“One Tree Hill” alum Paul Teal has died. He was 35.
Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, broke the news of his death on Instagram Sunday.
“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrote, alongside a black-and-white picture of the couple.
“Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future,” she continued. “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,” Torello added. “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.”
Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred in all nine seasons of “OTH” as Haley James, posted an Instagram tribute to Teal on Sunday.
“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,” said Lenz, 43.
The actress recalled meeting Teal on the set of a musical production of “The Notebook” in 2006, before they crossed paths on “OTH.”
“Later, 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,” Lenz said. “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.”
“We stayed in touch on and off,” she went on. “I wish it had been more. I wish I’d called all those times I meant to but got distracted. Life is short. I keep thinking that this week. Life is short.”
Teal appeared in seven episodes of the hit teen drama series in 2010. He played movie star Josh Avery, the love interest of Jana Kramer’s character Alex Dupre. It’s later revealed that Josh is gay.
According to his IMDb, Teal also appeared in episodes of “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” “Outer Banks,” “American Rust,” “The Staircase,” and “George & Tammy.”
In 2022, he played Deputy Clark in Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas’ movie “Deep Water.”
