On November 15, 2024, actor Paul Teal passed away at the age of 35. Teal is best remembered for his portrayal of Josh Avery in the TV series “One Tree Hill.”
Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, announced his death on Instagram. In her post, she characterized him as a man of immense thoughtfulness, inspiration, determination, and love. She referred to him as her “soulmate” and “soon-to-be husband.”
Teal was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in April 2024. Despite his illness, he continued to pursue his acting career, finishing filming for the upcoming Starz series “The Hunting Wives.” His partner, Torello, mentioned that the support from the cast and crew was instrumental in his battle against the disease.
Bethany Joy Lenz, who played Haley James in all nine seasons of “One Tree Hill,” posted a touching tribute to Paul Teal on Instagram. She remembered Teal’s friendly demeanor, noting his smile, laughter, and kindness were traits that attracted people to him.
Lenz first met Teal in 2006 during a musical production of “The Notebook,” predating their collaboration on “One Tree Hill.” As a director of an episode of the show, she was excited to cast him as Josh, a recurring character with a sleazy movie star persona. She admired Teal’s humor, humility, and dedication to his roles and praised his generous approach to work.
In addition to “One Tree Hill,” Teal’s acting credits include TV series like “Outer Banks,” “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” “American Rust,” “The Staircase,” and “George & Tammy.” In 2022, he played Deputy Clark in the film “Deep Water,” alongside Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas.
Teal, a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, started his acting career in local theater productions at the age of 12. His love for the arts led him to the television and film industry, where he left an indelible mark on colleagues and viewers alike.
In response to Teal’s passing, Torello pledged to find joy in life as Teal did, stating, “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.”
Paul Teal leaves behind a legacy of talent, kindness, and dedication to his craft in the entertainment industry. His work in television and film, as well as the personal relationships he cultivated, continue to echo among those who had the honor of working with him.
