Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson married: The Truth Behind Their Relationship

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Written By Kanisha Laing

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The “One Tree Hill” fandom was recently shaken when actress Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her portrayal of Haley James Scott, revealed an off-screen moment she shared with Paul Johansson, who played the infamous Dan Scott on the series. Their on-screen relationship was filled with tension, as Dan was the father of Nathan Scott, Haley’s husband.

However, Lenz’s recent revelation about her off-screen kiss with Johansson has left many fans questioning the nature of their relationship. Were Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson married? Let’s dive into the truth behind their connection.

A Surprising Confession

During a February 2024 episode of the “Drama Queens” podcast, Bethany Joy Lenz shocked her co-hosts and former “One Tree Hill” co-stars, Hilarie Burton Morgan and Sophia Bush, when she admitted that she and Paul Johansson had kissed in real life. Fans were already familiar with their characters’ tense interactions on the show, but hearing about an off-screen kiss was entirely unexpected.

Lenz revealed, “I have kissed Paul in real life, and he’s a good kisser,” sending waves of surprise across the “One Tree Hill” fanbase. Although the actress didn’t elaborate on when this kiss happened, her playful demeanor and light-hearted tone suggested it wasn’t anything too serious. Both Lenz and Johansson remain good friends, which makes their off-screen chemistry even more intriguing.

Behind the Scenes: Friendship and Kisses

Bethany Joy Lenz emphasized that the kiss with Paul Johansson was nothing more than a friendly, off-screen moment. On the show, Dan Scott was one of the most notorious characters, and his complicated relationship with Haley made for riveting drama. However,

behind the scenes, Lenz and Johansson had developed a close friendship. “We were definitely super close by then,” Lenz shared on the podcast. “Really, he was probably my best friend on the show at the time.”

Their kiss wasn’t entirely out of place, considering their strong bond as friends. Lenz explained that it wasn’t a romantic moment, but rather a spontaneous and friendly gesture. In fact, their closeness made the kiss even stranger for her when it came time to film a scene where their characters had to kiss on screen.

The On-Screen Kiss: A Forced Moment

In the sixth season of “One Tree Hill,” there’s a memorable episode where Haley, played by Lenz, shares a kiss with Dan Scott, Johansson’s character. This 1940s-themed standalone episode saw their characters in a forced kiss, which Haley responds to by slapping Dan. For Lenz, this scene was particularly uncomfortable, as she had to act out a romantic moment with one of her closest friends.

“It felt strange, because we were definitely super close by then,” Lenz recalled. “But he’s a good kisser, so it was weird in that moment to be having a struggle kiss with someone who’s a friend.” Despite the awkwardness, Lenz praised Johansson’s professionalism and their ability to remain friends throughout the entire experience.

The Slap: A Real Reaction

One of the most talked-about moments from that episode is when Haley slaps Dan after the kiss. According to Lenz, the slap was very real. “He was like, ‘Just hit me,’” she recalled during the podcast. “And I’m like, ‘Paul, I don’t want to hit you’—‘Just hit me!’—‘Alright!’ So I smacked him, but what you saw on camera was the real deal for sure.”

Their friendly banter and trust allowed them to perform the scene authentically. The realness of the slap only added to the intensity of the episode, making it one of the more memorable moments from “One Tree Hill.”

Are Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson Married?

Despite their off-screen kiss and close friendship, Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson are not married. The rumors surrounding their relationship were fueled by Lenz’s recent revelations, but both have confirmed that they are simply good friends. The kiss was a spontaneous moment between two close colleagues, and it hasn’t affected their long-lasting friendship.

Lenz’s candidness about her friendship with Johansson is a testament to their mutual respect and the close bonds formed during their time on “One Tree Hill.” While fans may speculate about their connection, it’s clear that there is nothing more than friendship between them.

The Legacy of “One Tree Hill”

The “Drama Queens” podcast has allowed Bethany Joy Lenz, Hilarie Burton Morgan, and Sophia Bush to revisit their time on “One Tree Hill” and share behind-the-scenes details that fans never knew. The trio often reflects on the friendships they made on set and the

challenges they faced while filming the show. Their love for each other and their castmates has been a constant theme throughout the podcast, even as they discuss some of the more difficult aspects of their time on the series.

In November 2023, many of the show’s alums reunited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “One Tree Hill.” The reunion was filled with laughter, old stories, and new friendships. Austin Nichols, who played Julian Baker on the show, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, saying, “Got to hang out with some great humans this weekend. Old friends. Old stories. Lots of laughs. And made a bunch of new friends.”

Conclusion

While Bethany Joy Lenz’s confession about her kiss with Paul Johansson certainly surprised fans, it’s clear that their relationship remains one of close friendship and mutual respect. Although they shared an off-screen kiss, Lenz has made it clear that there is nothing romantic between them. Their bond, forged through years of working together on “One Tree Hill,” continues to be strong, and their memories of the show will forever be cherished by fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson married?
No, they are not married. They are close friends who shared an off-screen kiss but have no romantic involvement.

2. When did Bethany Joy Lenz and Paul Johansson kiss?
Bethany Joy Lenz did not specify the exact time of the kiss, but she revealed it happened off-screen during their time working on “One Tree Hill.”

3. Was the kiss between their characters planned?
Yes, the on-screen kiss between Haley and Dan was part of a 1940s-themed episode in season six. The kiss was forced, and Haley responded by slapping Dan.

4. What is the “Drama Queens” podcast about?
The “Drama Queens” podcast is hosted by Bethany Joy Lenz, Hilarie Burton Morgan, and Sophia Bush, where they revisit episodes of “One Tree Hill” and share behind-the-scenes stories.

5. Did Paul Johansson respond to Bethany Joy Lenz’s confession?
As of now, Paul Johansson has not publicly responded to Bethany Joy Lenz’s confession, but it has been confirmed that they are still good friends.

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