In a heartbreaking announcement, Gavin Creel, the Tony award-winning star of Broadway and beloved musical theater performer, tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. His publicist Matt Polk confirmed that Creel died at his Manhattan home on Monday, following a diagnosis received just a few months earlier in July 2023.

Broadway luminaries have expressed their grief over Creel’s unexpected passing. Icon Bette Midler, with whom he shared the stage in the acclaimed revival of Hello, Dolly!, wrote on social media: “I looked forward to working with him every single night. He was fantastic. I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss.” Fellow star Idina Menzel shared a heartfelt message with a photo of Creel, calling him “an angel among the angels.”

Creel was not only a star in classic revivals but also showcased his versatile talents in contemporary productions. He gained notable acclaim for his role as Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles' heartfelt musical Waitress, performing on both Broadway and London’s West End. His talent didn't go unnoticed as he also captured an Olivier Award for his remarkable portrayal in The Book of Mormon.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking musical Hamilton, remembered Creel as well, recalling their time during the show's workshop days. "He wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his mind-blowing charisma and talent," Miranda said, adding that it was "unimaginable" to think Creel was no longer with us.

Raised in Findlay, Ohio, Creel graduated in 1998 from the University of Michigan’s prestigious School of Music, Theatre & Dance. His breakout role came as Jimmy Smith in the Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, where he starred alongside fellow newcomer Sutton Foster. One of his signature performances was as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, which took the theater world by storm and cemented his place as a leading man in the industry.

His impressive resume includes playing Jean-Michel in the 2004 revival of La Cage Aux Folles, and Claude Hooper Bukowski in the Public Theater’s revival of Hair in 2009. In 2017, Creel played opposite legends Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce in the smash revival of Hello, Dolly!, winning the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. During his acceptance speech, he encouraged audience members to invest in scholarship funds to change lives, highlighting his commitment to uplifting others in the arts.

Beyond his stage talents, Creel was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He co-founded the nonprofit organization Broadway Impact to support the federal Marriage Equality Act. His offstage endeavors included acting in films like Eloise at the Plaza and American Horror Stories, produced by Ryan Murphy.

In his final years, Creel continued to shine, earning a Tony nomination for a revival of Sondheim’s Into the Woods, where he played multiple roles, including Cinderella’s Prince. The show’s success extended its run on Broadway, demonstrating the enduring impact of his talent.

Gavin Creel leaves behind his mother, Nancy, father, James, his sisters, Heather and Allyson, and his partner Alex Temple Ward. His absence in the theater community is profound, but his legacy of creativity, kindness, and advocacy will resonate for generations to come.

As the theater world mourns this great loss, fans and colleagues alike are sharing their fondest memories of Creel, reminding everyone that while he may be gone, the joy he brought to the stage will never be forgotten.