Highlights
- Gavin Creel, Tony Award-winning Broadway star, dies at 48 from cancer.
- Creel was diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma in July.
- He won a Tony Award for Hello, Dolly! and an Olivier Award for The Book of Mormon.
- Creel appeared in shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, and She Loves Me.
- A private memorial will be held, with donations requested for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Gavin Creel, the acclaimed Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 48 after battling a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma.
Creel, known for his stellar performances in Broadway classics such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hello, Dolly!, and The Book of Mormon, died at his home in Manhattan on Monday. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Matt Polk.
Creel was first diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma in July and was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York before spending his final days in hospice care.
He is survived by his parents, sisters, and his partner, Alex Temple Ward.
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A Broadway Legend
Gavin Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002, starring as Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie alongside Sutton Foster.
This breakout role earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. Over the years, he graced the stage in iconic productions, including Hair, Waitress, Into the Woods, and She Loves Me.
His standout performance came in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly! where he starred opposite Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce.
Creel’s portrayal of Cornelius Hackl won him his first Tony Award, along with the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards.
Versatile Performer Across Stage and Screen
Beyond his work on Broadway, Creel made a name for himself on television and in film. He appeared in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories in 2021 and played a memorable role in the Eloise movies alongside Julie Andrews.
In 2022, Creel’s solo concert was filmed for the PBS series Stars Onstage at Westport Country Playhouse, showcasing his incredible vocal talent.
Creel also won an Olivier Award for his role as Elder Price in the London production of The Book of Mormon, further cementing his legacy in both American and British theater.
Final Farewell
A small private memorial will be held for close friends and family. His family has requested donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in Creel’s memory, honoring his lifelong dedication to the arts and social causes.
Gavin Creel’s remarkable talent and contributions to the theater world will not be forgotten. His passion, kindness, and extraordinary performances left an indelible mark on audiences and colleagues alike.
Creel’s passing leaves a void in the Broadway community, but his legacy as a dynamic and beloved performer will continue to inspire future generations.
