‘One Tree Hill’ star Paul Teal died aged 35 after a battle with health

“One Tree Hill” alum Paul Teal has died. He was 35.

Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, broke the news of his death on Instagram on Sunday.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man died Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrotealong with a black and white photo of the couple.

“Paul, you were my soul mate, my soon-to-be husband, my rock and my future,” she continued. “You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with butterflies and my heart with love. You were taken too soon in a battle which you fought valiantly 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 each and every day,” Torello added. “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.”

Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred in all nine seasons of “OTH” as Haley James, posted an Instagram tribute to Teal on Sundays.

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

The actress recalled meeting Teal on the set of a musical production of “The Notebook” in 2006 before they crossed paths on “OTH.”

“Later, I was giddy about directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I would have a new recurring character, Josh — the sleazy movie star,” Lenz said. “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.”

“We kept in touch on and off,” she continued. “I wish it had been more. I wish I had called all the times I meant to but got distracted. Life is short. I keep thinking that this week. Life is short.”

Teal appeared in seven episodes of the hit teen drama series in 2010. He played movie star Josh Avery, the love interest of Jana Kramer’s character Alex Dupre. It is later revealed that Josh is gay.

According to his IMDbTeal also appeared in episodes of “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” “Outer Banks,” “American Rust,” “The Staircase” and “George & Tammy.”

In 2022, he played Deputy Clark in Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas’ film “Deep Water”.