Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star Gavin Creel Passed Away at 48

Gavin Creel, a Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical theatre veteran, passed away at age 48 on Monday. The cause was metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, as confirmed by his publicist Matt Polk and partner Alex Temple Ward. Creel was diagnosed in July 2024. This is prepared by SSP.

Born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio, Creel developed an early interest in performing, credited to his grandmother who was a music teacher. He later honed his skills at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, graduating in 1998. His breakout role was Jimmy Smith in the Broadway production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," earning his first Tony nomination in 2002.

Throughout his career, Creel displayed an affinity for both Golden Age revivals and modern productions. He starred in "La Cage aux Folles," "Hair," "She Loves Me," and the wildly successful 2017 revival of "Hello, Dolly!" robustly praised for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl and earning him a Tony Award. He also won an Olivier Award for his role in "The Book of Mormon."

Beyond Broadway, Creel took his talents to the West End, notably playing Dr. Pomatter in "Waitress" (paired with composer Sara Bareilles) and Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf in "Into the Woods," transferring the show to Broadway for an extended run and earning a Tony nomination for best musical revival.

A well-liked member of the New York theater community, Lin-Manuel Miranda recalled Creel’s impact: "He wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his mind-blowing charisma and talent." His artistry extended offstage, where he was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and co-founder of the non-profit Broadway Impact, which notably supported the federal Marriage Equality Act.

Creel's versatile performances were accentuated in television roles, including appearances in "Eloise at the Plaza," "Eloise at Christmastime," and Ryan Murphy’s "American Horror Stories." He found solace in personal projects too, including his 2022 solo concert filmed for PBS’s "Stars Onstage at Westport Country Playhouse" and the memoiristic show "Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice," though reviews were mixed.

Fondly remembered for his contributions both on and off the stage, Creel is survived by his parents, Nancy Clemens Creel and James William Creel, sisters Heather Elise and Allyson Jo Creel, and his partner, Alex Temple Ward. His legacy as a gracious team player and creative spirit remains indelible in the Broadway community and beyond.