Paul Teal, an actor known for appearances in One Tree Hill and Deep Water, among others, has tragically died. He was 35.
Teal’s death was announced by his partner, Emilia Torello in a heart wrenching tribute shared on social media.
Paul Teal died on Friday, November 15th, 2024. His cause of death was cancer.
“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,”
Torello wrote in her emotional tribute: “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.”
Emilia added that despite his passing taking a part of her along, she will fight to retain some joy and live life as hard as he clung onto his. Torello acknowledged her luck in having the right to call Teal her man and promised to love him forever.
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She concluded: “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,”
Born Paul Joseph Teal, the late actor was an astounding theater actor. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, he studied at the William Esper Acting studio.
Teal “graced countless local stages with his imaginative performances and staggering talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theater community”, the Opera House Theatre Company said in their own tribute. He was loved by friends, colleagues and fans alike. Affectionately called ‘JoJo’, Teal was known for utter dedication to his craft and for exhibiting pure charisma in his performances.
He later transitioned to television, having a memorable role playing Josh the ‘sleazy movie star’ for seven episodes of One Tree Hill. Director Emma Lenz, who worked with Teal on a production of ‘The Notebook’, cast him for the role and recalled his complete mastery of it.
“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,” Lenz wrote.
Teal’s other roles included The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Dynasty, Good Behavior, Psychodrama, USS Christmas, American Rust, Outer Banks, and more.