Ben Hollingsworth, known and adored for his captivating portrayal of the enigmatic Dan Brady in Netflix’s fan-favorite Virgin River, recently stunned his followers

by revealing a forgotten chapter of his acting career — one that took place not in the serene hills of Northern California but in the high-stakes chaos of a hospital emergency room.

The actor’s unexpected social media post, revisiting his role in the adrenaline-fueled medical drama Code Black, sparked a wave of excitement and nostalgia, shining a new light

on his acting journey and reminding fans of his extraordinary versatility.

For viewers who have watched Brady transform from a troubled ex-Marine with a checkered past into a man desperately seeking redemption and love, this revelation was more than just a behind-the-scenes anecdote — it was a dramatic dive into a role that helped shape the emotional gravitas Hollingsworth brings to Virgin River today.

From Rebel Veteran to ER Doctor: A Glimpse into Hollingsworth’s Range

While Dan Brady’s journey through the twists and turns of Virgin River has solidified Hollingsworth as a household name among Netflix audiences, it’s his earlier work as Dr. Mario Savetti in Code Black that now demands a second look. The CBS medical drama, which ran from 2015 to 2018, was a gritty, emotionally charged series set in one of America’s busiest emergency departments — a stark contrast to the sleepy, drama-filled town of Virgin River.

Hollingsworth’s Dr. Savetti was no stereotypical physician. A blue-collar, street-smart young doctor from the Bronx, Savetti embodied a rough-around-the-edges confidence and vulnerability that mirrored some of the very qualities fans now associate with Brady. Ambitious and often impulsive, Savetti struggled with the emotional toll of emergency medicine, the weight of responsibility, and personal demons — elements that made him deeply relatable and compelling.

It’s clear that Hollingsworth was never a one-note performer. Even then, he was diving into characters layered with emotional conflict and moral complexity, offering viewers a performance that went beyond medical jargon and surgical precision. Dr. Savetti was raw, real, and unforgettable — much like Brady.

A Surprise Instagram Reveal Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

Hollingsworth’s trip down memory lane came courtesy of an Instagram post that caught many off guard. Promoting a healthcare company, Prenuvo, the actor playfully reflected on his former fictional profession. “Some of you might not know this, but I used to be a doctor… on TV,” he wrote. “Naturally, for 3 seasons, I was immersed in the world of medicine.”

Accompanied by behind-the-scenes images from his Code Black days, the post quickly went viral within fan circles. Loyal Virgin River followers were stunned to discover this lesser-known role, while longtime Code Black fans rejoiced at the recognition of a series they believe ended far too soon.

The comment section overflowed with sentiments ranging from “I loved you in Code Black! You were amazing as Dr. Savetti!” to “How did I not know this?! Brady was a doctor?! This is blowing my mind!” Hollingsworth had, in one post, not only reconnected with old fans but introduced a new generation to a character many had forgotten.

Code Black: A Gem Worth Rewatching

Although Code Black never quite reached the mainstream popularity of Virgin River, it remains a cult favorite among fans of medical dramas. The series, inspired by the award-winning documentary of the same name, was known for its gritty realism and high-octane drama. It pulled no punches in depicting the emotional and physical toll that working in an overburdened ER inflicts on its staff.

Dr. Savetti’s storyline stood out in a show filled with strong performances. Whether navigating moral dilemmas, clashing with colleagues, or handling personal heartbreak, Hollingsworth brought a compelling humanity to the role. His chemistry with the rest of the cast — particularly with characters like Dr. Angus Leighton (Harry Ford) and Dr. Christa Lorenson (Bonnie Somerville) — created emotional depth and sparked complex dynamics that kept audiences invested.

Though the show only lasted three seasons, its impact remains palpable, particularly now as fans revisit old episodes and rediscover Hollingsworth’s brilliance in the role.

A Testament to the Power of Medical Dramas

The enthusiastic reaction to Hollingsworth’s Code Black throwback speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of medical dramas. These shows are more than just stethoscopes and scalpel-wielding heroes — they are emotional roller coasters that explore life, death, love, loss, and everything in between. They allow actors to stretch themselves emotionally, portraying life-and-death decisions and the psychological burdens of those who shoulder them.

For Hollingsworth, the experience clearly left a mark. The emotional intelligence and depth required to play Dr. Savetti undoubtedly influenced the subtle layers he brings to Brady — a man haunted by his past, driven by guilt, and striving for a second chance.

From ER Grit to Virgin River Grace: How One Role Informs Another

While Brady and Dr. Savetti might seem worlds apart — one’s a small-town mechanic with a criminal past, the other a city doctor trying to prove himself — they share more than a passing similarity. Both men are flawed, passionate, and navigating lives defined by pressure and expectation.

Hollingsworth’s ability to embody these roles with authenticity and emotional nuance is no coincidence. His training ground in Code Black — with its fast-paced scripts, high emotional stakes, and layered character arcs — likely honed the very skills that make Brady such a compelling figure in Virgin River.

As Brady continues to evolve, caught between romance, redemption, and the ghosts of his past, fans can appreciate the foundation that was laid years earlier in a very different setting.

A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Hollingsworth?

With Virgin River continuing to grow in popularity and rumors swirling about new story arcs for Brady in upcoming seasons, Hollingsworth’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. And now, with renewed attention on his Code Black days, he’s not just being celebrated for what he’s doing now — but also for how far he’s come.

Fans are already calling for a streaming re-release of Code Black or even a revival, spurred by nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for Hollingsworth’s powerful performance. Whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: the actor has left an indelible mark on both genres.

Final Thoughts: A Career of Complexity and Heart

Ben Hollingsworth’s unexpected throwback to his days as Dr. Mario Savetti is more than a charming social media moment — it’s a reminder of his depth, range, and the path that led him to win hearts as Brady in Virgin River. As fans continue to cheer for him in his current role, this glimpse into his past serves as a powerful testament to the complexity and emotion he brings to every character he portrays.

In the end, whether he’s saving lives in a chaotic ER or trying to salvage his own in a small-town drama, Hollingsworth remains one of television’s most compelling and underrated talents — and his fans wouldn’t have it any other way.