Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-17**Lead**
Ben Hollingsworth, best known for his role as Dan Brady on the Netflix drama *Virgin River*, has shared a refreshing glimpse into his family life — one that starkly contrasts the fast-paced, overprotective culture of Los Angeles. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that his children experience a level of freedom in their small-town home that simply “doesn’t fly” in a major metropolitan area like LA. The comments have sparked conversations about parenting, safety, and the trade-offs between rural and urban childhoods.
**Context**
Hollingsworth, who has been a regular on *Virgin River* since its first season, lives with his wife and kids in a small community in British Columbia — the same province where the show is primarily filmed. The actor has often spoken about his love for the slower pace of life and the close-knit feel of the town, which stands in sharp contrast to the sprawling, celebrity-centric environment of Los Angeles, where he previously resided. In the interview — published by *People* — Hollingsworth described how his kids can play outside without constant adult supervision, ride bikes to friends’ houses, and enjoy a sense of communal trust that is rare in larger cities. “Here, they have that freedom that doesn’t fly in LA,” he said, according to the report. “You can’t let your kids roam like that there — it’s just not the same.”
*Virgin River*, set in a fictional Northern California town, follows a nurse practitioner who moves from LA to a remote community. The show has been praised for its depiction of small-town life and its emphasis on relationships and community. Hollingsworth’s real-life experience mirrors the theme of escaping urban stress for a quieter, more grounded existence — a concept that resonates with many viewers who have made similar moves during and after the pandemic.
**Análise**
Hollingsworth’s comments highlight a broader cultural shift that has been unfolding over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of relocations from big cities to smaller towns, as remote work made it possible for families to choose lifestyle over convenience. For many, the appeal of giving children more independence — less screen time, more outdoor play, and a lower risk environment — has outweighed the professional and social benefits of urban living. Parenting experts note that children in small towns often develop stronger self-reliance and problem-solving skills because they have fewer structured activities and more autonomy. Conversely, in cities like LA, parents often feel pressured to constantly supervise due to traffic hazards, stranger danger concerns, and the high cost of mistakes in a competitive environment.
However, the trade-offs are real. Small towns offer less access to specialized education, healthcare, and cultural diversity — factors that can shape a child’s worldview. Hollingsworth’s choice also reflects his privilege: as a successful actor, he can afford to maintain a home in a remote area while still working on a global streaming hit. For many families, the decision to leave a city is economically driven, not just a lifestyle preference. Still, the actor’s comments have struck a chord because they are honest about the simple joys of a less structured childhood — letting kids get muddy, explore woods, and knock on neighbors’ doors without anxiety.
The contrast between Hollywood glitz and rural life is not new, but it has become more pronounced as the entertainment industry has decentralized. Shows like *Virgin River* perpetuate the fantasy of a perfect small town, yet Hollingsworth’s real story adds authenticity: he is living it, not just acting it. The interview underscores that even for someone in the public eye, the desire to give children a “normal” upbringing can outweigh the pull of the industry’s epicenter.
**Fontes**
- People magazine, interview with Ben Hollingsworth (published 2025). - Netflix, *Virgin River* production details and setting (official site). - U.S. Census Bureau data on rural vs. urban migration trends (2023 reports). - Parenting studies on childhood independence and outdoor play, American Academy of Pediatrics (2024).