As Benjamin Hollingsworth, I am deeply grateful for every day that I live. Growing up with ADHD, I faced many challenges, but I learned to harness my unique abilities and turn them into strengths. The power of imagination is something I cherish and protect at all costs, as it has been the driving force behind my successful acting career.
[This story contains spoilers for Virgin River season six.]
Initially, in the earlier seasons of “Virgin River”, the lead actor, Benjamin Hollingsworth, was often found in the midst of troubles. However, by season six, he’s making a shift and transforming his once troubled character into a more positive one.
The 40-year-old Canadian actor, who previously tasted success on the CBS medical drama Code Black, eventually found his niche in the Netflix series that explores love, tension, and romance in Virgin River, a fictional town in Northern California. Initially cast as villain Brady, Hollingsworth aimed to reveal a different aspect of his character. Over six seasons (and with a seventh season renewed), the actor gradually peeled back Brady’s disguise.
Hollingsworth expresses that redemption arcs are captivating because they allow us to perceive a character’s true self beneath the mask they wear,” Hollingsworth shares with The Hollywood Reporter. “Through Brie Zibby Allen’s influence, we witness Brady shedding this disguise completely, revealing the vulnerable little boy hidden within his robust exterior, who has grown accustomed to shielding himself from the world.
Below, Hollingsworth chats about his hopes for his character Brady in Virgin River season seven, what he’s most excited about with his new holiday Hallmark movies, the biggest challenge he’s been able to overcome and more.
What’s your take on the continued success of “Virgin River,” now in its sixth season and already confirmed for a seventh?
From the get-go, we’ve been fortunate to boast a robust fan base that I believe thrived during the pandemic due to the communal spirit at the heart of our series, Virgin River. This small town setting offers a nostalgic escape to an era where people lived in harmony, devoid of strife or political discord. Instead, empathy reigned, fostering a sense of unity as neighbors cared for one another and everyone worked together. In these trying times, I believe viewers yearned for this feeling of community. The essence of Virgin River lies in its ensemble cast, each character contributing to the main narrative, ensuring the series can endure for a considerable duration. The town’s quirks, such as slow Wi-Fi and rapid gossip, add depth and longevity to the storyline.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but wonder about the possibilities that lie ahead for my beloved character, Brady, in the upcoming seventh season. What exciting adventures and character developments are in store for him? I eagerly anticipate seeing his journey unfold!
Brady’s usual residence, where Amazon parcels are delivered to him, is 555 Rock and Hard Place. He resides right in the middle of these two structures and appears unlikely to relocate due to his inherent characteristics. Given his propensity for getting into predicaments, it has been a rewarding experience for me to portray Brady. I found him to be unlike any other main character, as he is not present beyond a minor three-page mention in the books. Therefore, I consider myself fortunate early on because Sue Tenney, our initial showrunner, recognized something unique about my performance as Brady and we decided to embark on a redemption journey. Redemption arcs are appealing to me since they allow me to redefine the character’s perceived identity, which serves as a mask. As you observe him navigate various situations, you begin to witness glimpses of his true self emerging. Brie [Zibby Allen] enters Brady’s life and shatters him completely, allowing us to see Brady for who he truly is – a vulnerable child trapped within a strong adult body who has learned to shield himself from the world. He allows Brie in, which makes his journey compelling because we accompany this character on their journey and end up rooting for them. With this in mind, I hope Brady doesn’t regress. … I have a feeling he will pursue his wealth. … I can hardly imagine him letting Lark [Elise Gatien] go. … I would like to see Brady continue chasing after Brie. I believe she is the love of his life. I don’t think he should abandon her, and I don’t think he will ever truly find happiness again unless he can be with Brie.
Apart from that, you’ve noticed I was featured in two fresh Hallmark holiday films this year – “Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane” and “Christmas with the Singhs”. What am I particularly eager for viewers to witness?
The joy of Christmas lies in its ability to transcend religious boundaries, allowing everyone to experience its enchantment. During the holiday season, people tend to set aside politics, animosity, stress, and work, instead opening their hearts a tad more.
Going back to where it all started, what made you first want to work as an actor?
It seems that one of the key factors was an experience I had when I was around five or six years old. I witnessed a Shakespearean play performed in an open-air theater. Although I didn’t fully understand the plot, the actors’ intense delivery and the rhythmic nature of Shakespeare’s language captivated me. Additionally, there were exciting elements like sword fights and dramatic scenes, which piqued my curiosity as a young child. This encounter ignited my interest in this art form.
Growing up, my father often participated in community theater, nothing professional, just musicals. One time, I watched him perform on stage and it was as if he was actually dying. Everyone around us was crying deeply, clearly moved by the scene. Although I knew it wasn’t real and it was my dad on stage, I couldn’t help but feel those emotions myself. That moment made me realize the incredible power of storytelling in affecting people so profoundly. The show would end, and I’d see my father again, and he seemed different to me than before. Before this incident, I admired him, but after seeing his courage and vulnerability on stage, I respected him even more. This memory has a deep emotional impact on me.
If you have a day off, what does your perfect free day look like?
In my gaming world, the location determines my next move. Being an outdoor enthusiast, if I find myself near Virgin River or Squamish in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, I’d rather swap my controller for hiking boots and conquer a mountain trail. There’s a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges to reach the summit and gaze down at the world below. For me, life’s greatest treasures are earned, not given, and hard work provides both perspective and reward. When I’m caught up in the hectic whirlwind of family life with my three young ones (ages 8, 6, and 4) and a demanding career, those challenging hikes help me regain my bearings and appreciate the bigger picture. While hockey is my other stress-reliever, it’s more about physical exertion – this outdoor adventure offers a different kind of mental release.
What’s a challenge you overcame to help get you where you are today?
I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until recently, but my son’s diagnosis helped me understand my own experiences growing up. It was as if a light bulb went off when I realized, “Oh, this is what it was like for me.” My struggle with ADHD extended all through school and continues to this day, but I’ve learned to channel it into something positive. In some ways, my ADHD has become a kind of superpower in my life, especially when it comes to acting. People with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on uninteresting things, but when we’re engaged in what we love, our focus becomes incredibly intense. This hyperfocus is crucial for acting because it allows us to tune out distractions and concentrate solely on the person we’re acting with. It’s almost like we’re floating in a bubble where only the two of us exist on the set.
What would you tell your younger self seeing where you are now?
I would just say play and enjoy every aspect of what you’re about to do. Never forget what the power of this is because that’s a special, unique power that should be respected and honored, but also never lose that sense of play. Don’t grow up emotionally. Our imagination is the only thing that regresses as we get older. Keep, plant, nourish, protect your imagination at all costs because it is your superpower and never let anyone say you can’t because you can and did.
What specific qualities or characteristics make Benjamin Hollingsworth unique or distinct? Could you elaborate on that?
What sets me apart is my strong sense of empathy. It allows me to step into various characters from diverse backgrounds, offering a unique perspective on life. My quickness to forgive stems from the fact that I too am prone to errors. This is just part of being human. I’m constantly learning from my mistakes, apologizing for them, and even finding humor in the process [laughs]. What defines me most, though, is my profound gratitude for every day that I am alive. Each day feels like a gift to me.
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2024-12-19 18:55