Benjamin Hollingsworth has spent years winning over audiences with brooding glances, complicated emotions, and characters who carry more weight than they often admit.

Best known to global Netflix viewers as Brady in Virgin River, the Canadian-born actor has built a reputation for portraying men caught between redemption and ruin.

But away from the foggy forests and emotional storms of Virgin River, Hollingsworth is revealing a far lighter, warmer, and unexpectedly hilarious side of himself—just in time for the holidays.

Fresh off his festive turn in The Christmas Ring, Hollingsworth recently treated fans to a playful list of personal “fun facts,” offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of both his career and family life. What emerged was not just a charming celebrity Q&A, but a portrait of an actor whose real-life story is every bit as engaging as the roles he plays.

From Sneaking Onto Set to Leading Man

Every Hollywood journey has an origin story, but Hollingsworth’s first acting job reads like something straight out of a feel-good movie. Long before he was a Netflix heartthrob, he landed his initial role by sneaking onto a film set in a borrowed costume—an audacious move driven by pure determination and youthful nerve. It’s the kind of risk-taking that hints at the actor he would become: willing to leap before knowing exactly where he might land.

That boldness would eventually pay off. Over the years, Hollingsworth carved out a career playing emotionally complex characters, culminating in his fan-favorite role on Virgin River. As Dan Brady, he embodies a man haunted by past mistakes, torn between loyalty and self-destruction, and desperate for redemption. It’s a performance that resonates deeply with viewers—and one that stands in stark contrast to the man Hollingsworth says he really is.

More Dad Taxi Than Bad Boy

Despite his on-screen intensity, Hollingsworth is quick to dispel any illusions about his off-screen persona. These days, he jokes that he’s far less “bad boy” and far more “dad taxi,” shuttling his children between school, activities, and family obligations. It’s a role he embraces with pride—and humor.

In fact, fatherhood has clearly reshaped his priorities. Hollingsworth has spoken openly about how becoming a dad grounded him, giving him a sense of purpose that no role ever could. While fans may swoon over Brady’s tortured charm, Hollingsworth insists his most important job happens when the cameras stop rolling.

A Hockey Fan With No Chill

Another revelation that delighted fans? Hollingsworth is an unapologetic hockey superfan—and he takes the sport very seriously. Unlike the calm, measured presence he often brings to his characters, his enthusiasm for the game borders on intense devotion. Friends and family reportedly know better than to interrupt him during a match, as he becomes fully immersed in every pass, penalty, and goal.

This passion for hockey reflects a broader truth about Hollingsworth: when he cares about something, he commits fully. Whether it’s a role, a family moment, or a game on TV, he brings the same level of focus and heart.

The Man Who Forgets Passwords—but Never a Script

For someone who memorizes pages of dialogue for a living, Hollingsworth’s confession about constantly forgetting passwords struck fans as both relatable and endearing. According to the actor, usernames and login details vanish from his memory almost instantly—unless, of course, it’s a script.

That distinction offers a fascinating insight into his craft. While everyday details may slip through the cracks, character work clearly lives in a different part of his brain. It’s there that lines, motivations, and emotional beats embed themselves deeply, allowing him to deliver performances that feel authentic and lived-in.

Surprisingly Skilled—and Slightly Legendary—Massage Giver

Among the more unexpected fun facts was Hollingsworth’s claim that he’s an excellent massage-giver. It’s the kind of detail that instantly sparks curiosity and amusement, adding yet another layer to his public persona. Whether this skill developed through athletic recovery, family life, or sheer instinct remains a mystery—but fans were quick to crown it as one of his most charming revelations.

Family Nights That Defy Hollywood Expectations

While many assume an actor’s household would revolve around movies and TV marathons, Hollingsworth revealed that his kids prefer history documentaries over film nights. It’s a detail that speaks volumes about the values in their home—and about Hollingsworth’s own curiosity about the world beyond entertainment.

That grounding influence likely helps explain why he navigates fame with such ease. Rather than chasing constant attention, he appears content building a life rooted in learning, humor, and shared family moments.

“Married Way Out of His League”

Perhaps the most heartfelt—and humorous—admission Hollingsworth shared was his description of his marriage. He proudly declares that he is married “way out of his league,” a phrase that carries both self-deprecating charm and genuine admiration. It’s clear that his relationship is a cornerstone of his life, providing balance amid the unpredictability of an acting career.

This openness about love and gratitude resonates strongly with fans, particularly those who admire how grounded he remains despite his success.

The Christmas Ring and a Softer Spotlight

Hollingsworth’s latest project, The Christmas Ring, offers viewers a different side of the actor—one steeped in holiday warmth, romance, and emotional connection. While details of the film’s plot lean into festive tradition, his presence brings a sense of sincerity that elevates the story beyond seasonal clichés.

For fans of Virgin River, the film serves as a reminder of Hollingsworth’s range. He can inhabit dark, conflicted spaces just as convincingly as he can step into hopeful, heartwarming narratives.

Looking Ahead to Virgin River Season 7

With Virgin River season 7 on the horizon, anticipation around Hollingsworth’s return continues to build. Brady’s journey remains one of the show’s most emotionally charged arcs, and viewers are eager to see whether redemption, love, or further heartbreak awaits him.

What’s certain is that Hollingsworth’s connection to the role—and to the audience—has only deepened. By sharing glimpses of his real life, he’s reminded fans that behind every intense performance is a man who values laughter, family, and authenticity.

A Star Fans Can’t Help But Root For

In an industry often defined by polish and mystery, Benjamin Hollingsworth stands out for his openness. These fun facts aren’t just trivia—they paint a picture of an actor who understands the privilege of his platform and chooses to meet it with humility and warmth.

As Virgin River continues its reign and The Christmas Ring brings seasonal cheer, one thing is clear: Hollingsworth’s appeal goes far beyond the screen. He’s not just a character audiences love to watch—he’s a person they genuinely enjoy getting to know.