One Tree Hill’ Star Paul Teal Dies at 35 After Cancer Battle: Tributes Pour In
Paul Teal, the actor best known for his role on One Tree Hill, has passed away at the age of 35 following a courageous battle with cancer. His fiancée and costars are mourning his loss and remembering the impact he had on their lives.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, November 17, Paul’s fiancée, Emilia Torello, shared a photo of them together and wrote, “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024.” She described Paul as her “soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future,” expressing her deep sorrow at his untimely death. “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.” Emilia promised to “fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every single day.”
Paul joined One Tree Hill during its seventh season in 2010, playing the role of closeted actor Josh Avery. His character dated Jana Kramer’s Alex Dupre before coming out as gay. Bethany Joy Lenz, who worked alongside Paul in a 2006 stage production of The Notebook prior to his joining the show, also directed him in an episode of the CW series.
“My heart is heavy,” Joy, 43, wrote in an emotional tribute on Instagram. “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.” Joy shared memories of their time together, saying, “We stayed in touch on and off. I wish 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.” She posted a video featuring photos of Paul as Noah Calhoun in The Notebook, accompanied by the song “Sunday Train,” which Paul sang during the production. “Now at 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted. I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”
Sophia Bush also expressed her sadness on her Instagram Stories on Monday, November 18. “Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Teal,” she wrote over an article about his death. The Chicago P.D. alum, 42, noted how she and Joy are “just starting to watch” Paul’s One Tree Hill episodes on their “Drama Queens” podcast, saying, “he’s such a talent.” Sophia also shared another Story with a link to a Meal Train donation page for Emilia and her family. After Paul’s diagnosis, the couple relocated to his native Wilmington, North Carolina, where One Tree Hill was filmed. The page read, “Paul Teal was a dear friend and loved by so many. He and Emilia moved back to Wilmington when they got his cancer diagnosis, and she and her family were with him for his fight over the past 8 months.” Friends and fans were able to donate money towards meals or schedule meal drop-offs to help support Emilia and her family during this difficult time. Joy generously donated a $200 gift card to the cause.
In addition to his role on One Tree Hill, Paul also appeared in three episodes of the 2022 Max miniseries The Staircase and two episodes of Outer Banks in 2021.
Paul’s legacy as a beloved friend, talented actor, and bright presence in the lives of those who knew him will not be forgotten.
