Today, it has been confirmed that Gavin Creel, the Tony Award-winning actor, has passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma, having been diagnosed in July 2024.
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 in the role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He then appeared in the 2004 Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles as Jean-Michel.
In 2006, Creel debuted in the West End, stepping into the role of Bert in Disney’s Mary Poppins, taking over from the original actor, Gavin Lee.
He returned to Broadway in 2009 for a revival of Hair, portraying Claude, which earned him another Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Following the Broadway run, the cast transferred the production to the West End, where it continued until 2010.
Creel also originated the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon in the West End from 2012 to 2015, a performance that garnered him an Olivier Award. He later reprised the role on the US National Tour and on Broadway.
In 2016, he took on the role of Steven Kodaly in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me, followed by a performance in Hello Dolly! alongside Bette Midler as Cornelius Hackl, a role that earned him the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. He subsequently portrayed Dr. Pomatter in the Broadway production of Waitress, later performing in the West End version with Sara Bareilles.
Most recently, in 2022, Creel appeared as The Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods at New York City Center Encores!, later reprising his performance in the Broadway transfer.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gavin’s family and friends during this challenging time.