Friends to Wilmington actor Paul Teal reflect on their memories

"You would call him a triple threat in terms of incredible vocalization, incredible actor, and mover."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–We told you on Monday that “One Tree Hill” actor Paul Teal has died at the age of 35 after a battle with cancer. Many people in the local theatre and acting community are reeling from the news about Teal’s death.

“I cried for a long time. You don’t expect that—never from someone that young. As you can imagine, it was heartbreaking—heartbreaking. I’m getting emotional now just thinking of that,” says Shane Fernando.

It’s news that sent shockwaves to many in Wilmington. 35-year-old Paul Teal died from pancreatic cancer.

“You would call him a triple threat in terms of incredible vocalization, incredible actor, and mover,” Fernando explained.

Sitting inside Thalian Hall, talking about his dear friend Shane Fernando.

“Every opportunity I had to work with him, I treasure that,” Fernando said. “He taught me so much, and he will be alive in my memory for the rest of my days.”

If there were only a few words to describe the One Tree Hill actor, it would be kind, courageous, and hardworking.

Keelin: “What was your relationship like with Paul?
Fernando: “He was a colleague. Someone I worked with on stage. We had so many great memories, whether it was playing Switch at my house or talking about plays we wanted to do or were interested in.”

The two worked together on several shows, with Fernando directing. One of the last projects Teal worked on was Newsies. It’s a musical about a group of newspaper boys fighting for their rights during the 1899 New York City Newsboy strike.

“That’s a very intense role, and even with all of that, he still had time to work with the other cast members,” Fernando said.

But, just as his career was thriving, everything changed. Teal was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

“Seeing his strength and the fight in him made me strong. I need to be strong for him, and he’s strong for me,” Fernando said.

Teal’s legacy will live on. Not just in his performances but in the kindness and determination he showed to others around him.

“He met nothing but a friend in whoever he met,” Fernando described.

A vigil is on display in Thalian Hall’s lobby. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in downtown Wilmington Friday at 2 p.m.