Actor Paul Teal, known for his recurring role as Josh Avery on “One Tree Hill,” has died at age 35.
He passed away in North Carolina on Nov. 15 after a seven-month battle with Stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, his rep confirmed.
“With heartfelt sorrow, we share the news of the passing of our beloved actor and friend, Paul Teal,” his agency, STW, said in a statement to TODAY.com. “He has been an important part of the STW family for over 10 years. His exceptional talent and kind spirit touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. The void he leaves behind will be deeply felt.”
Teal was known for playing Josh Avery in seven episodes of the teen drama “One Tree Hill” in 2010, and he also had roles in the CW’s “Dynasty,” “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” and HBO’s “The Staircase.”
Teal’s partner, actor Emilia Torello, posted about his death on Instagram, 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,” she wrote. “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.”
“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,” she continued. “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.”
What type of cancer did Paul Teal have?
Teal died of Stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer, his rep said.
Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer starts in the neuroendocrine cells of the pancreas, according to the American Cancer Society. These types of tumors are less common but also less aggressive than other types of pancreatic cancers. Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Maria Menounos was also recently diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms
Symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors will vary depending on the type of tumor, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Some tumors may cause acid reflux, burning stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms, while others may lead to jaundice and more generic pain.
For the more common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society, include: jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, itching skin, weight loss, belly and back pain, nausea, vomiting, gallbladder and liver problems, and blood clots.
Who did Paul Teal play on ‘One Tree Hill’?
Teal played Josh Avery on “One Tree Hill” during a seven-episode long stint in Season 7 of the show, which aired from 2009 to 2010.
Several of Teal’s fellow “One Tree Hill” actors paid tribute to him on social media.
“Sending love and prayers to @paulteal family and friends,” Jana Kramer wrote in her Instagram story, sharing a throwback photo of her and Teal. “I had the absolute pleasure (of) working with him on season 7 of OTH. He was always so sweet and kind and was so fun to work alongside. OTH family, wrap his family and friends in prayers please.”
Bethany Joy Lenz, who played Haley James Scott on “One Tree Hill,” also shared her grief about Teal’s passing.
“My heart is heavy,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
She added that she and Teal worked together in a musical production of “The Notebook” in 2006, and recalled him being “shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage.”
Later, Lenz says she cast Teal as Josh when she directed an episode of “One Tree HIll,” and called him “a joy to work with in any environment and so generous.”
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