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Hallmark star Bethany Joy Lenz is mourning the loss of a friend and former co-star. Find out what Lenz said about Paul Teal, who had a guest starring role on One Tree Hill.
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Teal, who played Josh in season seven of One Tree Hilldied November 15 after a battle with cancer. He was 35. His partner, Emilia Torello, shared the devastating news on Instagram. “The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Torello 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 butterflies, and my heart with love. You were taken too soon, in a battle that you fought bravely without fail.”
She continued, “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.”
In a November 17 Instagram post, Lenz expressed her sadness over the loss of her friend. “My heart is heavy. Paul Teal was the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying,” she wrote. His bright smile, infectious laugh and kind heart made you want to be near him.”
Lenz and Teal first met when she put on a stage production of The Notebook in 2006. “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,” she explained. “Wow. Like his second skin. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.”
She continued, “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.”
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Lenz admitted, “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.”
She added, “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… I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”
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Teal played the role of Josh in seven episodes of One Tree Hill — the character dated Jana Kramer’s character, Alex, before coming out as gay. He also had a role in Deep Watera 2022 film starring Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas, and was in two episodes of Outer Banks.
The Opera House Theatre Company in Wilmington, North Carolina paid tribute to Teal as well, writing in a Facebook post: “We are deeply saddened to share that one of our own, Paul Teal passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer. 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.”
The theatre company added, “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.”
For more on Hallmark, check out our gallery below of the adorable Hallmark couples who found love on-screen and off-screen.
