Paul Teal, a highly regarded actor from Wilmington, passed away on November 15 after bravely battling cancer at the young age of 35. He was celebrated for his exceptional talent in musical theater, film, and television, earning a reputation as a triple threat in the performing arts.
The Wilmington theatrical community is grappling with the loss of Teal, reminiscing about their experiences with him through heartfelt social media tributes filled with photos and memories. Fellow actor Mathis Turner expressed how Teal’s talent motivated others to elevate their own performances, stating, “He was a hero to me. A person who had all the talent in the world but never sacrificed his character or sense of compassion.”
Teal graced the stage in numerous productions for various companies in Wilmington, including the Opera House Theatre Co. and the Thalian Association Community Theatre. His versatility shone through as he took on roles from the innocent Huck in “Big River” to the villainous Riff Raff in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
A talented performer, Teal was nominated for six Wilmington theater awards, winning Best Supporting Actor in a musical for his role in “Sister Act” in 2018. His last performance in Wilmington was as Jack Kelly in “Newsies,” further solidifying his legacy as an actor committed to his craft.
Shane Fernando, Thalian Hall’s CEO who directed Teal in various productions, described him as a perfectionist who was supportive and a joy to work with. Even while undergoing treatment, Teal remained engaged in theater, expressing a desire to mentor young actors through the Pied Piper Theatre program.
Teal’s career began at the age of 12, and he often credited Wilmington for shaping his journey in the performing arts. He appeared in several notable film and television projects, including “The Staircase” and “Outer Banks,” and had roles in Wilmington-shot series like “George and Tammy” and “USS Christmas.”
Teal also stars in the upcoming film “Lilly,” which will be screened at Thalian Hall on November 23. His final screen credit will be in the Starz series “The Hunting Wives,” set to air in 2025.
Although funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed, plans for a public memorial at Thalian Hall are underway, allowing the community to honor the memory of a cherished artist.
Paul Teal’s life and career may have been cut short, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers in Wilmington and beyond. His dedication to his craft and his desire to uplift others serves as a lasting testament to the impact he had on those around him.