Actor Paul Teal, best known for his work on the teen drama has died. He was 35.
Teal died Friday following a battle with cancer, his agent Susan Tolar Walters confirmed in an emailed statement to USA TODAY on Monday.
“His exceptional talent and kind spirit touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the statement read. “The void he leaves behind will be deeply felt.”
The actor’s fiancée, Emilia Torello, revealed his death in an Sunday, calling Teal “the most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man.”
“Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future,” Torello wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple. “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.”
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.”
Teal made his “One Tree Hill” debut during the series’ seventh season in 2010, portraying closeted actor Josh Avery, who was cast in a film made by Julian Baker (Austin Nichols) and Alex Dupré (Jana Kramer). Josh later made a sex tape with Alex, which led to an extortion scheme against Julian’s father.
Teal’s seven-episode stint on the show ended with Josh coming out as gay to his parents.
Bethany Joy Lenz, Jana Kramer pay tribute to ‘One Tree Hill’ co-star Paul Teal
, who played Haley James Scott on “One Tree Hill,” mourned Teal’s death in a heartfelt Sunday.
“My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying,” Lenz wrote alongside a video compilation of Teal. “His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be near him.”
Lenz said she first worked with Teal on a musical production of the Nicholas Sparks romance The actress, who cast him as Josh when she directed an episode of “One Tree Hill,” commended Teal for his seemingly effortless acting chops.
“With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part,” Lenz wrote. “He was a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”
Teal and Lenz’s “OTH” castmate also took to social media to pay tribute to Teal, writing on her Monday that Teal was “always so sweet and kind and was so fun to work alongside.”
Later in her post, Lenz lamented not staying in touch with Teal after their time working together, writing, “Life is short. I keep thinking that this week.”
“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,” Lenz concluded. “Thank you for sharing your light with us.”
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