Hallmark’s ‘Savoring Paris’ Reminded Star Bethany Joy Lenz of Her Role as Haley in the Hit The CW Show ‘One Tree Hill’

Bethany Joy Lenz’s latest role in the Hallmark Channel movie “Savoring Paris” has not only pushed her to explore new facets of her acting skills but also rekindled memories of her breakout role as Haley James Scott on the beloved teen drama “One Tree Hill.” The actress, who captured hearts as Haley, finds herself reflecting on that iconic character as she steps into the shoes of Ella, a burnt-out executive who rediscovers herself in the romantic ambiance of Paris.

In “Savoring Paris,” Lenz’s character, Ella, leaves behind her high-pressure job to start anew in the City of Love. This dramatic shift allows her to embrace life, savoring each moment free from societal expectations. Interestingly, it’s a journey that Lenz finds reminiscent of her early days on “One Tree Hill.”

Bethany Joy Lenz talks about Hallmark’s Savoring Paris:

“When I got to read the script, I was really intrigued by playing a character who kind of reminded me of who Haley was from ‘One Tree Hill,’ like all those years ago,” Lenz shared with TV Insider. Haley James Scott, the character she brought to life in the early 2000s, evolved from a shy, bookish teenager into a confident and bold woman. Lenz sees a parallel in Ella’s journey, which drew her to the role.

“[Haley] evolved into a character who was much more confident and bold over the years. I just thought I haven’t done that since I was so young, in my early 20s. I usually get called to play more tough girl kind of roles, so I was excited by the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone of feeling like a natural leader and allow myself to sort of emotionally sit on the sidelines,” she explained.

Ella, unlike many of Lenz’s previous characters, is not accustomed to taking up much space. This role presented a unique challenge and an exciting opportunity for the actress. “I took this opportunity not just as an actor, but as a human, to experience that. I’m a single mom. I have to step into a leadership role all the time and in so many rooms, so to be able to let myself just relax and let other people take charge for a while and see what it felt like to live in that skin, that was really cool,” she added.

Ella’s narrative in “Savoring Paris” emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own path, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Lenz elaborated, “Ella really tried for a long time to do the thing that everybody says is what you’re supposed to do… I’ve done a lot of that in my life, and I loved being able to bring her to life and help her navigate and find something that actually does fit her.”

Filming in Paris allowed Lenz to experience a shift in perspective, reinforcing the film’s theme of slowing down and reassessing one’s approach to life. She found the experience transformative, realizing that stepping back could be beneficial. “I had this kind of core belief that if I don’t do it, nobody else will. If I don’t get it done, it won’t get done right,” she reflected.

 

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Moreover, Lenz expressed a newfound desire to create more space for others in her life. Inspired by Ella’s journey, she aims to enhance her relationships with her daughter, partner, parents, and friends by being more intentional about allowing others to take the lead. This aspiration mirrors Ella’s journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of a life that truly fits her.

Bethany Joy Lenz’s portrayal of Ella in “Savoring Paris” not only marks a significant step in her acting career but also serves as a poignant reminder of her roots in “One Tree Hill.” Just as Haley grew and evolved, Lenz continues to find new dimensions within herself through her diverse roles, bringing authenticity and depth to each character she embodies.

What is ‘Savoring Paris’ about?: Story and Plot Details

Disillusioned with the corporate grind, Ella (played by Bethany Joy Lenz) throws in the towel and heads to the most romantic city in the world – Paris. There, amidst the charming cafes and aroma of cheese, Ella embarks on a delicious adventure of self-discovery.

Cast:

Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Ella Weber in Savouring Paris. Her love interest includes Serge Pelerin and Gaston Aubergel played by Stanley Weber and Ben Wiggins respectively. The film also stars Manon Azam, Lucy Newman-Williams, Florence Banks, Anya Firestone and others.

Where to Watch ‘Savoring Paris’?