Ben Hollingsworth: Small Town Life Offers Children Freedoms Lacking in LA
The 'Virgin River' actor explained his family's move from Los Angeles to a smaller community to provide his children with a childhood reminiscent of his own.
Actor Ben Hollingsworth, known for his role in "Virgin River," has moved his family out of Los Angeles to a smaller, more rural community, seeking to offer his children the freedoms he experienced growing up. Hollingsworth stated that in major cities like Los Angeles, allowing children the independence to play outside unsupervised until dusk, as he did, is no longer feasible.
"You definitely can't do it in major cities, or you'll be arrested as a parent," Hollingsworth told Fox News Digital. "Like, what are you doing? Letting your kid run across Ventura Boulevard? In LA, that doesn't fly."
He expressed gratitude for being able to provide his children with a similar upbringing to his own, where they can play outdoors with the understanding that they must be home by sundown. This decision to relocate was influenced in part by the filming of "Virgin River" in British Columbia, Canada, where his wife became pregnant with their third child.
"I'll be transparent with you, I won't say where we are, but we did move out of a large center and we actually did move to a very Virgin River-esque town because of 'Virgin River,'" Hollingsworth said. "We got pregnant with our third and we made a decision to put down roots in a smaller place. And raising your kids in small town is just, it's a luxury, and we're very happy that we're able to provide that for the kiddos."
Hollingsworth noted that the move away from Los Angeles happened organically and that other Hollywood figures, such as Jana Kramer and Bethany Joy Lenz, have also sought life outside the city. He highlighted that his show, "Virgin River," resonates with a part of America that is often overlooked in mainstream media, offering what he described as "apple pie entertainment" – a comforting and familiar viewing experience.
The actor also shared his excitement about the upcoming Meet Cute Con in Nashville, an event that will bring together cast members from "Virgin River," "One Tree Hill," and "The Way Home." He believes such events foster a sense of community, which he feels is increasingly lost in today's world. The "Small Town Swoon" themed convention aims to connect fans with the actors and create a real-life experience of the warmth and community often depicted on television.