Benjamin Hollingsworth Spills Behind-the-Scenes Secrets From Virgin River’s Steamiest Season 6 Moment
A Scene That Left Viewers Breathless
Virgin River Season 6 delivered its signature mix of romance and drama, but one scene stole the spotlight. Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays Brady, revealed that the magic of this steamy moment came from a daring choice to break from the script and a collaborative spirit on set. Let’s dive into how this unforgettable scene came to be.
Who Is Benjamin Hollingsworth?
From Theater Kid to TV Heartthrob
Benjamin Hollingsworth, a Canadian actor born in Ontario in 1984, graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 2006. He’s known for roles in Code Black, Cold Pursuit, and as Dan Brady in Virgin River, where he plays a complex “bad boy with a heart of gold.” His career took off with films like The Joneses alongside Demi Moore, though early setbacks, like the cancellation of The Beautiful Life after two episodes, taught him resilience.
Brady’s Evolution in Virgin River
From Troubled Past to Leading Man
Brady started as a rebellious ex-Marine with a shady past, often misunderstood in the small town of Virgin River. Over the seasons, he’s evolved, showing vulnerability and growth, especially in Season 6.
The Redemption Arc We Didn’t See Coming
Season 6 marked a turning point for Brady, with Hollingsworth noting his character’s shift toward accountability and emotional depth. This set the stage for a raw, emotional moment that resonated with fans.
Setting the Stage: Season 6’s Sizzling Scene
The Moment Everyone’s Talking About
In Episode 5, Brady and Brie (Zibby Allen) share a heated reunion at Jack’s bar, culminating in an intense scene on a pool table. The moment, filled with lust and emotional complexity, became an instant fan favorite.
Why This Scene Hit Different
The scene’s authenticity stemmed from its raw emotion. Hollingsworth navigated a spectrum of feelings—confusion, hurt, betrayal, anger, and vulnerability—before the primal attraction took over, making it deeply relatable.
Benjamin Hollingsworth Went Off-Script—On Purpose
Improvising for Impact
Originally scripted to take place in Brady’s bedroom, Hollingsworth felt the scene needed more spontaneity. He pitched the idea of moving it to the bar’s pool table during an Oscars viewing party with the cast, a suggestion that showrunner Patrick Sean Smith embraced.
When Instinct Takes Over
Hollingsworth added subtle physical cues and adjusted his tone, ensuring the scene felt unscripted and real. “It was a tricky scene… I had to go through a range of emotions in such a short period of time,” he shared.
Collaboration With the Director
Trust on Set Made It All Happen
Director Felipe Rodriguez encouraged the intensity, emphasizing the magnetic pull between Brady and Brie. Hollingsworth credited the team’s trust, saying, “They really wanted to push it… Brie and Brady are magnets.”
The Importance of Creative Freedom
This freedom allowed the scene to transcend typical TV romance, blending lust with emotional depth, a testament to the collaborative environment on set.
The Fan Reaction Was Instant and Intense
Social Media Erupted
Fans took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, dubbing the scene the “best in Virgin River history.” Hollingsworth noted the Brie-Brady fanbase’s fierce loyalty, with many moved by their connection.
Memes, Edits, and Reruns
The scene sparked viral fan edits and GIFs, cementing its status as a cultural moment. Hollingsworth’s glance at the pool table in a later scene became a subtle, iconic callback for viewers.
What Made the Scene So Iconic?
It Wasn’t Just the Heat—It Was the Honesty
Beyond the physicality, the scene’s power lay in its emotional vulnerability. Hollingsworth’s ability to convey Brady’s inner turmoil made it resonate deeply.
Authenticity Over Perfection
The scene didn’t rely on flawless production—it thrived on the genuine connection between the characters, proving that raw emotion trumps polished perfection.
Hollingsworth’s Approach to Acting
Digging Deep Into the Role
Hollingsworth isn’t a method actor, but he immerses himself in Brady’s mindset. “You have to bring part of yourself to it,” he said, ensuring the scene felt authentic.
Method Without the Madness
He balances emotional depth with professionalism, a skill honed through years of diverse roles, from Hallmark movies to gritty dramas like Joe Pickett.
Behind the Chemistry: What Made It Work?
Off-Screen Camaraderie
Hollingsworth and Zibby Allen share a strong off-screen bond, which translated into their on-screen chemistry. “She and I get along really well—not just as people, but as actors,” he said.
Timing and Tone
The scene’s deliberate pacing allowed the tension to build naturally, with subtext adding depth to the characters’ longing and conflict.
How This Scene Raised the Bar for the Series
More Than Just a Steamy Moment
This scene pushed Virgin River to new emotional heights, showing the series could balance romance with complex character growth.
Fans Are Now Expecting More
The moment set a new standard for intimacy on the show, leaving fans eager for more depth in future seasons.
Benjamin Hollingsworth’s Message to Fans
He’s Grateful for the Love
Hollingsworth has expressed gratitude for the fans’ support, noting, “It does feel like you’re a part of something cultural that’s really, really cool.”
Will Season 7 Top This?
It’s a High Bar—But Hollingsworth Is Up for It
While Season 7, set to begin filming in March 2025, will explore Brady tracking down his ex-girlfriend Lark after she stole his money, Hollingsworth teased more surprises: “We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve.”
Conclusion: The Power of a Risk Well Taken
Hollingsworth’s bold choice to go off-script transformed a good scene into an iconic one, proving that authenticity and creative risks can elevate storytelling. This moment will linger in Virgin River fans’ hearts for seasons to come.
