Gavin Creel, an acclaimed musical-theater actor and Tony Award winner, passed away on September 30 at the age of 48, following a battle with cancer. His partner, Alex Temple Ward, confirmed the sad news. Creel had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma in July 2024 and had undergone treatment. He is survived by Ward and his two sisters, Heather and Alyson Creel.

Born in 1976 and raised in Findlay, Ohio, Creel grew up in a Methodist household. He often spoke about his struggles with reconciling his faith and sexuality. In a 2023 interview with the Daily Beast, Creel reflected on his upbringing: “I would read stories that left me thinking, Oh my God, I’m screwed. I can’t be gay, even though I want to look at those boys, and God is a man in a pulpit telling me that homosexuality is a sin and those people go to hell.” Creel came out as gay at the age of 25, around the same time his career in theater began to gain momentum.

Creel’s breakthrough on Broadway came in 2002 when he portrayed Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a role that earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. He starred opposite Sutton Foster, another rising star in musical theater at the time. This marked the beginning of what would be a distinguished career on the Broadway stage.

Creel received his second Tony nomination in 2009, again for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, for his role in the revival of Hair. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that Creel took home the coveted Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, thanks to his performance in Hello Dolly!, starring alongside Bette Midler. During his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his alma mater, the University of Michigan’s musical-theater department, which had helped shape his career.

Throughout his career, Creel became known for his versatile acting, powerful voice, and charismatic stage presence. He appeared in several notable productions, including Waitress, where he starred opposite Sara Bareilles, and The Book of Mormon. His contributions to the world of theater earned him a reputation as one of the most prominent performers of his generation.

In addition to his work on stage, Creel was passionate about his personal journey and creativity. In 2023, he debuted an autobiographical show, Walk on Through, which explored his relationship with art, love, and self-discovery. The production was inspired by Creel’s experience with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and his journey toward a deeper appreciation for visual art. He presented himself as a “museum novice” and used the show to reflect on his relationships with men, religion, and his identity as an artist.

During an interview with TheaterMania in 2023, Creel spoke about the process of writing and performing Walk on Through, noting that it was a healing experience for him, particularly after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had a really hard time during the writing of it, during my life in the pandemic, losing everything that I thought gave me my identity,” Creel said. “And I said, ‘I’m gonna write this piece to try to heal and let go and find a way forward,’ and I think I’m on that path. I’m finally owning it, and it’s terrifying to put it on stage, and yet, this is the theater that I want to make, if I’m lucky enough to get to create more.”

Creel’s openness about his personal struggles and his ability to transform those experiences into meaningful artistic work endeared him to audiences and fellow performers alike. He was not only admired for his immense talent but also for his genuine nature and commitment to creating art that resonated deeply with others.

His passing has left a profound impact on the theater community. Creel’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his iconic performances and the personal connections he forged with fans and colleagues.

As we remember Gavin Creel, we celebrate not only his remarkable career but also the courage and authenticity he brought to his life and work. He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in musical theater and a source of inspiration for future generations of performers.

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• A Decent Docent: Gavin Creel’s Walk on Through
• Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel on Waitress, and When She Saved Him From a Shark
• Acting Legend Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89

Gavin Creel’s contributions to musical theater and his personal journey will continue to inspire those who admired his work and followed his career. His spirit and talent will be missed by many, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and through the art he created.