The stars of One Tree Hill are grieving the loss of their costar Paul Teal, who tragically pᴀssed away at the age of 35 on Friday.

Teal, who portrayed movie star Josh Avery in season seven of the WB series in 2009, died on November 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 

His fiancée Emilia Torello announced the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from Paul’s castmates.

‘Sending love and prayers to @paulteal family and friends,’ wrote Jana Kramer, who played Paul’s onscreen girlfriend Alex during his time on the show. ‘I had the absolute pleasure of working with him on season 7 of OTH. He was always so kind and so much fun to work alongside.’

The actress also called on the One Tree Hill family to support Teal’s loved ones, adding, ‘Wrap his family and friends in prayers, please.’

Sophia Bush, who portrayed the popular high schooler Brooke Davis, also shared her heartfelt condolences on social media, honoring her late co-star.

The stars of One Tree Hill are grieving the loss of their costar Paul Teal, who tragically pᴀssed away at the age of 35 on Friday – pictured August 2024

His fiancée Emilia Torello announced the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from Paul’s castmates; (Sophia Bush, Chad Michael Murray, Hilarie Burton, James Lafferty, Bethany Joy Lenz in Season 3)

‘Incredibly saddened to hear about the pᴀssing of Paul Teal,’ Sophia wrote in the Nov. 18 Instagram Story. 

Referring to her podcast Drama Queens with One Tree Hill costars Hilarie Burton Morgan and Bethany Joy Lenz, she added, ‘We are just starting to watch his OTH episodes on @dramaqueensoth and he’s such a talent.’

His former co-star Bethany Joy Lenz – who played Haley James Scott on the show – posted a tribute on November 17 saying she is ‘gutted’ by the loss.

She wrote: ‘My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be near him.

‘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 so comfortable on stage. Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him. 

‘Later, I was giddy to be directing an episode of One Tree Hill where I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh- the sleazy movie star. 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.

‘We stayed in touch on and off. I wish it had been more. I wish I’d called all those times I meant to but got distracted. Life is short. I keep thinking that this week. Life is short.

‘Here is a video of the few pH๏τos 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 at 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted.

‘Sending love and prayers to @paulteal family and friends,’ wrote Jana Kramer, who played Paul’s onscreen girlfriend Alex during his time on the show. ‘I had the absolute pleasure of working with him on season 7 of OTH. He was always so kind and so much fun to work alongside’

Sophia Bush, who portrayed the popular high schooler Brooke Davis, also shared her heartfelt condolences on social media, honoring her late co-star

‘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.’ @nicholᴀssparks wrote this in The Notebook novel:

“Summer romances end for all kinds of reasons. When all is said and done, they have one thing in common- they are shooting stars. A spectacular flash of light in the heavens. A glimpse of eternity. And in a flash… they’re gone.”

‘I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us. @paulteal.’

The Wilmington, North Carolina based Opera House Theatre Company confirmed Teal had died after a ‘courageous’ battle with cancer, writing: ‘The lights are a little dimmer this week as one of our brightest stars is gone. 

‘A Wilmington native, Paul graced countless local stages with his imaginative performances and staggering talent, leaving an indelible mark on the theater community. 

‘Affectionately known to many as “JoJo,” he was beloved not only for his artistry but also for his warmth and kindness. 

‘His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the countless stories he brought to life both onstage on screen and in our lives. He wasn’t only a huge talent within our family of actors but a very dear friend. Paul was 35 years old.

‘We will be sharing clips from some of Paul’s treasured performances throughout this week to honor the monumental man and performer that he was.’

Emilia wrote: ‘Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future. You filled my lungs with laughter, my stomach with ʙuттerflies, and my heart with love. You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely without fail’

He appeared in two episodes of Outer Banks in 2021 and played Deputy Clark in Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas film, Deep Water

His former co-star Bethany Joy Lenz – who played Haley James Scott on the show – posted a tribute on November 17 saying she is ‘gutted’ by the loss

Teal is pictured with Emilia in 2022

The Wilmington, North Carolina based Opera House Theatre Company confirmed Teal had died after a ‘courageous’ battle with cancer, writing: ‘The lights are a little dimmer this week as one of our brightest stars is gone’

One Tree Hill was Teal’s first acting credit and saw his character Josh date Jana Kramer’s character Alex Dupre before coming out as gay

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One Tree Hill was Teal’s first acting credit and saw his character Josh date Jana Kramer’s character Alex Dupre before coming out as gay. 

He appeared in two episodes of Outer Banks in 2021 and played Deputy Clark in Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas film, Deep Water.  

He played Brad Wolgamott in 2021 series The Staircase alongside Colin Firth and Toni Colette. 

He was an accomplished stage actor, starring alongside Emilia in 2022’s Newsies in Wilmington. 

His stage credits include, Big River, Into The Woods, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Shakespeare in Love and Sister Act – which would win him the 2018 Wilmington theater award for Best Supporting Actor.