Broadway Star Gavin Creel, Known for 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Waitress,' Passes Away at 48
Gavin Creel, a celebrated Tony Award-winning luminary of Broadway, acclaimed for his roles in “Hello, Dolly!”, “Waitress”, and “The Book of Mormon”, has passed away, as confirmed by his representative. He was 48.
Matt Polk, Creel's representative, relayed to CNN that the actor’s demise was corroborated by Creel’s partner, Alex Temple Ward. Creel departed this world at his Manhattan abode on Monday.
"An illustrious icon of Broadway, he infused his performances with inexhaustible zeal, fervor, and limitless vigor, while dedicating his offstage efforts to advocacy and nurturing community bonds," declared an obituary provided by Polk.
In July 2024, Creel was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive sarcoma and sought treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, the obituary disclosed.
Originating from Findlay, Ohio, Creel graced the Broadway stage for the first time in 2002, debuting as Jimmy Smith in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” This portrayal earned him his inaugural Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Lead Role in a Musical.
Over the years, he emerged as a distinguished figure on stage, acclaimed for both comedic and dramatic roles in numerous prominent Broadway and West End productions.
In 2009, Creel secured his second Tony nomination, starring as Claude Hooper Bukowski in the Broadway revival of “Hair.” He later clinched an Olivier Award in 2014 for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon.”
Creel's first Tony win came in 2017, awarded for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in the “Hello, Dolly!” revival, where he shared the stage with Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce.
During his acceptance speech, Creel expressed gratitude to the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theater, and Dance, acknowledging the profound impact of his education there.
Hannah Waddingham, a fellow stage veteran and “Ted Lasso” star, expressed her shock on Instagram, lamenting, “My heart is achingly heavy for you tonight, my friend. I’m so sad you were taken so soon. I will never forget you as long as I breathe.”
Creel portrayed Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles’ “Waitress” in the 2019 Broadway run and reprised this role on London’s West End in 2020. His obituary recognized Bareilles as his “friend and kindred artistic spirit.”
In 2022, Creel reunited with Bareilles for the Broadway rendition of Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods.”
“Gavin lived with joy, integrity, humor, wit, and grace. His radiant presence and benevolent spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew and cherished him,” the obituary concluded.
Creel is survived by his mother, Nancy Clemens Creel; father, James William Creel; his sisters; Ward; and his canine companion, Nina.
