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One Tree Hill's Paul Teal, who played a movie star named Josh in the seventh season of the beloved series, has passed away at 35 years old.
Teal's partner, Emilia Torello confirmed the sad news with a heartfelt tribute post, sharing a black and white photo of the two and lengthy message. She shared that Paul passed away on November 15th, calling him "the most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man."
Torello went on to say, "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."
One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz also paid tribute to Paul on her Instagram, writing, "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."
Bethany went on to say that not only did she work with Teal on One Tree Hill, but also in a production of The Notebook in 2006, sharing, "he was shy and funny and so so comfortable on stage." Lenz continued, "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," adding, "He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted."