Paul Teal, best known for his role as Josh Avery on One Tree Hill, has died at the age of 35. His partner, Emilia Torello, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, writing, “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024.”
Torello hailed Teal as her soulmate and “soon-to-be husband,” saying, “You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely and without fail.” While a part of me died with you, I resolve to work as hard to find happiness in life as you battled to live every day.”
Bethany Joy Lenz, who starred as Haley James in One Tree Hill, posted her own tribute, calling Teal “the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying.” Lenz reminisced about meeting Teal in 2006 during a musical production of The Notebook and later casting him as Josh, a recurring character on the show in 2010. “He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous,” Lenz said.
Teal starred in seven episodes of One Tree Hill as Josh Avery, a secret movie star and the love interest of Alex Dupre, played by Jana Kramer. His other credits include The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Outer Banks, American Rust, The Staircase, and George and Tammy. He plays Deputy Clark in the 2022 film Deep Water, opposite Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas.
Teal’s passing is a profound loss to those who knew and worked with him.