Bethany Joy Lenz



Bethany Joy Lenz (formerly Galeotti) born April 2, 1981), also known as Joie Lenz, is an American actress, director, producer, and musician, best known for her portrayal of Haley James Scott on the CW television drama One Tree Hill.

She has also starred as Michelle Bauer Santos on the CBS Daytime soap opera Guiding Light and is recognized for her music as a solo artist and as a member of the band Everly. ==Early life [edit] ==

Bethany Joy Lenz was born on April 2, 1981 in Hollywood, Florida. Lenz is an only child to Robert George Lenz, a history teacher and therapist, and Catharine Malcolm Holt Shepard, a personnel manager and entrepreneur. She is of Australian(from her paternal side), Scottish, German and Irish descent. She actually has lineage that trace all the way back to the Scottish King Malcolm  Her grandfather, George Lenz, was a regular on the Broadway stage in the 1950s starring in musicals Wish You Were Here, South Pacific, and many others. Following in her grandfather's footsteps, Lenz began singing at the early age of three at The Carpenter's Church in Lakeland, Florida. At the age of seven, Joy and her family moved to Arlington, Texaswhere she attended Pope Elementary. She was also enrolled in The Creative Arts Theater and School where she took dance, tap, jazz, acting and theater classes. At seven years old, Lenz landed her first stage role playing a Munchkin in a local production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Three years later, Lenz played Scout in the production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Irving Community Theater in Texas. ==Personal life [edit] ==

When she was not filming One Tree Hill in Wilmington, North Carolina, Lenz lived in Battle Ground, Washington with her husband Michael Galeotti - whom she married in December 2005.

In February 2011, Lenz announced the arrival of their daughter, Maria Rose Galeotti, and a year later made the unexpected announcement that she would be divorcing her husband. Lenz released the following statement, "you'll all be wondering soon why everyone is calling me "Bethany Joy Lenz" again. I'm sorry to say that Michael and I have decided to divorce. We remain friendly and dedicated to raising our beautiful girl in love and we appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time." Due to the divorce, Lenz now resides in Los Angeles with her daughter.

In December 2012, Lenz and her daughter, Maria were photographed shopping. With them was fellow actor and close friend, Wes Ramsey. Speculations began to surface whether the two were an item. On March 10, 2013 the pair was seen arriving and leaving the Lakers Youth Foundation event holding hands, confirming them as a couple. ===Philanthropy [edit] ===

Introduced to Love146 by bandmate, Amber Sweeney, Lenz has been actively supporting the international human rights organization largely through social media outlets. On June 12, 2011 through her official Twitter account, Lenz revealed details of her newest project; an online boutique called "Lark". The boutique sells apparel with original designs by Lenz and all proceeds benefit Love146, To Write Love On Her Arms, as well as Reading is Fundamental.