Beloved TV actor Paul Teal has sadly passed away at the young age of 35.
Fans of the hit series One Tree Hill are grieving the loss of Paul Teal, fondly remembered for his portrayal of Josh in the show’s seventh season.
His partner, Emilia Torello, shared the tragic news of Teal’s passing on November 15 through a heartfelt Instagram post made public on November 17
In her moving tribute, Torello expressed, “Paul, you were not only my soulmate and my soon-to-be husband, but also my greatest support and my future.
You brought laughter to my days, filled my heart with love, and left me with cherished memories. Though you left us too soon, battling with unparalleled bravery, a part of me departed with you.
Nevertheless, I promise to discover joy in life, just as you valiantly fought to live every day.” Torello went on to describe herself as ‘the luckiest person in the world’ for having shared her life with him.
Her Instagram account frequently showcased glimpses of their adventures and loving moments, from romantic escapades in Paris in late 2023 to celebrations on his 35th birthday.
Bethany Joy Lenz, Teal’s colleague from One Tree Hill, also offered a touching tribute on social media.
She reminisced about casting Teal as Josh when she directed a series episode in 2010, remembering him as someone who naturally brightened up any room.
Lenz shared memories of first meeting Teal in 2006 during a stage rendition of The Notebook, where his charm and talent were undeniable.
When looking to fill a new role on One Tree Hill, her first thought was of Teal.
Lenz highlighted his “effortless humor and dedication to immersing himself in roles,” which made him ideal for portraying Josh.
In One Tree Hill, Teal’s character, Josh, was involved in a noteworthy storyline about his romantic relationship with Alex (portrayed by Jana Kramer) and his subsequent journey of self-discovery, revealing his sexual orientation.
Teal’s acting career was varied, including roles in the 2021 series Outer Banks, the 2022 thriller Deep Water alongside stars like Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, among other ventures in television and film.
The news of Teal’s passing has deeply saddened both fans and his peers, as his lively spirit and dedication to his acting craft profoundly impacted everyone who knew him.
Emilia Torello revealed that Teal had courageously faced significant health challenges before his passing.
According to reports from TMZ, Teal received a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer in April.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, as noted by the National Cancer Institute, is an uncommon form of pancreatic cancer that originates in the pancreas’s hormone-producing cells.