The 42-year-old actor spoke to Fox News Digital about the importance of giving his children the freedom he experienced growing up.
"Virgin River" star Ben Hollingsworth is opening up about how his own upbringing has shaped the life he wants for his children, including his decision to raise them in the suburbs outside Los Angeles.
The 42-year-old actor—who shares children Juniper Bloom, 5, Hemingway Nash, 10, and Gatsby Wille, 8, with his wife, Nila Myers—spoke to Fox News Digital about the importance of giving his children the freedom he experienced growing up, while also discussing the latest season of his hit Netflix series.
"Our kids are actually, we're able to kind of let them go off and be, like, be back at five, which I feel like is kind of gone away now. It's really, really tricky to do that. You definitely can't do it in major cities, or you'll be arrested as a parent. Like, what are you doing? Letting your kid run across Ventura Boulevard? In L.A., that doesn't fly," he told the outlet.
He noted that he is "thankful" to give his kids a life where they can play and be "back by this time when the sun goes down."
"I'm happy to provide them with some of what I got growing up," he said.
The Hollywood star, who resides in Canada, noted that he tries to keep his children out of the limelight by engaging with them in outdoor activities, such as hiking.
"Virgin River" star Ben Hollingsworth is opening up about how his own upbringing has shaped the life he wants for his children, including his decision to raise them in the suburbs outside Los Angeles. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb) He noted that their relocation to British Columbia, Canada, was inspired by his wife's pregnancy, which came while he filmed Season 3 of the hit series.
"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.' We got pregnant with our third, and we made a decision to put down roots in a smaller place. And raising your kids in a small town is just, it's a luxury, and we're very happy that we're able to provide that for the kiddos," he said.
Hollingsworth told Fox News that his family's decision to spend more time away from Los Angeles developed naturally.
The actor also discussed his upcoming appearance at Meet Cute Con, a fan convention scheduled to take place Nov. 6–8 at the Loveless Barn and Virgin Hotels Nashville.
The event, themed "Small Town Swoon," will feature cast members from "Virgin River," "One Tree Hill," and "The Way Home," giving attendees an opportunity to interact with stars from the popular TV series.
For Hollingsworth, the gathering offers something he believes has become increasingly difficult to find: a sense of community.
"Community is the key," he told Fox News, explaining that events like Meet Cute Con allow viewers to connect with the actors behind their favorite characters and ask questions about the shows they love.
He noted that the Nashville convention will mark the first time the entire "Virgin River" cast has participated in a public event of this kind together.
The smaller setting was another major draw for the actor, who said the opportunity to meet fans in a more personal environment helped persuade the cast to participate.
The 42-year-old actor—who shares children Juniper Bloom, 5, Hemingway Nash, 10, and Gatsby Wille, 8, with his wife, Nila Myers—spoke to Fox News Digital about the importance of giving his children the freedom he experienced growing up, while also discussing the latest season of his hit Netflix series. ( Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Celebrity Red CARpet Safety Awareness) 
"Our kids are actually, we're able to kind of let them go off and be, like, be back at five, which I feel like is kind of gone away now. It's really, really tricky to do that. You definitely can't do it in major cities, or you'll be arrested as a parent. Like, what are you doing? Letting your kid run across Ventura Boulevard? In L.A., that doesn't fly," he told the outlet. (JB Lacroix/WireImage) 
He noted that he is "thankful" to give his kids a life where they can play and be "back by this time when the sun goes down." ( David Livingston/Getty Images) "We love Nashville. Who doesn't love Nashville?" he said, adding that the barn venue will offer a more intimate experience than a traditional convention center, allowing attendees to interact with the stars from just a few feet away.
Hollingsworth also reflected on why "Virgin River" has connected with audiences, suggesting that its portrayal of small-town life offers a refreshing alternative to TV programs centered on major metropolitan areas.
As streaming platforms have expanded their reach beyond large cities, he believes viewers have increasingly embraced stories that emphasize close-knit communities and everyday relationships.
The actor pointed to the show's popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when audiences were searching for familiar, comforting entertainment.
"We really took off during the pandemic," he told Fox News, describing the series as a source of reassurance for viewers during uncertain times.
He compared watching the show to wrapping up in a warm blanket or receiving a hug, emphasizing that its appeal comes from delivering a familiar kind of storytelling rather than attempting to reinvent the genre.
"It's apple pie entertainment," Hollingsworth said, explaining that while the series follows a well-established TV formula, its strength lies in executing that formula successfully.