Paul Teal, widely recognized for his role as Josh Avery in Season 7 of One Tree Hill, has passed away at the age of 35. His fiancée, Emilia Torello, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that the actor succumbed to stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer on November 15 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fiancée’s Heartfelt Tribute
A heart-felt, black-and-white kissing picture of herself and Paul on the cheek, with the caption: “Rest in peace for his life as well as our bond. Emilia. ‘Most loving, self-disciplined, driven, inspirational, and thoughtful person'”. She said, “My soulmate, my soon-to-be husband, my rock and my future”.
She thanks them for their time with him, while lamenting about his early death, she says:
“Although a part of me died with him, I promise to fight to find happiness in life as hard as he fought to live each day.”
She concluded: “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.”
A Courageous Battle
Paul was diagnosed in April 2024 with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer; he survived for seven months with it. According to Emilia, his fight was very gutsy and unwavering with his strength.
A Promising Career
Paul Teal career was to be promising, spread between TV, film, and theatre.
-TV and Film Career Highlights:
Dynasty
USS Christmas
The Walking Dead
Fear Street Part 2: 1978
Descendants: The Rise of Red
He was cast to star in the Starz series, The Hunting Wives.
Theatre Work:
Rent
Newsies
Sweeney Todd
Notebook (theatrical special)
Industry Tributes
Bethany Joy Lenz, one of Paul’s co-stars and director on *One Tree Hill*, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. – She described Paul as someone who “lit up a room with ease.”- Lenz said that he was *”shy, funny, and incredibly comfortable on stage.”
She remarked over his death that the time he spent in this world felt like a “summer romance” for all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Legacy Cut Short
Paul Teal leaves a huge void in the lives of the persons who loved him and worked along with him. His impressive talent, irresistible charisma, and unwavering determination made him an inspiration on-screen and off-camera for his fans and colleagues alike. Fans and colleagues continue to pay tributes to the accomplishments and brilliance brought into their lives and mind by Paul Teal.
