Benjamin Hollingsworth Reveals How Virgin River Changed His Family’s Life Forever

Benjamin Hollingsworth has openly shared how starring in the hit Netflix series Virgin River has transformed not only his own career but the entire lifestyle and future of his growing family. The 41-year-old Canadian actor, who plays the complex character Dan Brady, returned for the seventh season of the popular drama, which premiered on March 12, 2026. While the show has brought him daily recognition from fans around the world, the most profound impact has been personal and familial. After spending 15 years building his acting career in Los Angeles, Hollingsworth found himself consistently working in his home country of Canada thanks to Virgin River. This opportunity eventually led him and his wife to make a life-changing decision: relocating their family to British Columbia and building a permanent home there, allowing their three young children to grow up surrounded by the natural beauty and strong community values he remembers from his own childhood.

A Return to Canadian Roots After Years in Los Angeles

For more than a decade and a half, Benjamin Hollingsworth called Los Angeles home while pursuing acting opportunities across various television shows. However, landing a recurring role on Virgin River marked the first time he experienced consistent, long-term work back in Canada. Speaking to HELLO!, he explained how this stability prompted a major family decision after the third season. “After season three, we decided that we would build a house and make British Columbia our home base,” he shared. “I’m happy about it because I have three kids, and growing up in Canada myself, it’s a special honor and privilege to be raised that way.” The move allowed the family to trade the fast-paced environment of Los Angeles for the more grounded, nature-rich lifestyle of British Columbia. Hollingsworth has expressed deep gratitude for being able to give his children the same kind of upbringing he experienced, surrounded by outdoor adventures, tight-knit communities, and a slower pace of life that contrasts sharply with Hollywood’s intensity.

Benjamin Hollingsworth’s Marriage to Nila Myers and Their Growing Family

Benjamin Hollingsworth has been married to his wife, former model and designer Nila Myers, since 2012. The couple first met in 2010 and quickly built a life together, eventually welcoming three children: Hemingway Nash, now nine, Gatsby Willem, seven, and Juniper Bloom, five. On their tenth wedding anniversary, Nila shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on how their life had blossomed into something beautiful and blessed with three wonderful children. After starting their family in Los Angeles, the couple made the conscious choice to raise their kids in Canada. This transition has allowed them to embrace a more community-oriented existence, which Benjamin believes is deeply beneficial for his children. He often shares glimpses of their Canadian life on social media, from family skiing trips in Whistler to enjoying the stunning natural landscapes of British Columbia, painting a picture of a happy, active family deeply connected to their surroundings.

The Actor’s Appreciation for Canadian Community Values

In his conversation with HELLO!, Benjamin Hollingsworth spoke warmly about the advantages of raising a family in Canada. He noted that Canadians sometimes take for granted how fortunate they are to live in a country with strong community bonds and abundant natural beauty. “I think sometimes Canadians take it for granted how lucky we are to live where we are and have the community that we have,” he said. He went on to observe that the fictional town portrayed in Virgin River actually feels more representative of a typical Canadian community than an American one. Living in a small town in British Columbia has given his family a lifestyle that closely mirrors the show’s wholesome, supportive environment. “We live in a small town up here. So it is very similar to Virgin River, where we’re raising the kids,” he added. “I mean, could you ask for a better spot?” This sense of belonging and normalcy appears to be one of the greatest gifts the show has given his family, allowing them to prioritise experiences over the pressures of Hollywood life.

Benjamin Hollingsworth’s Complex Role as Dan Brady on Virgin River

On screen, Benjamin Hollingsworth portrays Dan Brady, a complicated veteran who served in the Marines alongside Jack Sheridan, played by Martin Henderson. Known to fans simply as “Brady,” the character began as something of a villain but has undergone a compelling redemption arc that has earned him significant fan affection over the seasons. Hollingsworth has described the role as challenging yet rewarding, noting that “nothing comes easy” for Brady. The character often finds himself in difficult situations, where moments of happiness or stability are frequently followed by setbacks. This ongoing struggle has allowed Hollingsworth to explore deep emotional layers, bringing nuance and humanity to a man trying to rebuild his life after hardship. The actor’s performance has been praised for capturing Brady’s internal conflicts and gradual growth, contributing to the emotional depth that has helped make Virgin River such a beloved series.

Balancing a Successful Acting Career with Family Priorities

Benjamin Hollingsworth’s journey with Virgin River illustrates the delicate balance many actors must strike between professional success and family life. The consistent work provided by the Netflix drama enabled him to relocate his family back to Canada, creating a stable and enriching environment for his wife and three children. Rather than continuing the transient lifestyle often associated with acting in Los Angeles, Hollingsworth chose to put down roots in British Columbia, where his children can enjoy outdoor adventures, community connections, and the kind of childhood he values from his own upbringing. This decision reflects a thoughtful approach to fatherhood and partnership, with both he and Nila prioritising their children’s wellbeing alongside their respective careers. The family’s frequent social media posts showcasing skiing trips, nature outings, and everyday moments in their Canadian home further demonstrate how deeply they have embraced this new chapter.

The Lasting Impact of Virgin River on Hollingsworth’s Life

Virgin River has not only revived Benjamin Hollingsworth’s visibility as an actor but has fundamentally reshaped his family’s daily reality. What began as a professional opportunity evolved into a lifestyle change that has brought his family closer to their Canadian heritage and provided a sense of permanence after years of living in Los Angeles. Hollingsworth has spoken with genuine appreciation about the “special honor and privilege” of raising his children in Canada, a sentiment clearly shared by his wife Nila. The show’s success has also allowed him to maintain a steady acting career without the constant uncertainty that many performers face. As the series continues into its seventh season, Hollingsworth’s personal story serves as a reminder that behind every on-screen character lies a real-life journey filled with sacrifices, decisions, and moments of profound gratitude.

Looking Ahead to Season Seven and Beyond

With Virgin River Season 7 now streaming on Netflix, Benjamin Hollingsworth continues to bring depth and complexity to Dan Brady’s character as the series explores new storylines and emotional challenges. Fans have grown attached to Brady’s redemption journey, and Hollingsworth’s nuanced performance has been a key factor in the show’s enduring popularity. At the same time, the actor remains focused on his family life in British Columbia, where the slower pace and natural surroundings provide a perfect counterbalance to the demands of filming. Whether sharing family adventures on social media or reflecting on the blessings of his Canadian home, Hollingsworth consistently emphasises the importance of roots, community, and family bonds. As the series progresses, audiences can expect to see more of Brady’s development while knowing that behind the scenes, the actor is cherishing the transformed life that Virgin River helped make possible for himself and his loved ones.

In many ways, Benjamin Hollingsworth’s experience with Virgin River represents the best kind of career success — one that not only advances professional goals but also enriches personal life in unexpected and meaningful ways. The decision to make British Columbia the family’s home base has allowed him to give his children the kind of upbringing he values most, surrounded by nature, community, and stability. As he continues to bring Dan Brady to life on screen, Hollingsworth carries with him a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities the show has provided. For fans of Virgin River, his story adds an extra layer of warmth to the series, reminding viewers that the themes of family, redemption, and finding one’s place are just as powerful off-screen as they are in the fictional town of Virgin River itself.