For legions of Virgin River fans captivated by Ben Hollingsworth’s portrayal of the complex, often conflicted Dan Brady, a recent social media revelation has sparked a wave of excitement and nostalgia.

Hollingsworth, whose brooding intensity and rugged charm have made Brady a fan favorite in Netflix’s beloved drama, surprised audiences by revisiting an earlier chapter of his career—a role

in the intense yet lesser-known medical drama Code Black. This unexpected throwback not only delighted his devoted Virgin River followers but also reintroduced viewers to the actor’s impressive versatility and depth.

From Quiet Virgin River to the Chaos of the ER: A Tale of Two Roles
Ben Hollingsworth’s portrayal of Dan Brady—the flawed, brooding bar owner with a complicated past—is a far cry from his earlier work in the adrenaline-fueled environment of a busy emergency room. Before embracing the slower-paced, emotionally charged small-town life of Virgin River, Hollingsworth made his mark as Dr. Mario Savetti in CBS’s Code Black. Airing for three seasons between 2015 and 2018, Code Black was a gritty, unflinching medical drama focusing on the frenetic world of a Los Angeles hospital emergency room. The show’s raw depiction of life-or-death situations and the emotional toll on its medical professionals provided a striking contrast to the serene yet turbulent landscape of Virgin River.

Hollingsworth’s Dr. Savetti was an ambitious, sometimes stubborn young doctor grappling with the intense pressures of emergency medicine—a role that showcased the actor’s range and ability to convey vulnerability under stress. It’s a testament to his talent that he convincingly transitioned from the chaotic ER to the quiet complexities of Virgin River’s small-town dynamics, playing two very different yet emotionally charged characters.

A Nostalgic Instagram Revelation Sparks Fan Frenzy
The actor recently took to Instagram to share a charming post reflecting on his time in Code Black while promoting the healthcare company Prenuvo. In a playful nod to his past role, Hollingsworth wrote, “Some of you might not know this, but I used to be a doctor… on TV. Naturally, for 3 seasons, I was immersed in the world of medicine.” This lighthearted admission delighted fans who either had forgotten or were entirely unaware of his previous stint in medical drama.

The post included behind-the-scenes photos and clips, as well as thoughtful reflections on how immersing himself in the medical field shaped his approach to acting and personal growth. This glimpse into his past role sparked a wave of enthusiasm and nostalgia, quickly flooding the comment section with praise, memories, and renewed interest in Code Black.