Actress Bethany Joy Lenz, best known for her role as Haley James Scott on the iconic teen drama One Tree Hill, has recently opened up about a significant chapter in her life. In her memoir, Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!), Lenz reflects on her decade-long involvement with a Christian cult while juggling her acting career.
Unveiling the Cult Experience
During an interview with People, Lenz revealed how her co-star, Craig Sheffer, confronted her about her ties to a religious group while they were filming. According to Lenz, it all started during a casual chat between takes. As she described her “chosen family”—a close-knit group living in a commune-like setting—Sheffer interrupted with, “you know you’re in a cult, right?” Initially, she dismissed the notion, associating cults with outlandish practices rather than her own experience.
Reflecting on Relationships
Lenz’s dedication to her faith caused strain on her relationships with her One Tree Hill castmates. She expressed sadness over the connections she missed out on, acknowledging that her peers were aware of her cult involvement. This led her to feel as though she was living a double life, caught between her commitment to her ‘family’ and her work on set. With her memoir set to release on October 22, she invites readers to delve deeper into her unique journey and the realizations she faced.