Gavin Creel, the Tony Award-winning actor, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after battling a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma, which he was diagnosed with in July 2024.
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a performance that earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. In 2004, he took on the role of Jean-Michel in the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles.
In 2006, he ventured to the West End, making his debut in Disney’s Mary Poppins, where he replaced the original Bert, Gavin Lee. Creel returned to Broadway in 2009 for the revival of Hair, portraying Claude, which garnered him another Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. He subsequently transferred with the production to the West End, where it ran 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, earning an Olivier Award for his performance. He also reprised the role during the US National Tour and on Broadway.
In 2016, he played Steven Kodaly in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me and later starred as Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly!, alongside Bette Midler. His role in this production earned him the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. He continued to showcase his talent as Dr. Pomatter in Waitress, both on Broadway and in the West End, where he performed with Sara Bareilles.
Most recently, in 2022, Creel was seen as The Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods at New York City Center Encores!, before reprising his role in the Broadway transfer.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Gavin Creel’s family and friends during this challenging time.