In a television world brimming with leading men, Ben Hollingsworth is quietly redefining what it means to be both dangerous and dependable.

Whether he’s turning heads as a hot-tempered former Marine in Virgin River, rushing through ER chaos in Code Black, or sweeping someone off their feet in a heartwarming Hallmark film,

Hollingsworth brings a depth and intensity that make his performances linger long after the credits roll.

This Canadian actor may have taken the scenic route to stardom, but his steady rise has positioned him as one of the most compelling—and reliable—actors working in romantic television today.

Canadian Roots and a Theatrical Foundation

Ben Hollingsworth was born on September 7, 1984, in Brockville, Ontario. A small-town boy with big dreams, he gravitated to performance early and trained at the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada. Graduating in 2006, Hollingsworth brought classical training and a fierce work ethic into an industry often dominated by glitz and hype.

His early career included appearances on Canadian staples like Heartland and Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he played emotionally layered young characters who hinted at his future talent for balancing vulnerability and toughness.

Early Breaks: From the Runway to the Courtroom

Hollingsworth’s first breakout role came in 2009 with The CW’s The Beautiful Life, a glossy drama about the fashion industry co-starring Mischa Barton. While the series didn’t last long, it introduced him to American audiences and opened doors to new opportunities.

Soon after, he landed a recurring role on Suits, playing the morally gray Kyle Durant. Going head-to-head with Patrick J. Adams’ Mike Ross, Hollingsworth proved he could go toe-to-toe with the best, and his character’s blend of ambition and arrogance made him a standout in the legal drama’s early seasons.

Code Black: Commanding the ER

In 2015, Hollingsworth stepped into one of his most complex and emotionally demanding roles as Dr. Mario Savetti on CBS’s Code Black. A brash, often hot-headed ER resident with a troubled past, Savetti was far from a stereotypical medical hero. Yet Hollingsworth infused him with heart and resilience, eventually becoming one of the show’s most compelling figures.

His performance earned him a 2016 Golden Maple Award nomination and established him as a versatile U.S. TV actor with staying power.

Dan Brady in Virgin River: A Slow-Burning Redemption Story

Hollingsworth’s portrayal of Dan Brady in Netflix’s Virgin River may be his most iconic role to date. Introduced in Season 1 as a troubled former Marine and small-town screw-up, Brady could have easily become a one-dimensional villain. But Hollingsworth saw more in him—and so did fans.

Over multiple seasons, Brady’s storyline has evolved into a gripping redemption arc. From shady business deals to facing prison, and now navigating love and loss with Brie (Zibby Allen), Brady has grown into one of the show’s richest, most relatable characters. And Hollingsworth has anchored that transformation with quiet magnetism and simmering emotional intensity.

It’s a performance that doesn’t scream for attention but commands it—and audiences have taken notice.