Paul Teal, an actor best known for starring in CW’s teen drama “One Tree Hill,” has died aged 35.
Teal died on Friday in North Carolina “after a 7-month battle with Stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer,” according to an emailed statement to NTD from his agent at STW Talent, Susan Tolar Walters.
“He has been an important part of the STW family for over 10 years,” the statement reads. “His exceptional talent and kind spirit touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“The void he leaves behind will be deeply felt. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be truly missed.”
Tributes
On Sunday, the actor’s fiancée, Emilia Torello, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering Teal as “the most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man.”“Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future,” Torello wrote, alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple. “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 also featured on the big screen in the 2022 psychological thriller “Deep Water,” starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. He recently appeared in “Descendants: The Rise of the Red” and “Lilly,” both of which were released this year.
Teal’s former “One Tree Hill” co-stars paid tribute to the actor on social media. Bethany Joy Lenz, who played Haley James Scott on the show, remembered him as “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.”
Lenz recalled feeling “giddy” to direct an episode of “One Tree Hill,” in which she'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,” she wrote. “He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted. Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Bursting, exciting, deeply moving, and unforgettable.”
Teal is set to appear as Pastor Pete in the upcoming Starz drama “The Hunting Wives,” featuring Dermot Mulroney, Brittany Snow, and Malin Akerman. The show is expected to premiere in 2025.
