Hallmark Star Bethany Joy Lenz Shares Devastating News: ‘My Heart Is Heavy’

On By Littum

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Hallmark star Bethany Joy Lenz grieving the loss of a friend and former teammate. Find out what Lenz had to say about Paul Teal, who guest-starred One Tree Hill.

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Teal, who played Josh in season seven of One Tree Hilldied Nov. 15 after a battle with cancer. He was 35. His partner, Emilia Torello, shared the devastating news Instagram. “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrote. “Paul, you were my soul mate, my future 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.”

She continued, “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. The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I’m the luckiest person in that because I got to call you mine. I’ll love you forever.”

In a November 17 Instagram post, Lenz expressed his grief over the loss of his friend. “My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying,” she wrote. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be around him.”

Lenz and Teal first met when she was putting on a stage production The notebook in 2006. “I worked closely with Paul for several months when he played Noah in my and @ronaniello’s musical production of The notebook in 2006. He was shy and funny and so comfortable on stage,” she explained. “Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.”

She continued: “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.”

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Lenz admitted, “We kept in touch on and off. 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 on think this week. Life is short.”

She added: “He was too young to die. Way too young. I’m exhausted. Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Explosive, exciting, deep moving and unforgettable… I will miss you Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”

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Teal played the role of Josh in seven episodes of One Tree Hill – the character dated Jana Kramer’s character, Alex, before he came out as gay. He also had a role in Deep Watera 2022 film starring Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas, and was in two episodes of Outer Banks.

The Opera House Theater Company in Wilmington, North Carolina also paid tribute to Teal, writing in a Facebook post: “We are deeply saddened to share that one of our own, Paul Teal, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. The lights are a little dimmer this week as one of the ​​our brightest stars are gone. A native of Wilmington, Paul graced countless local stages with his imaginative performances and staggering talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theater community.”

The theater company added, “Known fondly by many as ‘JoJo,’ he was loved not only for his artistry, but also for his warmth and kindness. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the countless stories he brought to life both on stage on screen and in our lives. He was not only a great talent in our acting family, but a very dear friend.”

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