Gavin Creel, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star known for his performances in musicals like “Hello, Dolly!,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “The Book of Mormon,” passed away on September 30 at the age of 48. He had been diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, just two months before his death. Creel was known for his high-energy physical performances and strength as a singer, making his Broadway debut in 2002 in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and receiving a Tony nomination for his role. He went on to star in several other Broadway productions, receiving critical acclaim and awards for his performances.
Throughout his career, Creel remained a constant presence on the Broadway stage, earning a Tony nomination for playing Claude in the 2009 revival of “Hair” and winning a Tony for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 revival of “Hello, Dolly!” He also played the role of Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon” for several years, taking the show to London’s West End and winning an Olivier Award. In addition to his theater work, Creel starred in off-Broadway productions and appeared in television shows such as “Eloise at the Plaza” and Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Stories.”
Following his passing, many of Creel’s fellow Broadway stars paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their love and admiration for him. Sutton Foster, who worked with Creel in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering him as a dear friend. Josh Gad, who originated the role of Elder Arnold Cunningham in “The Book of Mormon,” also paid tribute to Creel, acknowledging his impact on the creative community and lamenting his untimely death. Idina Menzel, another Broadway star, expressed her love for Creel and described him as an angel among angels.
Creel’s death was attributed to metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that originates in the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body and spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms of this type of cancer can progress quickly and may include pain, weakness, and the presence of a lump under the skin. The aggressive nature of this cancer, as well as its rarity, made it difficult to treat and ultimately led to Creel’s passing. His legacy as a talented performer and beloved member of the Broadway community will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
