For the dedicated fans of Netflix’s Virgin River, Ben Hollingsworth’s portrayal of the complex and often troubled Dan Brady has become a cornerstone of the show’s emotional depth.

Brady’s character, with his rugged charm and deeply conflicted nature, has resonated with millions, making Hollingsworth a fan favorite. But recently, in an unexpected turn of events,

the actor offered a delightful surprise for his followers. In a recent Instagram post, Hollingsworth revisited one of his early roles that many fans were either unaware of or had long forgotten:

his portrayal of Dr. Mario Savetti in the medical drama Code Black.

This throwback has left fans buzzing with excitement, as Hollingsworth’s role in Code Black was a significant part of his career before he became a household name for his role in Virgin River. It has reignited discussions about his versatility as an actor and given audiences an extra layer of appreciation for his range.

A Shift From the Tranquil Hills to the Chaotic ER

Ben Hollingsworth’s rise to fame in Virgin River has been meteoric, and he has quickly become one of the most beloved members of the show’s ensemble cast. As Brady, the intense and troubled character who has struggled with his past and navigates the complexities of small-town life, Hollingsworth brings both vulnerability and strength to the screen. However, before he became entrenched in the dramatic world of Virgin River, Hollingsworth had already honed his acting skills in a very different and much more fast-paced environment.

From 2015 to 2018, Hollingsworth starred in the CBS medical drama Code Black, which was set in a Los Angeles emergency room. Code Black is known for its raw, unfiltered depiction of life in the ER and the personal lives of its doctors and nurses, often showcasing the chaotic and high-stakes situations that arise in an overburdened hospital. In this show, Hollingsworth played Dr. Mario Savetti, a young and ambitious doctor who is eager to prove himself but often finds himself at odds with his colleagues and the overwhelming demands of the medical world. His performance was a standout, showcasing his ability to bring both grit and vulnerability to a character working in an environment where life and death decisions are made daily.

Instagram Throwback: Hollingsworth’s Playful Reminder of His Early Career

It was in a recent Instagram post that Hollingsworth offered a heartfelt and playful reminder of his time in Code Black. While promoting the healthcare company Prenuvo, he shared photos and musings about his time playing Dr. Savetti. He jokingly remarked, “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 acknowledgment of his past role sparked immediate excitement and nostalgia among fans. Many were either unaware of this earlier chapter in Hollingsworth’s career or had forgotten about his role in the medical drama, as it had not enjoyed the same level of long-term visibility as Virgin River. Yet, for those who had watched Code Black, the memories of Hollingsworth’s performance came rushing back, reminding them of his considerable talent and range.

Code Black: A Forgotten Gem for Many Fans

Although Code Black garnered critical acclaim for its intense portrayal of life in the emergency room and the personal struggles of its doctors, it ultimately had a short-lived run. The show aired for three seasons, from 2015 to 2018, before being canceled, despite having a devoted fanbase. Hollingsworth’s character, Dr. Mario Savetti, was one of the most compelling elements of the show. Savetti was a character full of contradictions: ambitious yet vulnerable, passionate yet often impulsive. His journey over the course of the show was one of self-discovery, as he tried to balance his professional ambitions with his personal life and his desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine.

For many fans of Virgin River, this throwback to Code Black was a revelation. While Hollingsworth’s portrayal of Brady in Virgin River has earned him accolades for his emotional depth and character complexity, his portrayal of Dr. Savetti showed his ability to embody a completely different persona—one that was shaped by the fast-paced world of medicine rather than the quieter, emotionally charged life in Virgin River. Fans of both shows now have a deeper appreciation for Hollingsworth’s ability to slip seamlessly into vastly different roles.

Fans React: A Flood of Nostalgia and Praise

The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Hollingsworth’s Instagram post quickly filled up with comments from fans who fondly remembered his role in Code Black and were thrilled to see him revisiting it. Many expressed surprise and admiration for how his acting career had evolved, while others fondly recalled their favorite moments from Code Black. Some fans admitted they hadn’t realized Hollingsworth was even part of the medical drama, but upon learning of it, they were eager to revisit the show and experience his performance in a new light.

One fan commented, “Wait, I had no idea Ben was in Code Black! I need to watch this now!” while another wrote, “Ben was amazing in Code Black—he brought so much depth to Dr. Savetti. It’s great to see him acknowledging that role.” For those who had watched Code Black during its original run, this trip down memory lane was a delightful reminder of how talented Hollingsworth is, and how much he has brought to each of his roles.

The Allure of Medical Dramas: A Universally Loved Genre

The warm reception to Hollingsworth’s Instagram post also speaks to the enduring popularity of medical dramas. Shows like Code Black tap into universal themes of heroism, life-or-death decisions, and the emotional toll of working in healthcare. These shows often resonate deeply with viewers because they blend intense drama with the personal stories of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. The characters in these shows are often depicted as both flawed and heroic, and the stakes are always incredibly high.

Hollingsworth’s role as Dr. Savetti was a perfect fit for this genre. Like his portrayal of Brady in Virgin River, Savetti was a character filled with complexity. He was ambitious, driven by the need to prove himself, but also showed a vulnerability that made him relatable to viewers. His journey on Code Black was one of self-discovery, and his struggles mirrored many of the themes explored in Virgin River, albeit in a very different context.

Brady and Savetti: Common Struggles, Different Settings

While Dr. Savetti and Brady come from two very different worlds—one based in the high-pressure world of emergency medicine, and the other rooted in the small, idyllic town of Virgin River—they share a core similarity: both characters are dealing with deep internal struggles. Savetti’s ambition often clashed with his emotional vulnerabilities, and Brady, on the other hand, faces the ghosts of his past, struggling with redemption and his desire to change. Both characters are shaped by their environments, yet they share a common thread of wanting to prove themselves, whether in the operating room or in the small town where they try to make a new life.

The experience of playing these two characters likely shaped Hollingsworth’s approach to his acting. The depth he brings to both Savetti and Brady showcases his versatility as an actor, and fans of both shows can now appreciate how these roles have informed one another.

Conclusion: A Glimpse Into Hollingsworth’s Evolving Career

Ben Hollingsworth’s recent revisit to his role in Code Black serves as a reminder of his impressive range as an actor. His portrayal of Dr. Mario Savetti in the high-stakes world of emergency medicine is just as impactful as his portrayal of Brady in Virgin River. This trip down memory lane has delighted fans and offered a fresh perspective on the actor’s evolution, shedding light on the diversity of characters he has brought to life on-screen. As Virgin River continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that Hollingsworth’s journey as an actor is just beginning, and fans will be eagerly watching as he continues to evolve and showcase his remarkable talent.