One Tree Hill stars Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz have remembered their "talented" co-star Paul Teal following his death at the age of 35.
Teal, who played closeted actor Josh Avery on the seventh season of One Tree Hill, had been diagnosed with cancer before his death on Friday.
His partner, Emilia Torello, announced the news of his death on Instagram, describing him as "the most thoughtful, inspiring, driven, self-disciplined, loving man" in a statement.
While Ms Torello did not reveal the cause of his death, a Meal Train fundraiser set up to help the grieving family said Teal had been diagnosed with cancer eight months before his death.
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Among those paying tribute was his One Tree Hill co-stars Bush, who played Brooke Davis on the hit show, and Lenz, who starred as Hayley James, on Instagram.
"Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Teal," Bush wrote.
"He's such a talent," she added.
Lenz shared a lengthy post describing Teal as "the kind of guy who lit up a room without trying", noting 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’s musical production of The Notebook in 2006," she said.
"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 humour 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 said Teal was "too young to die", adding: "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."
During his career, Teal also starred as Detective Clark in the 2022 thriller Deep Water with Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas.
Teal’s talent agency STW confirmed his death in a statement on Instagram, saying he will be "truly missed".
"With heartfelt sorrow, we share the news of the passing of our beloved actor and friend, Paul Teal," it said.
"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."
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After announcing his death, Ms Torello said her "soon-to-be-husband" had filled her "stomach with butterflies" and her "lungs with laughter".
"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 wrote.
"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."
Source: Press Association
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