Paul Teal, a TV and stage actor who appeared on shows including “One Tree Hill,” died Friday in Raleigh, N.C. He was 35.
Teal’s death was confirmed by a representative for the actor, with the cause of death revealed as cancer. Emilia Torello, Teal’s partner, shared with TMZ that he 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.
“You were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future,” Torello wrote in a post on Instagram. “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 first appeared on television with his guest role as Josh on “One Tree Hill” for seven episodes. In the show, Josh pursues a romantic relationship with Alex, played by Jana Kramer, before he reveals he is gay.
Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred alongside Teal and also directed him in “One Tree Hill,” shared her own tribute from the days they met in theater during a 2006 production of “The Notebook.”
“You couldn’t take your eyes off him,” Joy Lenz wrote in her Instagram post. “Later, I was giddy to be directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh-the sleazy movie star. With his self-effacing sense of humor 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 “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.
Teal was also known for his theater roles, playing leads in “Newsies,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Rent” at opera and theater houses across the country.
