Actor Paul Teal, who was best known for his appearances in such films as 2022′s “Deep Water” and on the TV series “One Tree Hill,” has died at the age of 35.
Teal died Nov. 15 of cancer, according to Forbes, and his fiancée, actor Emilia Torello, announced his death via an Instagram post:
“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024.
“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 first big break came in 2010, when he appeared on seven episodes of the teen drama “One Tree Hill,” where he played Josh Avery, a closeted actor cast in a film made by characters Julian Baker (Austin Nichols) and Alex Dupré (Jana Kramer).
He also played Brad Wolgamott in “The Staircase” miniseries in 2022 and as Deputy Clark in the Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas thriller, “Deep Water.”
“One Tree Hill” star Bethany Joy Lenz, who met Teal in 2006 when she was working on a musical version of “The Notebook,” posted her own Instagram tribute to him 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.
“I worked closely with Paul for months when he played Noah in my and @ronaniello musical production of The Notebook in 2006.
“He was shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.
“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.
“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.
Lenz said that, though she did stay in touch with Teal over the years, she wished 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.”
Lenz discussed other memories of Teal before ending her post with, “I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”
Lenz’s fellow “One Tree Hill” castmate Sophia Bush also paid tribute to Teal on X, formerly Twitter, and said he “was such a joy to work with.”