Paul Teal Dies: ‘One Tree Hill’ Actor Was 35

Paul Teal, an actor with a recurring role on One Tree Hill, has died. He was 35.

Teal’s partner, Emilia Torello, shared a post on social media confirming the actor’s death, which happened on Friday, November 15.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away,” Torello posted on Instagram. “Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-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.”

Torello 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 every single day. The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I am the luckiest person in it, because I got to call you mine. I will love you forever.”

Teal played Josh on One Tree Hill for seven episodes. Co-star Bethany Joy Lenz paid tribute to the late actor with an Instagram post.

“My heart is heavy. 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,” Lenz wrote.

Lenz shared that she “worked closely with Paul” as he played Noah in a musical production of The Notebook in 2006, adding, “He was shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him. 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. He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”

“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 added.

Sophia Bush, who also starred on One Tree Hill, shared the news on Instagram Stories and added, “Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Teal. We are just starting to watch his OTH episodes on Drama Queens [podcast] and he’s such a talent.”

Aside from One Tree Hill, Teal had small roles on shows like Good Behavior (2016), Shots Fired (2017), Dynasty (2019), The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020), USS Christmas (2020), Outer Banks (2021), American Rust (2021), Deep Water (2022), The Staircase (2022), George & Tommy (2023), Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024), Lilly (2024).

Teal is also part of the cast of The Hunting Wives, where he is set to play Pastor Pete in the Starz series expected to premiere in 2025.