Gavin Creel, the Tony Award-winning actor, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma, following a diagnosis received in July 2024.
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002, playing the character Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a role for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He then participated in the 2004 Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles, portraying Jean-Michel.
In 2006, Creel transitioned to the West End, taking over the role of Bert in Disney’s Mary Poppins from the original actor, Gavin Lee. He returned to Broadway in 2009 to star as Claude in the revival of Hair, which earned him another nomination for Best Actor in a Musical at the Tony Awards. Following this, the production moved to the West End, running until 2010.
Creel originated the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon in the West End, a position he held from 2012 to 2015 and for which he won an Olivier Award. He also took on this role in the US National Tour and on Broadway.
In 2016, he portrayed Steven Kodaly in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me before joining the cast of Hello Dolly!, starring alongside Bette Midler. His performance as Cornelius Hackl earned him the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Creel later played Dr. Pomatter in Waitress, both on Broadway and in the West End alongside 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! before continuing the role in the Broadway transfer.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gavin’s family and friends during this difficult time.