Emotional Netflix Tribute to Paul Teal in The Hunting Wives Finale
I guess I can simplify this for you. Hello, I’m Jordan Collins, and I’m here to walk you through how Netflix’s The Hunting Wives paid tribute to Paul Teal nine months after his untimely passing.
On April 2024, viewers tuning in to the seventh episode of Netflix’s dramatic series saw a simple yet poignant message: “In loving memory of Paul Teal.” This dedication honored the late actor nine months after he died at age 35 from stage 4 neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. The moment was brief but powerful, appearing at the very end of the episode so that fans could not miss it.
Paul Teal, best known for his guest role on season seven of One Tree Hill, lost his battle on November 15, 2023, in North Carolina. His partner, Emilia Torello, confirmed the news to TMZ shortly afterward. According to her, Paul filmed principal scenes for The Hunting Wives while undergoing treatment, drawing strength from the on set support. She told TMZ that cast and crew members routinely rallied around him when his energy dipped during the seven month fight.
Emilia’s Instagram tributes have turned into a digital chronicle of their love and grief. Within hours of his death, she posted a heartfelt message: “Paul, you were my soulmate, my soon-to-be-husband, my rock, and my future.” She detailed how he filled her life with laughter and butterflies, then vowed on her own page to continue fighting for joy just as he fought for life. That post alone garnered thousands of comments from fans and colleagues who admired Paul’s strength and spirit.
Even personal milestones have become moments for Emilia to honor Paul’s memory. On April 20, her first birthday without him, she shared a video of the two planning a canoe challenge date. In the caption, she admitted it felt unfair to celebrate without him and confessed, “I miss you desperately and I love you more than anything in the entire universe.” Her openness about grief has resonated deeply, turning her feed into a supportive space for anyone coping with loss.
Their relationship began in 2022, with Emilia announcing their romance in matching Halloween costumes. Over the next year, they traveled to Paris, celebrated the Barbie movie release with a cozy date, and rang in Paul’s 35th birthday with batting cages and a treehouse getaway. These moments, now immortalized on Instagram, serve as a testament to their bond and to Paul’s infectious enthusiasm for life.
Netflix’s tribute at the end of that April episode was more than a production note. It was a public acknowledgment of a life cut short and a career brimming with promise. No celebrity fanfare, just a respectful recognition of Paul’s contributions to a show he filmed during his most challenging days.
So there you have it. Now you know how a streaming giant chose to honor an actor who continued to work while battling cancer. Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, TMZ, Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
