Paul Teal Dead at 35, Bethany Joy Lenz Tributes One Tree Hill Costar

One Tree Hill alum Paul Teal has died at the age of 35.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Teal’s partner Emilia Torello advertised via Instagram Sunday, November 17 “Paul, you were my soul mate, my future husband, my rock and my future.”

While Torello did not share any details about Teal’s cause of death, she said he was battling a health issue.

“You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies and my heart with love,” she continued. “You were taken too soon in a battle which you fought valiantly without fail.”

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It’s hard to look back on teen dramas without remembering One Tree Hill, and decades later, fans still talk about its explosive cast. The series, created by Mark Schwahn, aired for nine seasons from 2003 to 2012. It premiered on The WB and then moved to The CW in 2006 when The WB was (…)

Torello’s post included a black and white photo of her and Teal. The actor smiled for the camera as Torello gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“While a part of me died with you, I promise to fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live each and every day,” she wrote. “The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I’m the luckiest person in it because I got to call you mine. I’ll love you forever.”

Teal was best known for his role on One Tree Hill like Josh. He appeared in the drama series for seven episodes in 2010. Costar Bethany Joy Lenz paid tribute to the actor whom she knew well before her One Tree Hill days.

“My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who would light up a room without trying,” Lenz, 43, wrote via Instagram on Sunday. “His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be around him.”

Lenz’s post included a video slideshow of her and Teal on stage together for a 2006 musical adaptation of The notebook.

“He was shy and funny and so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him,” she gushed of working with Teal. “Later, I was giddy about directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I would get to cast a new recurring character, Josh – the sleazy movie star. With his self-deprecating sense of humor and willingness to immerse himself in any character, Paul was perfect for the role. He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”

Lenz added it after One Tree Hill she and Teal kept “on and off contact” and she wished she would have reached out to him “more”.

“Now at 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m sorry,” she said. “Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for one season. Explosive, exciting, deeply moving and unforgettable.”