One Tree Hill actor Paul Teal has died aged 35.

Teal – who played movie star Josh Avery in season seven of the WB series in 2009, died November 15 after a battle with cancer, his fiancee Emilia Torello announced in an Instagram post on Sunday.

She wrote: ‘The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man pᴀssed away on Friday, November 15, 2024.

‘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.

‘While a part of me died with you, I promise to fight to find joy in life as hard as you fought to live every single day. 

‘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.’

One Tree Hill actor Paul Teal has died aged 35 – pictured with fiancee Emilia Torello in August

Teal – who played movie star Josh Avery in season seven of the WB series in 2009, died November 15 after a battle with cancer (pictured with Jana Kramer as Alex Dupre)

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.

‘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.

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’

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 2023 

@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.’

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.