Gavin Creel, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star known for his performances in “Hello, Dolly!,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “The Book of Mormon,” passed away on September 30 at the age of 48. He had been battling metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, since his diagnosis in July. Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and received a Tony nomination for his role. He continued to star in various Broadway productions, earning another Tony nomination for his role in “Hair,” and a Tony win for his performance in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2017.
Throughout his career, Creel played iconic roles in various Broadway productions, such as “La Cage Aux Folles,” “She Loves Me,” “Waitress,” and “Into the Woods.” He was known for his high-energy performances and strong singing abilities. In addition to his work on Broadway, Creel also appeared in his own Off-Broadway show, “Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice,” which showcased his love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He also made television appearances in shows like “Eloise at the Plaza,” “Eloise at Christmastime,” and “American Horror Stories.”
Many of Creel’s colleagues in the Broadway community paid tribute to him on social media following his passing. Sutton Foster, who co-starred with Creel in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing her love for Creel. Josh Gad, who worked with Creel on “The Book of Mormon,” also honored him, acknowledging his impact on the creative community. Idina Menzel, another Broadway star, remembered Creel as an angel among angels, expressing her deep affection for him.
Creel’s death was attributed to metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer that originates in the lining of the nerves connecting the spinal cord to the body. Metastatic tumors spread beyond their original site, making them particularly challenging to treat. Symptoms of this cancer can include pain and weakness in the affected area, as well as the presence of a growing lump under the skin. Despite his diagnosis, Creel continued to inspire audiences with his talent and passion for performance throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the Broadway community.
