Actor Ben Hollingsworth has relocated his family away from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles to a more secluded setting. In an interview with Fox News Digital, the Virgin River star explained that this move was driven by a desire to provide his three children with greater outdoor freedom.
Trading Ventura Boulevard for Small-Town Freedom
Ben Hollingsworth believes that small-town living offers a level of safety and independence unavailable in major metropolitan areas. He noted that the freedom he enjoyed growing up is something he wants to replicate for his own children, allowing them to play outside until the sun goes down.
The contrast between his new life and his previous residence in Los Angeles is stark, according to the interview with Fox News Digital. Hollingsworth pointed out that in a major city, letting a child run near a busy thoroughfare like Ventura Boulevard could be seen as a major safety risk, potentially even leading to legal trouble for a parent. By moving to a smaller community , he describes the ability to let his kids roam as a genuine "luxury."
A Hollywood Exodus Echoing Jonah Hill's Move
The decision to leave Los Angeles is part of a broader trend of high-profile entertainers seeking more grounded lives away from the industry center. Hollingsworth noted that he is not alone in this transition , specifically citing actor Jonah Hill, who also left the city to raise his family in a much smaller town.
This shift is often motivated by a desire to escape the "Hollywood bubble" and the specific cultural pressures of the city. as reported by Fox News Digital, other stars like James Denton of Desperate Housewives have also voiced concerns that Los Angeles is not an ideal environment for raising children due to its pervasive image culture.
Meet Cute Con at Nashville's Loveless Barn
Hollingsworth is set to bring his small-town energy to the upcoming Meet Cute Con in Nashville. Unlike massive, impersonal convention centers, this event is designed to be an intimate gathering held at the Loveless Barn and Virgin Hotels.
The "Small Town Swoon" themed convention will bring together cast members from several popular series, including Virgin River, One Tree Hill, and The Way Home. Hollingsworth expressed excitement about the event's ability to foster a real-world sense of community, allowing fans to interact with the stars they see on screen in a setting that feels warm and personal.
Why 'Virgin River' Serves as 'Medicine' for Netflix Viewers
The success of the Netflix series Virgin River can be attributed to its ability to provide comfort to a global audience. Hollingsworth suggested that the show acts almost like "medicine" for viewers, offering a sense of warmth and stability that is often missing in modern life.
This connection to the audience intensified during the pandemic, as viewers sought out stories with small-town charm.. Hollingsworth described the show's appeal using a culinary metaphor, sttating that they aren't trying to reinvent the wheel, but are instead "making really good apple pie"—delivering exactly the kind of reliable, comforting content that audiences crave.
Where is the Hollingsworths' new 'Virgin River-esque' home?
Despite the details shared about his lifestyle, the specific location of the Hollingsworth family's new residence remains a mystery. While the actor described their new home as being in a town that feels like the setting of his show, he explicitly declined to name the exact municipality.
Several questions remain regarding the family's transition. While the report provides Hollingsworth's personal perspective on the move, it does not include comments from his wife or neighbors in their new community. Additionally, it remains unclear how much the move has impacted his professional filming schedule outside of his time in British Columbia.
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