— Photo: Matt Murphy
Summary
- Gavin Creel’s Passing: Broadway star Gavin Creel passed away at 48 on September 30, 2024.
- Cause of Death: Diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma in July 2024.
- Legacy in Theater: Known for standout performances in Hello, Dolly! and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
- Tributes: Tributes poured in from Broadway figures such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bette Midler, and Ben Platt.
- Tony and Olivier Awards: Creel won a Tony Award in 2017 and an Olivier Award in 2014 for his performances.
Gavin Creel, Tony Award-Winning Broadway Actor, Dies at 48
The Broadway community is mourning the loss of Gavin Creel, the Tony Award-winning actor who passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 48. Creel, renowned for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly!, died after a brief but intense battle with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
He was diagnosed in July 2024 and had been receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center before entering hospice care at his home in Manhattan.
A Remarkable Broadway Legacy
Creel’s career spanned over two decades, during which he became a household name in musical theater. His breakout role came in 2002 with Thoroughly Modern Millie, where he starred alongside Sutton Foster, earning his first Tony Award nomination.
He went on to secure two more nominations, with his performance in Hair in 2009 and ultimately winning the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2017 for Hello, Dolly!.
In addition to his Broadway success, Creel also earned accolades in London’s West End, where he won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon.
His versatility was evident as he transitioned between Golden Age revivals and modern productions, including roles in Waitress and Into the Woods.
Tributes from the Theater Community
Tributes from colleagues and friends poured in following Creel’s passing. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who worked with Creel during the early workshops of Hamilton, remembered him as their first King George III.
“He wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown,” Miranda shared, emphasizing Creel’s undeniable charisma and talent.
Bette Midler, who performed alongside Creel in Hello, Dolly!, expressed her deep sorrow on social media, calling him a “radiant actor” and a beloved figure within the Broadway community. “I looked forward to working with him every single night,” Midler wrote, “I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss”.
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Ben Platt, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and many others also shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting Creel’s generous spirit and immense talent. Platt called him his “first role model, idol, and hero,” reminiscing about how Creel had guided him backstage after his first Broadway show.
An Activist and Advocate
Beyond his accomplishments on stage, Creel was also an activist and a vocal advocate for marriage equality. In 2009, he co-founded Broadway Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
His efforts to mobilize the theater community for social change left a lasting impact, further solidifying his legacy not just as a performer, but as an advocate.
Gavin Creel leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances, both on Broadway and beyond. His contributions to the world of theater, coupled with his advocacy and activism, ensure that he will be remembered not only as a talented actor but also as a beacon of positivity and kindness.
He is survived by his parents, Nancy and James Creel, his two sisters, and his partner, Alex Temple Ward.