Findlay, Ohio – Acclaimed TV and Broadway star Gavin Creel has passed away at the age of 48 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, as confirmed by his publicist. Creel, who was best known for his work on the stage, garnered critical acclaim for his performances on Broadway and the West End.
Most notably, Creel shone in productions such as Hello Dolly! opposite Bette Midler, where he earned a Tony Award in 2017 for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl. His talent and charisma were celebrated by many in the entertainment industry, with colleagues like British star Hannah Waddingham expressing shock and immense sorrow at his untimely death.
Fellow actors, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Sutton Foster, shared heartfelt tributes to Creel on social media, reminiscing about his undeniable talent and warm personality. Miranda fondly recalled Creel’s early role as King George III in the workshop stage of Hamilton, emphasizing his magnetic stage presence and charm.
Creel’s impact extended beyond the stage, as he co-founded Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for marriage equality within the theatre community. His dedication to meaningful causes and his immense talent made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Throughout his career, Creel took on a variety of roles both on stage and on screen, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From his acclaimed performance as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon to his recent role in Sara Bareilles’ Waitress, Creel’s contributions to the arts were vast and memorable.
Born in Findlay, Ohio, Creel’s passion for performing shone brightly from a young age. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, he brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the world with his performances. While his sudden passing is a tremendous loss to the entertainment community, his legacy and impact will undoubtedly live on through his work and the memories he leaves behind.