Paul Teal’s death was announced by his fiancée Emilia Torello.
November 19, 2024, updated 6:31 AM ET
One Tree Hill star Paul Teal has tragically died from pancreatic cancer aged just 35.
RadarOnline.com can reveal that the actor’s death was announced by his fiancée Emilia Torello in an emotional post on Instagram, in which she described Teal as “the most talented man I have ever met.”
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Torello described Teal as “the most talented man I have ever met.”
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Teal, who played movie star Josh Avery in season seven of the series in 2009, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer just seven months before his death in April 2024.
He died in hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Torello said she believed Teal — despite his devastating diagnosis — could beat the disease because of his tenacity.
She said: ‘Once he set his mind to something there was no stopping him.
“He was the most diligent and dedicated person. I truly believed with all my heart that he would come out the other side because of those qualities.
“That makes this loss even more tragic.”
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Teal died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 35.
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Torello revealed that the actor had filmed a brand new series for Starz, The hunting women. during his battle with cancer – and said being on set with his colleagues helped him fight his cancer.
She announced his death in an Instagram post on Sunday, writing: “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined and loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024.
“Paul, you were my soulmate, my husband-to-be, 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 bravely fought without fail.
“Even though a part of me died with you, I promise that I will fight to find joy in life just as hard as you fought to live every day.
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Teal was diagnosed with the disease seven months before he died.
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“The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I’m the luckiest person in it because I get to call you mine. I will love you forever.”
His former co-star Bethany Joy Lenz — who played Haley James Scott on the show — posted a tribute on Nov. 17, saying she was “gutted” by the loss.
She wrote: “My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of man who lit up a room without even trying. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be around him.
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Teal played movie star Josh Avery in One Tree Hill.
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“I worked closely with Paul for months when he played Noah in my and @ronaniello musical production of The notebook in 2006.
“He was shy and funny and so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.
“Later I felt giddy when I got to direct an episode One Tree Hill where I would get to cast a new recurring character, Josh – the sleazy movie star.
“With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to fully immerse himself in each character, Paul was perfect for the role. He was a joy to work with in every setting and so generous.
“We kept in touch off and on. I wish it had been more. I wish I had called all the times I wanted to but got distracted. Life is short. I keep thinking that this week. Life is short.”
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Teal’s ex-One Tree Hill co-star Bethany Joy Lenz paid tribute on Instagram.
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“Here is a video of the few photos I have on my hard drive of Paul as the iconic Noah Calhoun in our little black “box production”.
“And the song is ‘Sunday Train,’ Noah’s big solo, which we recorded that year with Paul singing.
‘Now that he is 35, he has taken a different train. He was too young to die. Way too young. I’m gutted.
“Paul, your time here was like a summer romance for all of us who knew you, especially if only for a season. Bursting, exciting, deeply moving and unforgettable.
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“@nicholassparks wrote this in The notebook novel:
“Summer romances end for all kinds of reasons. Ultimately, they have one thing in common: they are shooting stars. A spectacular flash of light in the sky. A glimpse of eternity. And in a flash… they’re gone.”
“I will miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us. @paulteal.”