Bethany Joy Lenz Remembers LateOne Tree HillCostar Paul Teal in Emotional Tribute: 'My Heart Is Heavy'

Mar. 15, 2025

Bethany Joy Lenzis paying tribute to a longtime friend following his death.The actress shared a heartfeltposton Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 17 as she reflected on her years-long relationship with actor Paul Teal, who died after a battle with cancer at age 35.“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,” Lenz, 43, began her tribute.They first met on a production ofThe Notebookin 2006, she said, and she remembered that you “couldn’t take your eyes off him” onstage.“Later, I was giddy to be directing an episode ofOne Tree Hillwhere I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh- the sleazy movie star,” she continued. “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.“In the post, Lenz shared a collection of photos of Teal from the 2006 musical, as well as several behind-the-scenes photos from the production, all set to a recording of Teal singing “‘Sunday Train,’ Noah’s big solo,” in the show.“Now at 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted,” Lenz continued. “I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us."(L-R) Amy Locicero, Trevor Donovan, Paul Teal in USS Christmas in 2010.Brownie Harris/Hallmark Movie Channel / Courtesy Everett CollectionTeal joinedOne Tree Hillin season 7 in 2010 as Josh, an actor starring in Alex (Jana Kramer) and Julian (Austin Nichols)’s movie. He was briefly romantically involved with Alex before coming out as gay.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.One Tree Hillcan be streamed in full on Hulu and Max.

Bethany Joy Lenzis paying tribute to a longtime friend following his death.

The actress shared a heartfeltposton Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 17 as she reflected on her years-long relationship with actor Paul Teal, who died after a battle with cancer at age 35.

“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,” Lenz, 43, began her tribute.

They first met on a production ofThe Notebookin 2006, she said, and she remembered that you “couldn’t take your eyes off him” onstage.

“Later, I was giddy to be directing an episode ofOne Tree Hillwhere I’d get to cast a new recurring character, Josh- the sleazy movie star,” she continued. “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.”

In the post, Lenz shared a collection of photos of Teal from the 2006 musical, as well as several behind-the-scenes photos from the production, all set to a recording of Teal singing “‘Sunday Train,’ Noah’s big solo,” in the show.

“Now at 35, he’s taken another train. He was too young to die. Far too young. I’m gutted,” Lenz continued. “I’ll miss you, Paul. Thank you for sharing your light with us.”

(L-R) Amy Locicero, Trevor Donovan, Paul Teal in USS Christmas in 2010.Brownie Harris/Hallmark Movie Channel / Courtesy Everett Collection

Brownie Harris/Hallmark Movie Channel / Courtesy Everett Collection

Teal joinedOne Tree Hillin season 7 in 2010 as Josh, an actor starring in Alex (Jana Kramer) and Julian (Austin Nichols)’s movie. He was briefly romantically involved with Alex before coming out as gay.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

One Tree Hillcan be streamed in full on Hulu and Max.

source: people.com