Bethany Joy Lenz’s Ex-Husband Wanted Her to Quit Acting

Bethany Joy Lenz endured a challenging decade as a member of the Big House Family cult, finding solace in the hit TV show One Tree Hill.

Exploring Lenz’s Time in the Cult

Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Lenz revealed details about her toxic marriage within the insular Christian community, where her husband was also a group member and the leader’s son. Despite the difficulties in her personal life, she found emotional refuge in her onscreen relationship with James Lafferty’s character on One Tree Hill.

When asked about using her onscreen romance as an escape, Lenz acknowledged that it provided a temporary emotional reprieve, unrelated to any real-life feelings for her co-star.

Professional Boundaries with James Lafferty

Lenz clarified that while she portrayed a romantic relationship on screen, she and Lafferty maintained a strictly professional dynamic behind the scenes, viewing each other as siblings.

With her husband disapproving of her acting career, Lenz navigated financial control within the cult, unaware of the extent of their manipulation over her finances.

Breaking Free from the Cult

Lenz described how the cult normalized her husband’s authoritarian behavior, attributing it to his perceived spiritual authority within the community.

Eventually leaving the cult after the birth of her daughter, Lenz credited her co-stars and the production schedule of One Tree Hill for aiding in her detachment from the group.

Impact of One Tree Hill on Lenz’s Life

Reflecting on the support she received from her castmates, Lenz highlighted the role of the show in providing a sense of safety and encouragement during a challenging period in her life.

Additionally, her forthcoming book, “Dinner for Vampires,” delves further into her experiences within the cult, offering a deeper insight into her journey.

For more insights from Bethany Joy Lenz, listen to her podcast appearance on Call Her Daddy.

FAQs

Q: How did One Tree Hill impact Bethany Joy Lenz’s life?

A: One Tree Hill and her castmates played a significant role in helping Lenz detach from the cult and providing support during a challenging time.

Q: What aspects of the cult did Lenz discuss on the Call Her Daddy podcast?

A: Lenz opened up about her toxic marriage within the Christian community and the financial control exerted over her by the group.

Credit: ew.com