Benjamin Hollingsworth is more than a talented Canadian actor — with his rugged charm, magnetic screen presence, and undeniable charisma — he’s become a true Hollywood heartthrob and fan-favorite on and off the screen.
Travelgirl: It’s a pleasure to welcome you aboard Travelgirl. I am intrigued; what first drew you to acting?
Benjamin Hollingsworth: The ability to affect people in a profound way is a bit of a superpower. From an early age, I loved playing make-believe with my siblings. It wasn’t uncommon for us to stage mini plays in our family living room.
I was usually being directed by my sister, so being on “stage” was actually a place of comfort for me—whether I liked her notes or not.
My dad and sister were also doing regional theatre, and I remember sitting in the audience watching my dad on stage—seeing a room full of people completely captivated by what he was doing. It felt like some kind of magic trick.
The ability to affect how people feel, to shift their perspective, to step into someone else’s shoes… that always fascinated me.
TG: You were successful but it’s your philanthropic endeavors that caught my attention. You raised over $5000 dollars for Terry Fox Cancer Research, and you supported a local homeless shelter while you were still in high school. Tell us about Terry Fox Cancer Research and what prompted you to support this most worthwhile endeavor.
BH: Growing up in Canada, Terry Fox isn’t just a name—it’s part of the fabric. What he did, and what he stood for, is something you’re raised to respect. His story has this quiet power to it—just one person deciding to do something impossible for the sake of others.
For me, supporting cancer research through that lens felt natural. It wasn’t about the number we raised, it was about contributing to something bigger than ourselves. That idea stuck with me early and has stayed with me ever since.
TG: It’s incredibly rare to find a high school student who is incredibly well-rounded, with a budding acting career, devoting time to charitable work. You also raised much-needed funds for a homeless shelter. What prompted your keen interest in helping others?
BH: I think it starts with perspective. I was lucky—supportive family, opportunities, a path that started to open up. At a certain point, you realize not everyone gets that same runway.
I became aware of the realities of homelessness through a theatre production called Frozen Dreams. It was the first professional play I did—I was 16—and I played a youth living on the street with a mental disability. The characters in that story really opened my eyes to the fact that everyone has a story about how they ended up there.
As part of my research, I spent a night on the streets in Toronto. Hearing and seeing some of those stories first-hand shifted something for me. I realized that part of my calling as an actor wasn’t just to entertain, but to inform and shed light on people and experiences that often go unseen.
TG: You attended and graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada. Please talk about those years in school.
BH: Those years were intense—in the best way. It’s a three-year conservatory, so you’re fully immersed. It strips you down a bit. You learn discipline, vulnerability, and how to take risks without a safety net.
It’s also humbling. You walk in thinking you know a few things, and pretty quickly realize how much you don’t know. That environment really shaped how I approach the work now. One of the most valuable lessons I took away is that as an artist, your job is to remain curious, never complacent. You have to keep learning—always a student of life. That’s the journey.
TG: Before I ask about your acting career, I understand you are a huge hockey fan. Did you play hockey when you were growing up?
BH: Oh yeah—full Canadian childhood. Early mornings, cold rinks, questionable gear decisions. Hockey teaches you a lot—work ethic, teamwork, how to take a hit and keep going. Honestly, a lot of that translates directly into this industry.
And I still skate whenever I can. There’s something about being on the ice that resets everything.
TG: Let’s talk about your role. What first interested you in it?
BH: I’ve always been drawn to characters who live in the gray areas. There’s a vulnerability underneath the toughness that felt very real to me.
He’s trying to find his place, trying to do better, sometimes getting it right and sometimes not. That push and pull is what makes him interesting—and human.
TG: Fans have really connected with your character — why do you think the show resonates so deeply with audiences?
BH: At its core, the show is about connection. It’s grounded, character-driven, and focused on relationships.
In a world that moves pretty fast, it slows things down just enough to remind you what actually matters—community, second chances, and human connection. That seems to resonate in a pretty universal way.
TG: How has fan response to the show changed your career or your perspective as an actor?
