Broadway Star Gavin Creel Passes Away at 48

NEW YORK (AP) — Gavin Creel, a celebrated Broadway actor known for his award-winning performances and enduring contributions to theater, passed away on Monday at the age of 48. His publicist, Matt Polk, confirmed that Creel succumbed to metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, at his home in Manhattan.

Creel, a veteran of the stage, was noted for his vibrant portrayals and was recognized with a Tony Award for his role in the 2017 revival of “Hello, Dolly!” where he starred as Cornelius Hackl opposite theater icons Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. The production, directed by Jerry Zaks, was lauded, with Creel being praised for his “energetic and ebullient” performances.

In addition to his Tony win, Creel’s career was marked by several nominations for other notable performances, including roles in “Hair,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and the 2022 revival of “Into the Woods,” where he shared the stage with Sara Bareilles.

Beyond Broadway, Creel also left his mark on the West End stage, earning an Olivier Award for his performance as Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon” in 2014. His roles extended to television, including appearances in Ryan Murphy‘s miniseries “American Horror Stories.” Creel’s film credits include playing the singing waiter Bill in “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmastime,” alongside Julie Andrews.

Originating from Findlay, Ohio, Creel was introduced to the world of musicals by an elementary school teacher, a path he followed to the University of Michigan, where he attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Creel frequently returned to his alma mater to support students and advocate for the arts, founding the Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gavin Creel Activist Artist Endowed Scholarship Fund to promote social justice engagement among students.

Creel’s advocacy was also evident through Broadway Impact, a nonprofit he co-founded aimed at raising awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues. He was an active and outspoken advocate during the Marriage Equality Act movement, significantly influencing his peers and the Broadway community.

He is survived by his parents, Nancy Clemens Creel and James William Creel, his sisters Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel, his partner Alex Temple Ward, and his dog Nina. Creel’s passing marks a significant loss to the theater community, remembered for his talent, advocacy, and influence.

The family has requested privacy and indicated that a memorial will be scheduled at a future date, with suggestions for memorial gifts to honor his legacy.