Bette Midler Leads Tributes After Broadway Star Gavin Creel Dies at 48
The Broadway community is mourning the loss of Gavin Creel, the American Horror Story star and Tony Award-winning actor, who passed away at the age of 48. Creel was diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in July. This type of cancer is commonly found in the arms and legs and develops in connective tissues like bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels.
According to his partner, Alex Temple Ward, Creel had started treatment at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering before transitioning to hospice care at home. The news of his untimely death has sparked an outpouring of love and tributes from the theatre community. Bette Midler, his co-star in Hello, Dolly!, expressed her grief on Twitter, lauding Creel’s talent and the joy he brought to the stage. Sutton Foster, who starred with Creel in Thoroughly Modern Millie, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reminiscing about their time together.
Other stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad also paid homage to Creel, highlighting his immense talent and the impact he had on those around him. Despite his passing, Creel’s memory will live on through his performances and the love he shared with his colleagues and fans.
Born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio, Creel’s passion for theatre led him to a successful career on Broadway. He made his debut in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002, earning critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. Creel later starred in productions like Hair and The Book of Mormon, showcasing his versatility and talent as a performer.
His portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! alongside Bette Midler cemented his status as a Broadway powerhouse, earning him a Tony Award in 2016. Creel’s commitment to telling diverse stories was evident in his roles, including his portrayal of a gay character in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories.
The legacy of Gavin Creel will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of witnessing his artistry on stage. His untimely passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of a talented performer on the world of theatre.