Gavin Creel, Tony Award-winning actor and beloved Broadway performer, passed away at 48 from a rare form of cancer, metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. Creel, celebrated for his roles in Hello, Dolly!, The Book of Mormon, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, died at his home in Manhattan on Monday following his diagnosis in July.
Creel’s contributions to theater were monumental. He won a Tony Award for his performance in Hello, Dolly! alongside Bette Midler, and an Olivier Award for his role as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon on the West End. Tributes from the theater community highlighted his talent and warmth. Midler described him as “fantastic,” while Lin-Manuel Miranda recalled Creel’s unforgettable portrayal of King George III in early workshops of Hamilton. “He is so loved, and it’s unimaginable that he’s no longer with us,” Miranda wrote.
Throughout his career, Creel graced the stage in iconic roles, including Dr. Pomatter in Waitress and Claude Hooper Bukowski in Hair. He was also an advocate for marriage equality, co-founding Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Offstage, Creel made memorable TV appearances, including in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories and Eloise at the Plaza opposite Julie Andrews.
Creel is survived by his parents, sisters, and partner, Alex Temple Ward. A private memorial will be held for his family, with a larger celebration of his life planned for the theater community.
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