One Tree Hill star Paul Teal dies following secret health struggles aged 35

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

One Tree Hill's Paul Teal has died following a secret health struggle.

Back in 2009, the actor played played movie star Josh in series seven of the programme. As reported by the Mirror, while the cause of his death remains unclear, his fiancée Emilia Torello confirmed that he had been secretly battling a health condition.

Paying tribute to Paul, Emilia said: "The most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man passed 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 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. 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."

Meanwhile, his co-star Bethany Joy Lenz, who was known for playing Haley James Scott said she was "gutted" over the news. She told followers: "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 photos 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." She added that Paul's life was "like a summer romance."

Aside from One Tree Hill, Paul was known for his roles as Deputy Clark in the 2022 movie, Deep Water and Pastor Pete in the TV series, The Hunting Wives.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.