Gavin Creel, the Tony Award-winning Broadway star, passed away on September 30, 2024, at 48. The cause of death was metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that Creel had been battling since his diagnosis in July. Known for his impressive range and charismatic stage presence, Creel’s death has left the theater community mourning the loss of a beloved performer.
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” where he played the role of Jimmy Smith. His performance earned him his first Tony nomination and marked the beginning of a career that spanned two decades. He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2017 for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the revival of “Hello, Dolly!,” where he starred opposite Bette Midler. Creel also received the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2014 for his portrayal of Elder Price in the West End production of “The Book of Mormon.”
Outside of Broadway, Creel was known for his advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community. He co-founded Broadway Impact, an organization that supported the fight for marriage equality. He spoke openly about his struggles with his identity, reflecting on the challenges of growing up in a Methodist church that did not accept his sexuality. Creel once said in an interview, “The Tony really felt like a hug from the community I’ve been in for 20 years. That feels good. I can literally do nothing else in my life and I’m still a Tony winner.”
Creel’s versatility as an actor shone through in his numerous Broadway roles. He starred in productions of “Hair,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “She Loves Me, “ and “Into the Woods,” among others. He was often praised for his ability to bring depth and humor to his roles, from the innocent charm of Jimmy Smith to the comically conceited Cornelius Hackl. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of “Hamilton, “ once said that Creel possessed “mind-blowing charisma and talent.”
In addition to his stage work, Creel also appeared in film and television. His notable credits included roles in “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmastime,” as well as an appearance in “American Horror Stories,” where he played a character with deep emotional complexity and intricacy. He expressed a strong desire to bring more LGBTQ+ narratives to the screen, sharing his fulfillment in portraying a character that represented those stories authentically.
Creel’s final project, “Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice,” was a passion project that began during the pandemic. The show, commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, explored Creel’s journey of learning to appreciate art, particularly through the lens of the Met’s collections. Creel poured his heart into the show, which he hoped would eventually tour globally.
Creel’s death has profoundly impacted the theater world, with tributes pouring in from friends and colleagues. Sutton Foster, his co-star in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” posted a photo on Instagram showing her and Creel in a loving moment, expressing that she will always hold him dear.
Bette Midler, Creel’s co-star from “Hello, Dolly!,” shared his passing on her “X” account. She reflected on their time together, noting how he played Cornelius Hackl alongside her Dolly and how she eagerly anticipated working with him every evening. She praised his exceptional talent and expressed disbelief over his passing, calling it a significant loss.
Gavin Creel is survived by his partner, Alex Temple Ward, his parents, Nancy Clemens Creel and James William Creel, and his two sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel. Though his life was cut short, Creel’s contributions to the theater world and his dedication to advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights leave behind a lasting legacy.
