Newest Update!! From Brady to Bright Horizons: Benjamin Hollingsworth Breaks Free From Hollywood’s Bad Boy Box
For years, Benjamin Hollingsworth has been the actor audiences couldn’t tear their eyes away from—the quintessential bad boy whose magnetism made rebellion irresistible. On Netflix’s Virgin River,
his portrayal of Dan Brady—the ex-Marine with a checkered past and a moral compass in constant flux—became one of the series’ most compelling and layered arcs. Fans were captivated not only
by Brady’s rugged exterior but also by the vulnerability Hollingsworth brought to the role, making the character more than a stereotype: a man trying to reconcile his past with a hope for redemption.
But now, Hollingsworth is ready to turn the page. The Canadian-born actor has announced that he is stepping away from his “bad boy” typecasting, trading dark leather jackets and morally gray storylines for roles that reflect a brighter, more authentic side of himself. “I want to explore characters that are more true to where I’m at now,” he says, hinting at a new chapter that promises growth, depth, and inspiration.
Brady: The Role That Defined a Generation of Fans
When Hollingsworth first assumed the role of Dan Brady, he embraced a classic archetype: the ex-Marine haunted by past choices, struggling to find his place in a town that both fears and admires him. Brady was complicated, charismatic, and undeniably magnetic—someone viewers loved to watch, even when his actions teetered on the edge of moral ambiguity.
Through the course of Virgin River, Brady evolved. From Jack’s rival and the town troublemaker to a man attempting to forge meaningful connections, Hollingsworth infused the character with grit, humanity, and heart. His romance with Brie (played by Zibby Allen) showcased Brady’s tender, vulnerable side, allowing fans to see a man capable of love, growth, and redemption.
“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 with him.”
Breaking Free: The Need for Reinvention
Despite the acclaim and fan adoration, Hollingsworth acknowledges that playing the same type of character can be limiting. “I don’t want to spend my whole career playing the same kind of guy,” he explains. “The rebel archetype is fun, but at some point, you want to show versatility. You want to explore hope, resilience, leadership, and joy—things that aren’t necessarily born from darkness.”
Hollywood, of course, loves to typecast. Once an actor nails a particular persona, casting directors often see them as a “go-to” for similar roles. For Hollingsworth, Brady was both a blessing and a cage. Now, he’s determined to break free and carve out a path defined not by familiar archetypes but by emotional range and authenticity.
