Gavin Creel died at the age of 48 (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)
Gavin Creel, the notable Tony Award-winning Broadway actor, died at the age of 48 at his home in Manhattan, his representative Matt Polk told CNN. The news was confirmed by her partner, Alex Temple Ward.
Creel, originally from Findlay, Ohio, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of sarcoma in July 2024 and received treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells, which line the surface of the skin and internal organs. It is one of the most common types of cancer and can develop in various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas and other organs.
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 as Jimmy Smith in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” a performance that earned him his first Tony nomination. Throughout his career, he stood out in productions such as “Hello, Dolly!”, “Waitress” and “The Book of Mormon.” In 2009, he was nominated again for a Tony for his role in “Hair,” and in 2014 he won an Olivier Award for his performance in “The Book of Mormon” in London’s West End.
Gavin Creel loved his role in “Hair” so much that he said he dreamed of performing the play after death (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
It is worth mentioning that Creel loved his participation in “Hair” so much that in 2012 he shared his hope of being able to perform this work even after death.
“When I die, and I mean this may sound very cheesy, I hope to be that man again and do that play with those people. That is my dream – my dream for when I die, that heaven will be – they will accompany me and I will know my lines, and I will get to do that work again,” he said in the interview that has regained relevance after his death. In this same one, the acclaimed actor provided several details of how he imagined heaven, which in retrospect, have generated strong feelings among his loved ones and fans.
“I’ll say hi to my grandma, because I want to say hi to her first, and then I’ll be escorted to the stage door and I’ll walk in and everyone will be there. It will be you and an incredible audience that is ready to see us and we will make it happen.” “It probably sounds like a Hallmark card, or super cheesy. But if I don’t have another moment like this in my career, I have had it. “I am grateful.”
Gavin Creel won his first Tony for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly (Photo Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, file)
In 2017, Creel won his first Tony for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly!”, sharing the stage with Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. During his acceptance speech, he thanked the University of Michigan, where he studied music, theater and dance.
Actress Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in “Ted Lasso,” expressed her shock at Creel’s death in a post on Instagram, remembering him fondly and mourning his premature departure.
“My heart is painfully heavy for you tonight, my friend. I’m so sad they took you away so soon. I will never forget you as long as I breathe.”
Actress Hannah Waddingham shared an emotional message for her friend Gavin Creel (Credit: Instagram/Hannah Waddingham)
In 2019, Creel played Dr. Pomatter in “Waitress” on Broadway and reprized the role on the West End in 2020. His obituary mentions Sara Bareilles as his “friend and kindred artistic spirit.” In 2022, Creel and Bareilles worked together again in the Broadway production of “Into the Woods.”
The obituary provided by Polk noted that Creel lived his life with joy, integrity and humor, and that his presence will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Creel leaves behind his mother Nancy Clemens Creel, his father James William Creel, his sisters, his partner Ward and his dog Nina.
