Paul Teal, an actor known for One Tree Hill and Deep Water, has tragically passed away. He was 35.

Teal’s death was announced by his partner, Emilia Torello, in a heartbreaking tribute shared on social media.

Paul Teal passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. His cause of death was cancer.

“The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined and loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,”
Torello wrote in her emotional tribute: “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 fought bravely without fail.

Emilia added that even though he takes a part of her with him, she will fight to keep some joy and live as hard as he clung to his. Torello acknowledged her good fortune that she had the right to call Teal her husband and promised to love him forever.

READ ALSO: Dr. Roger Lim, ER doctor at UNC Caldwell killed by drunk driver in Lenoir crash

She concluded, “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. The world is lucky to have even had a moment with Paul Teal, and I’m the luckiest person in that because I get to call you mine. I will love you forever,”

The late actor, born Paul Joseph Teal, was an astonishing theater actor. A resident of WilmingtonNorth Carolina, he studied at the William Esper Acting studio.

Teal “graced countless local stages with his imaginative performances and dazzling talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theater community,” the Opera House Theater Company said in their own tribute. He was loved by friends, colleagues and fans. Teal, affectionately known as ‘JoJo’, was known for his utmost dedication to his craft and for his sheer charisma in his performances.

He later moved to television, where he played a memorable role as 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 in the role and recalled his complete command of it.

“With his self-effacing sense of humor and his willingness to fully immerse himself in each character, Paul was perfect for the role. He was a pleasure to work with in every setting and he was so generous,” Lenz wrote.

Teal’s other roles have included The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Dynasty, Good Behavior, Psychodrama, USS Christmas, American Rust, Outer Banks and more.