Gavin Creel, the acclaimed Broadway star, passed away at 48 on September 30, 2024. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor suffered from a rare form of cancer known as metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma.
The star was diagnosed in July 2024, and despite aggressive treatment, he succumbed in his Manhattan home.
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His death was confirmed by his publicist, Matt Polk. Born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, the actor was most known for his performances as Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he won a Tony Award, and as Claude Hooper Bukowski in Hair in 2009.
He also played Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, for which he won an Olivier Award in 2014.
What is metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma?
According to the Mayo Clinic, metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that originates in the lining of the peripheral nerves and runs down to the spinal cord and into the body.
While they can take shape anywhere in the body, these tumors are typically seen in the deep tissue of the arms, legs, and torso, and could culminate in a growing lump or mass.
Additionally, symptoms correlating to this illness can worsen rapidly. These include pain where the tumor is growing, weakness specific to the area of the cancer, and a growing lump of tissue under the skin. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Who was Gavin Creel?
Gavin Creel debuted on Broadway in 2002, when he embodied the role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, alongside Sutton Foster. He also starred in the 2016 production of She Loves Me as Steven Kodaly.
He played Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly! alongside Bette Midler which was directed by Jerry Zaks, for which he received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Creel also had a stint in television, working on Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories as Troy, opposite Matt Bomer. He also acted as Bill in 2003’s Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime alongside Julie Andrews and lent his voice to Matthews in Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.
Following the news of his demise, several celebrities took to their social media accounts to pay their respects. Idina Menzel posted an image of the actor along with the caption,
"Sweet sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among the angels. I love you so much."
Lin Manuel-Miranda also posted a tribute:
"Shattered. Gavin Creel was our first King when all we had was 11 songs and he wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his mind-blowing charisma and talent. He is so loved and it is unimaginable that he’s no longer with us. My heart goes out to all the friends and family and collaborators lucky enough to be in his orbit. We love you and we’ll always love you Gavin."
Gavin Creel is survived by his parents, Nancy Clemens and James William Creel; his sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel, as well as his partner, Alex Temple Ward.
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