NEW YORK (AP) – Fans of Broadway were devastated by the news of the passing of Gavin Creel, a beloved musical theater star who captured the hearts of audiences with his incredible talent. Creel, who earned a Tony award for his performance in Hello, Dolly! alongside Bette Midler, succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of cancer at his Manhattan home at the age of 48.
His publicist, Matt Polk, confirmed that Creel passed away from metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a diagnosis he received just this past July. Colleagues and friends from the industry, like Midler and Idina Menzel, took to social media to express their grief and share their fond memories of working with Creel.
A true Broadway veteran, Creel showcased his versatility by excelling in both classic revivals and modern productions. He received critical acclaim for his role as Dr Pomatter in Waitress and earned an Olivier award for his performance in The Book of Mormon. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, also paid tribute to Creel for his early involvement in the development of the hit musical.
Born in Findlay, Ohio, Creel’s journey to stardom began after graduating from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1998. He made his mark on Broadway with roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, and Hello, Dolly!, where he won the Tony award for best featured actor in a musical.
In addition to his stage work, Creel was a passionate advocate for social causes, notably championing the federal Marriage Equality Act by co-founding Broadway Impact. His impact extended beyond the stage, as he appeared in films like Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime.
Creel’s legacy will live on through his family, including his mother, father, sisters, and partner, as well as through the countless fans and colleagues who were touched by his talent and generosity. His contribution to the world of musical theater will be remembered for years to come, as his commitment to the arts and activism left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.