It has been disclosed that Paul Teal, a TV and stage actor who appeared on shows including One Tree Hill, died Friday in Raleigh, N.C. He was 35.
The death was announced by the representative for the actor in a public statement, It was noted that the the actor had died of cancer. According to Emilia Torello, Teal’s partner, the causes of the death were shared with TMZ the patient noted that the actor had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April. The news was first broken by Torello after she shared more about the actor’s death online.
Torello in a post on Instagram paid a Tribute stating that you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future. The tribute further stated 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.
Teal’s first appearance on Television was with his guest role as Josh on “One Tree Hill” for seven episodes. During the program, Josh pursues a romantic relationship with Alex, played by Jana Kramer, before he reveals he is gay.
Bethany Joy Lenz, who acted alongside Teal and also directed him in One Tree Hill, shared her homage from the days they met in theatre during a 2006 production of The Notebook.
Bethany Joy Lenz stated in her Instagram post that you couldn’t take your eyes off him. She further explained that later, she was giddy to be directing an episode of One Tree Hill where she would get to cast a new recurring character, Josh-the sleazy movie star. With his self-effacing sense of humour and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part.
After getting his acting break in One Tree Hill, Teal went on to play supporting roles in some interesting projects such as Dynasty, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, USS Christmas, Fear Street Part 2: 1978, Deep Water” and Descendants: The Rise of Red. Teal filmed his part in the upcoming Starz series The Hunting Wives during his fight with cancer.
He was also known for his theatre roles, playing leaders in Newsies, Sweeney Todd and Rent at opera and theatre houses across the country.