Gavin Creel, the acclaimed TV and Broadway star, has passed away at the age of 48 due to a “rare and aggressive” cancer, as announced by his publicist, Matt Polk. Creel was celebrated for his remarkable performances, especially in the musical Hello Dolly!, where he starred alongside Bette Midler, earning a Tony Award in 2017 for his role as Cornelius Hackl. Midler honored him on Instagram, expressing her disbelief at his passing and noting what a significant loss it is.
In addition to his Broadway success, Creel made his mark in the West End, winning an Olivier Award in 2014 for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, a role he also performed on Broadway. British actress Hannah Waddingham shared her shock at the news, stating that she was “shaken to my core” and described Creel as an incredibly talented and radiant individual.
Lin-Manuel Miranda also paid tribute to Creel, remembering him as the first King George III during the early workshop phase of Hamilton. Miranda noted Creel’s ability to captivate an audience with just a Burger King crown and his extraordinary talent. He expressed deep condolences to Creel’s friends, family, and collaborators, emphasizing the profound love for him within the community. Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, stars from Frozen, similarly shared heartfelt messages on social media in memory of Creel.