Paul Joseph Teal

Paul Joseph Teal, beloved son, brother, actor, and friend, passed away on November 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous and long-fought battle with cancer. He was 35 years old. Paul will be remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew him for his infectious smile, loving personality, and unwavering passion for the arts.
A Wilmington native, Paul was a proud graduate of Hoggard High School, where he first began pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. His love for the stage took him from local productions to the bright lights of New York City, where he honed his craft at the William Esper Studio (NYC) in the two-year Meisner Program, as well as the T. Schreiber Studio (NYC) in their Spring Conservatory. His commitment to his art was evident in the many roles he played on screen and stage, from his notable television and film appearances in One Tree Hill, The Staircase, Deep Water, The Hunting Wives, Outer Banks, Fear The Walking Dead and other productions, to his powerful performances in leading roles on stage, including Newsies, The Last Five Years, and The Notebook: The Musical. Paul's talent and drive touched many, and he was always excited for what the future of his career would bring.
In addition to his acting career, Paul cherished the close relationships he formed with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving father, Joe (Chrissy) Teal; his mother, Julie Gill (Gary Gothard); his grandmother, Victoria Teal; sisters Annie (Mike) Mast and Sallie Teal (Mike Burbridge); step brothers Aaron (Katie), Michael (Chrissy); uncles Brooks (Mary) Teal, Charles (Sill) Teal, and Jonathan Gill; aunts Cheryl Gill, Sally Gill (Lisa Poteat); and nieces and nephews Parker, Sebastian, Adalyn, Riley, and Hudson. He was also dearly loved by his cousins Stephanie (Eamon), Logan (Catherine), Drew, Scott (Jamie) Shelly, Dave (Nicole), Cooper, David, and Cole.
Additionally, Paul was loved and embraced by boundless blended family members including the Meyer, Mackey, Troutman, & Beaver families.
Paul is also deeply mourned by his extended family, including the Torello family-Emilia, Arianna (Blake), Alex, and Tracey who were a constant source of love and support, particularly Emilia, who was the love of Paul's life and fiercely fought alongside him.
Paul was preceded in death by his grandfather's Jennings Teal and John Gill, his grandmother Sally Caddell Gill, and his uncle David Gill.
The family will receive friends Thursday, November 21, 2024 5:30–7:30 PM at First Baptist Activity Center 1939 Independence Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403. A celebration of life will be Friday, November 22, 2024 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church 411 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Neeraj Ramvishal Agrawal, MD, and the dedicated staff at Duke Raleigh for their compassionate care throughout Paul's illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paul's memory to the Opera House Theatre Company (www.operahousetheatrecompany.org) or the Thalian Hall (www.thalianhall.org), both of which played an important role in his theatrical journey.
Paul's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His vibrant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and love of life will be deeply missed.
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