Gavin Creel was renowned for his exceptional stage performances, notably starring as Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly! alongside Bette Midler, a role that garnered him a Tony Award in 2017. Midler paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing him as a “radiant actor” and expressing her disbelief at his passing, stating, “What a loss.”
Creel also made a significant mark in the West End, winning the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2014 for his portrayal of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, a role he later took to Broadway. British actress Hannah Waddingham shared her shock upon hearing the news of his death, stating, “I keep re-reading his name thinking everyone’s got it wrong. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiley, talented man. I’m heartbroken you’ve gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again, my friend.”
Actor, producer, and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda honored Creel as well, recalling him as the first King George III in the early workshop stage of his hit musical Hamilton. Miranda reflected on Creel’s incredible talent and charisma, saying, “He wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown.” He expressed his grief over Creel’s absence and extended his condolences to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Stars from Frozen, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, also shared heartfelt tributes on social media. Creel’s first significant Broadway role was in 2002 as Jimmy Smith in a revival of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which earned him his initial Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Sutton Foster, his co-star, shared her love for him, stating, “My sweet friend. I will love you forever.”
In 2009, Creel portrayed Claude Hooper Bukowski in the Broadway revival of Hair. He made his West End debut in 2006 as Bert in Mary Poppins and returned to the West End in 2010 for Hair. Other notable roles included Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles’ Waitress on Broadway in 2019, which he later reprised in the West End.
Creel also ventured into television, featuring in Ryan Murphy’s miniseries American Horror Stories alongside Matt Bomer in 2021, and appearing with Dame Julie Andrews in the TV movies Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime in the early 2000s. He was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization dedicated to mobilizing the theater community in support of marriage equality.
Born in Findlay, Ohio, Creel was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music. His publicist announced that there will be a small private gathering for family and a celebration of his life for the theater community, with details yet to be confirmed.
