Virgin River, one of the most popular shows on Netflix returns for season 6 on December 19. The romantic drama series follows the residents of a small town in Northern California.
Benjamin Hollingsworth stars Brady, a bad boy with a heart of gold and a former Marine who previously worked at a sawmill that was a front for an illegal drug ring. His love interest, Brie, broke up with him in season 5, although fans are still rooting for them to get back together.
Yahoo Entertainment spoke with Hollingsworth about the show’s enthusiastic fanbase, how his character has evolved, and what to expect from the new season.
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
People love Virgin river! What is that like for you as an actor?
I’ve been in other shows and movies before, but nothing has had as many viewers and fans as Virgin river. It’s insane. Every time I go out, three or four people notice me, and that’s when I wear a hat and glasses. If I go outside without it, to a hockey game or something, things can get a little out of hand.
Why do you think so many people love the show?
The show highlights what it is to live in a community that cares, respects and cares for its neighbors. Unfortunately, we live in a time where it seems like that is almost a thing of the past. Virgin river offers us hope that this is still feasible. The show’s success really blossomed in season 2, which was released just after the pandemic started, and suddenly there was a strong appetite for a drama that felt cozy and warm and reminded you of people coming together and being there for each other were. .
Tell me about Brady. What is it like to play him?
It is challenging and complex. He has a redemption arc, which is a lot of fun to play as an actor. Brady walks around with a bit of a mask, as a rebel or as a tough guy. He’s impulsive, but he has a softer side: this vulnerability to him. When I create the performance, I slowly reveal Brady’s true inner self throughout the show. You still haven’t seen everything! You’ll see it more when he hangs out with Brie. He falls in love for the first time and takes off his mask completely. When he gets scared or angry, the mask goes back on and returns to the Brady everyone thought they knew when they met him.
Benjamin hollingsworth in season 5 of Virgin river. (Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection)
When you talk to fans, what do they say about your character?
It has progressed. There’s a moment in season 3 where the big storyline is, “Who shot Jack?” It looked very much like Brady had shot Jack, even though everyone knew at the time that it would make no sense for Brady to do so. So a lot of the conversations I had with people back then were, “Did you shoot Jack?” But now people say I’m one of their favorite characters because Brady is so complex. He doesn’t follow the rules and sets himself apart from everyone else. Brie and Brady fans are fierce. Our connection really resonates with them.
Why do you think that is so?
Zibby Allen, who plays Brie, is such a great actor, and she and I get along really well, not only as people, but as actors. I think sometimes those are different things. We have a spark and a rapport that translates onto the screen. There are a lot of people who want Brady and Brie to get back together.
Can you tell us what Brady is up to this season?
I can tell you he is no longer involved in the drug trade! He has a new job as a volunteer firefighter. He is going to get some money from the insurance, so that he no longer has money problems. He’s really trying to be the Brady that all the fans want him to be, and certainly the Brady that Brie wants him to be. He tries to pay very close attention to Hazel and Lark, and redouble his commitment to being a good guy and standing up for them, and then all hell breaks loose.
We’re in season 6, which has some crazy twists and turns along the way. There’s one scene that will blow up the internet when it comes out – you know what I’m talking about. It’s a huge scene and it’s one of those scenes where you just have to stay away until you find it. I won’t tell you where in season it is, but it changes everything Virgin river.
Virgin river Season 6 begins streaming on Netflix on December 19.