BH: Honestly, the level of success has been a bit unexpected. I mean, how do you end up being part of the longest-running series on the largest streaming platform in the world? That’s not something you can plan for.
It’s something I definitely don’t take for granted.
What’s been really special is the fans. They’re incredibly loyal, kind, and genuinely invested in the characters and the world of the show. You feel that support in a very real way.
If anything, it’s just made me more appreciative—of the opportunity, of the people I get to work with, and of the audience that continues to show up for us.
TG: What keeps you grounded in an industry that can be unpredictable?
BH: Family, without question. My wife and kids are the constant. They don’t really care about premieres or press—they just care if I’m home for dinner or if I remembered snacks.
Also, getting outside helps. Being in nature resets everything.
TG: How do you balance husband, father, actor, and philanthropist?
BH: Some days… better than others. I don’t think balance is a perfect equation—it’s more of a constant adjustment.
We try to keep it simple. Be present where you are. When I’m working, I focus on that. When I’m home, I try to really be home.
TG: Has your perspective as a husband and father changed the kinds of projects you’re drawn to?
BH: Definitely. You start thinking about things a little differently—not just what you’re building for yourself, but what your kids might see one day.
There’s more intention behind the choices now.
TG: You travel quite frequently. What’s on your travel bucket list?
BH: We’ve been lucky to travel a lot as a family, and I’ve shared a bit of that on Instagram—places like Kukui’ula in Hawaii, Finest Playa Mujeres in Mexico, and Vomo Resort in Fiji have been really special for us.
At this stage, family trips are really at the core of my bucket list. The kids are young, and you’re aware that there’s a window where they actually want to travel with you. Being able to explore new places with them, open their eyes to different cultures and ways of life—that takes priority for me right now.
We’ve also found ourselves going back to a few of the same places, which has been really meaningful. There’s something about revisiting a place where you’ve already created great memories—it brings this sense of familiarity and nostalgia, and you get to see it through a slightly different lens each time as the kids grow.
Down the road, I’m sure a getaway here and there with my wife will sound pretty great. But for now, the idea of taking the kids somewhere like Italy, Greece or South Africa and experiencing that together—that’s the kind of thing that really excites me.
TG: When preparing for a trip, is there one item you never leave home without?
BH: My kids… and every ounce of sunscreen, plus a couple good hats, a UV-protected sun shirt/cover-up, and sunglasses. I’ve worked a lot with Melanoma Canada and skin cancer awareness, so protection is vital when we’re in those tropical locations.
Skin cancer is on the rise, and protecting your kids from burns early on is one of the most important things you can do.
And honestly, a good hat-and-glasses combo also comes in handy for going a little incognito when I’m out with my family. Virgin River has a pretty global audience, so sometimes it’s nice to sneak under the radar—at least until someone recognizes the voice.
TG: What advice can you share for those young hopefuls out there who hope to one day follow in your footsteps?
BH: Focus on the work. It’s easy to get caught up in everything around it, but the craft is what lasts.
Stay curious, be patient, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s part of the process. And just keep showing up. That goes a long way.
TG: Can you share what exciting projects and new opportunities are on the horizon?
BH: Right now, I’m focused on the journey I’ve been on over the past several seasons, which has been an incredible ride. Where that goes next… we’ll have to see. I’m always looking for projects that challenge me and tell meaningful stories.
There are a few things in development that I’m excited about—I can’t say too much just yet—but I’m definitely looking to expand into producing and creating as well.
My wife, Nila, and I have been building something together called Meet Cute Entertainment, which has been really exciting. It’s centered around bringing fans and actors together in a more intimate, meaningful way—especially within the romance space.
What’s been really special is seeing some familiar faces from Virgin River getting involved along with those from a few other shows that revolve around a small towns. It’s the first time a group of us are coming together for something like this—an event built around romance and connection, which feels very aligned with the kind of storytelling audiences have really responded to. Our first event is in Nashville this November, and tickets will be available very soon.
It feels like a good time to be building something new within a space that has historically been underserved when it comes to its fans.
