Tony-Winning Actor Gavin Creel Tragically Dies at 48: Details
Gavin Creel’s partner, Alex Temple Ward, has confirmed that the Broadway star, known for his spirited and enthusiastic performances has passed away.
Gavin Creel attends Center Theatre Group Hosts Opening Night Performance Of “Into The Woods” at Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on June 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The “Into the Woods” actor passed away at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma.
Gavin Creel performs during the 2019 Princess Grace Awards Gala in New York City, on November 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Creel received his diagnosis in July 2024 and underwent treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The actor then transitioned to hospice care at home.
Gavin Creel as “The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince” during the curtain call of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” on Broadway in New York City, on June 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
His loved ones are mourning a man who had a loving and joyful heart. Creed is survived by his parents, James and Nancy Creel, his partner, his sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel, Allyson’s wife, Jen Kolb, and his beloved dog, Nina.
His funeral will be private, with a memorial service to be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in his honor.
His demise has hit the Broadway community, where he was known for his activism, positivity, and exceptional talent. The actor once said, “What I love about being in the theater is the sense of family and belonging to a community that takes care of one another. We are made better by giving back.”
Online users are now mourning the loss of Creel, whose voice was a gentle, brilliant beacon of activism, offering hope to many. A fan in disbelief expressed, “What a shock. RIP Gavin.” Another shared their heartbreak, stating, “I’m in shock. rip💔.”
One devastated follower remarked, “This can’t be 😭,” while another couldn’t fathom the loss, saying, “I can’t believe the news. rest in peace gavin [sic].”
More heartbroken people sent their condolences, with a grieving fan adding, “Devastated. 😢 RIP,” and another reflecting on the suddenness of it all, writing, “Omg no one even knew anything was wrong. This is crazy. RIP Gavin. Life isn’t fair.”
Gavin Creel attends the after party for the Actors Fund’s 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ in New York City, on February 18, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
These comments on Creel’s last post underscore what Broadway Cares expressed; that Creel was a bright light whose influence reached well beyond the stage. He has left a lasting impression on the theater community and countless individuals he never knew.
Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster take their curtain call at the “Thoroughly Modern Millie” 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert in New York City, on February 12, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His dedication to Broadway Cares saw him contribute to donating food, medicine, and essential help. A dedicated advocate, he played an active role as a dynamic presence in the National Grants Program committee meetings and on the Board of Trustees for Broadway Cares.
Gavin Creel, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Sara Bareilles, Zachary Schmahl, and Rachel Lind attend the 5th Annual Broadway Bakes Event Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in New York City, on May 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola shared, “He implored people to donate with such passion. He’d enlist anyone he spoke to to do more, to make a greater impact – always returning to the question, ‘Why wouldn’t we help people?'”
Gavin Creel sells cookies as part of the 5th Annual Broadway Bakes Event Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in New York City, on May 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Creel’s enthusiasm and remarkable voice shone through on stage, earning him a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 remake of “Hello, Dolly!” He worked alongside talented people, including Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce, under the direction of Jerry Zaks.
Gavin Creel, winner of the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for “Hello, Dolly!,” poses backstage during the 2017 Tony Awards in New York City, on June 11, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The actor’s talent was cultivated from a young age, as he demonstrated his gifts for singing, performing, and directing while growing up in Findlay, Ohio. Creel’s passion for musicals began in elementary school, thanks to his teacher, Nancy Glick.
Gavin Creel speaks onstage at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The New York Marriott Marquis in New York, on March 13, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
His passion for musical theater was ignited after he performed “Gary, Indiana” from “The Music Man.” He completed his studies at Findlay High School in 1994 and later obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance in 1998.
Gavin Creel (center) and the cast of “HAIR” perform New Year’s Eve in Times Square in New York City, on December 31, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
There, he formed a lasting bond with his voice teacher, Melody Racine, who mentored him throughout college and beyond. Creel frequently returned to Michigan to lead masterclasses, offer voice lessons, and collaborate with students on new material.
Together with his close friend Celia Keenan-Bolger, he established the Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gavin Creel Activist Artist Endowed Scholarship Fund. This was designed to motivate students to participate in social justice initiatives during their academic journey.
Gavin Creel poses during the New York City Center Encore’s “Into The Woods” press day rehearsals in New York City, on April 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from his work on stage and activism, Creel was also a talented songwriter, creating pop music influenced by artists like Whitney Houston. His single “Noise,” released in 2011 aimed to raise funds and awareness for marriage equality.
Therefore, Creel will be remembered for using his talents and gifts to inspire others and make a lasting impact on the arts and social causes, all while embracing the values of love and kindness.
