One Tree Hill actor Paul Teal has died. He was 35.
Teal played film star Josh Avery in season seven of the long-running drama series.
His death was announced by his partner Emilia Torello in a post on Instagram.
“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” wrote Torello.
“Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future. You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies, and my heart with love. You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely without fail.
“While a part of me died with you, I promise to fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every single day.
“The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I am the luckiest person in it, because I got to call you mine. I will love you forever.”
Teal’s former One Tree Hill co-star Bethany Joy Lenz was among those paying tribute on social media, with Lenz writing on Instagram: “My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be near him.”
Teal was born in 1989 and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina.
One Tree Hill was filmed in the same city, but he wasn’t cast in the show until after he had moved to New York to pursue acting opportunities. “I guess being a New York actor sounds a lot better,” Teal told local paper Star News Online.
He started acting at the age of 12, appearing in the chorus of stage productions at the Opera House Theatre Company before landing more substantial roles in shows including The Producers, West Side Story and Grey Gardens.
He first worked with Lenz on a musical production of The Notebook in 2006. “He was shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage,” remembered Lenz. “Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.”
In 2009, Lenz directed one of the One Tree Hill episodes that Teal starred in. “I was giddy to be directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh - the sleazy movie star,” she wrote. “With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part. He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”
Teal’s other film and television credits included appearances in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Fear Street, Outer Banks and Deep Water.
