R.I.P. Paul Teal: ‘One Tree Hill’ Star Dead At 35

Paul Teal, who appeared in Season 7 of One Tree Hill, has died at the age of 35.

His partner Emilia Torello announced the news on social media. She did not share the details surrounding his death but noted he passed away after a health “battle.”

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello wrote 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.”

Her statement 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’s One Tree Hill co-star Bethany Joy Lenz also penned a tribute to him. Aside from working with each other on the teen soap, Lenz and Teal also both starred in a musical production of The Notebook in 2006.

“My heart is heavy,” she wrote in a video slideshow of photos from their time working together. “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.”

She said she was “gutted” by the news of his passing.

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“You couldn’t take your eyes off him,” Lenz wrote. “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.”

The young actor starred in seven episodes of One Tree Hill in 2010, marking his first appearance on screen.

He later appeared in Dynasty, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Outer Banks and The Staircase.

He also appeared in the 2022 erotic thriller Deep Water and the 2021 horror Fear Street: Part Two – 1978.

His most recent credited roles are in Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red and Lilly.

At the time of his death, Teal also had an upcoming role in Starz’s new series, The Hunting Wives, in which he is set to play a pastor. A premiere date has not yet been announced.