On November 15, 2024, actor Paul Teal, recognized for his portrayal of Josh Avery in the TV series “One Tree Hill,” died at the age of 35.
Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, confirmed his death via an Instagram post, in which she conveyed her deep grief and praised Teal’s character. She characterized him as a loving, inspired, self-disciplined man and described him as her “soulmate” and “soon-to-be husband.”
In April 2024, Teal was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. Despite his health condition, he maintained his professional commitments, finishing filming for the forthcoming Starz series “The Hunting Wives.” Torello acknowledged the significant role of the cast and crew’s support in Teal’s battle against cancer.
Bethany Joy Lenz, who played Haley James in all nine seasons of “One Tree Hill,” posted a heartfelt tribute to Paul Teal on Instagram. She reflected on Teal’s inviting personality and how his smile, laughter, and kindness attracted people towards him.
Lenz first met Teal in 2006 during a musical production of “The Notebook,” before they collaborated on “One Tree Hill.” As a director for an episode of the show, she was delighted to cast him as Josh, a character with a disingenuous movie star persona. She credited Teal’s humor, humility, and commitment to his roles as reasons for his perfect fit, commending him as a joy to work with and generous in his approach.
In addition to “One Tree Hill,” Teal’s acting career included appearances in TV series like “Outer Banks,” “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” “American Rust,” “The Staircase,” and “George & Tammy.” In 2022, he played the role of Deputy Clark in the film “Deep Water,” featuring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas.
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Teal started acting in local theater productions when he was 12 years old. His love for the arts led him to a career in television and film, where he left a lasting impression on both colleagues and audiences.
Following Teal’s death, Torello pledged to find joy in life as Teal did, stating, “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.”
Paul Teal’s memory lives on in the entertainment industry, remembered for his talent, kindness, and dedication to his craft. His contributions to television and film, as well as his personal relationships, continue to touch those who had the privilege of working with him.
