollingsworth’s move is both bold and inspiring. It sends a powerful message: actors are more than the archetypes assigned to them. Breaking free from typecasting is not only a personal triumph but also a reminder that artistry thrives when risk meets authenticity.

The gamble is real. Viewers may miss the edge that defined Brady. Yet if Hollingsworth brings the same dedication, charisma, and depth to new, uplifting roles, he could redefine his entire career—and perhaps encourage other actors to embrace reinvention.

What Lies Ahead

While specific projects remain under wraps, Hollingsworth has hinted at exploring roles that highlight light, hope, and positive transformation. Potential avenues include romantic leads, heroic family figures, and flawed but inspiring characters who captivate audiences in new ways.

Whatever the future holds, it’s clear that Benjamin Hollingsworth is stepping into a phase of his career defined by creativity, authenticity, and bold choice-making.

Conclusion: Beyond the Bad Boy

Dan Brady may always hold a cherished place in the hearts of Virgin River fans, but Benjamin Hollingsworth is charting a path toward fresh storytelling, deeper character exploration, and brighter horizons. Closing the chapter on his “bad boy” persona is not an end—it’s a beginning, one that promises to reveal facets of his talent that audiences have yet to see.

Sometimes, the bravest move in Hollywood isn’t taking on another familiar role. Sometimes, it’s saying no to the predictable and yes to the unknown. For Benjamin Hollingsworth, the future is not dark—it’s wide open, full of possibilities, and brimming with the potential to redefine not just his career, but the very stories he chooses to tell.