Gavin Creel

Gavin Creel Biography 2025 Age, Born, Family, Salary, Net Worth And More

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Gavin James Creel April 18, 1976 – September 30, 2025 was an acclaimed American actor, singer, and songwriter, celebrated for his work in musical theater. Throughout his career, he earned numerous prestigious awards, including a Grammy, Tony, Drama Desk Award, and Laurence Olivier Award. Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, followed by his Tony Award-nominated performance as Claude in the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair. He later portrayed Elder Price in The Book of Mormon from 2012 to 2015, receiving a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the West End production. In 2017, Creel won a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!.

Gavin Creel Biography 2025

Other highlights of his stage career include performances in La Cage aux Folles (2004), She Loves Me (2016), Waitress (2019), and Into the Woods (2022) on Broadway, as well as Mary Poppins (2006), Hair (2010), and Waitress (2020) in the West End. He also toured nationally with Fame (1998) and Into the Woods (2023). While primarily known for his theater work, Creel’s screen credits include his role as Bill in Eloise at the Plaza and its Christmas sequel.

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Gavin Creel Details

Born
Gavin James Creel

April 18, 1976

Findlay, Ohio, U.S.
Died September 30, 2025 (aged 48)

New York City, U.S.
Alma mater University of Michigan (BFA)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • librettist
  • producer
Years active 1997–2025
Genres
  • Pop
  • musical
Instrument
  • Vocals
Website www.gavincreel.com

Gavin Creel Early Life

Creel was born in Findlay, Ohio, on April 18, 1976, and grew up in a deeply religious household, which he found alienating. He turned to theater as a means of escape. He graduated from Findlay High School in 1994 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1998.

Gavin Creel’s Broadway Debut and Career Milestones

Performance Year Role
2002 Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie
2004 Jean-Michel in La Cage aux Folles
2009 Claude in Hair
2012–2015 Elder Price in The Book of Mormon
2017 Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!
2019 Dr. Pomatter in Waitress
2022 The Wolf & Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods

Broadway and West End Roles

Production Role Played
Thoroughly Modern Millie Jimmy Smith
La Cage aux Folles Jean-Michel
Hair (West End & Broadway) Claude
The Book of Mormon Elder Price
Hello, Dolly! Cornelius Hackl
She Loves Me Steven Kodaly
Waitress (West End & Broadway) Dr. Pomatter
Into the Woods The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince

Gavin Creel’s Career Breakthroughs

Show/Production Award/Recognition
Thoroughly Modern Millie Tony Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical
Hair Tony Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical
The Book of Mormon Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical
Hello, Dolly! Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical

Gavin Creel’s Film and Television Appearances

Film/Television Role
Eloise at the Plaza Bill
Eloise at Christmastime Bill
American Horror Story (2021) Various Roles
*PBS Concert for Wicked (2021) Performer

Gavin Creel Influence on LGBT Rights and Activism

LGBT Activism Initiative Role/Contribution
Broadway Impact Co-Founder, LGBT Rights Group
RFamily Vacations Cruises Regular Participant
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees (2015–2025)

Personal Life

Partner/Relationship Details
Jonathan Groff (2009) Former Partner, Fellow Actor
Henry Gottfried Former Partner
Alex Temple Ward Partner at the time of Creel’s death

Gavin Creel Health and Illness

Year Health Issue
2025 Diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma
2025 Passed away on September 30, 2025, from cancer

Legacy and Tributes to Gavin Creel

Event Tribute/Recognition
Broadway Theaters Dimming of lights in tribute to Creel’s passing
London Candlelight vigil at the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden
Hello, Dolly! Cast Pay tribute to Creel during his final performance

Gavin Creel’s Major Awards and Nominations

Award Production
Tony Award Hello, Dolly!
Laurence Olivier Award The Book of Mormon (West End)
Grammy Award Various Contributions
Drama Desk Award Various Performances

Gavin Creel’s Musical Contributions

Album/Production Details
Goodtimenation Creel’s debut studio album (2006)
Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice Self-written musical (2023)
Into the Woods Musical Revival (2022–2023, National Tour)

Theater Collaborations with Gavin Creel

Production Collaborators
Thoroughly Modern Millie Sutton Foster
Hair Will Swenson, Caissie Levy
The Book of Mormon Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells
Hello, Dolly! Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters
She Loves Me Jane Krakowski

Gavin Creel Impact on Broadway Live Streaming

Broadway Show Impact/Contribution
She Loves Me First Broadway show ever to be live-streamed

Gavin Creel’s Awards for Acting

Award Category
Tony Award Best Featured Actor in a Musical (2017)
Laurence Olivier Award Best Actor in a Musical (2014)
Drama Desk Award Best Actor in a Musical (various nominations)

Tributes to Gavin Creel after His Passing

Location Tribute Type
Broadway Theaters Dimming of lights
London’s Actors’ Church Candlelight vigil

Gavin Creel’s Career

Aspect Details
Career Highlights Tony Award winner, Broadway star in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, The Book of Mormon, Hello, Dolly! and Into the Woods
Advocacy Prominent LGBT rights activist and co-founder of Broadway Impact
Final Role Last performed in Into the Woods national tour (2023)
Legacy Remembered for his immense talent, activism, and the lasting impact he made on musical theater

Gavin Creel Net Worth

Gavin Creel’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Gavin Creel Summary

Gavin Creel (1976–2025) was an American actor, singer, and songwriter celebrated for his work in musical theater, with notable performances in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, The Book of Mormon, and Hello, Dolly!. He won a Tony Award and received other accolades, including a Laurence Olivier Award. Creel was an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights, co-founding Broadway Impact and supporting causes like marriage equality. His career also spanned film and television, with appearances in Eloise at the Plaza and American Horror Story. Creel passed away in 2025 after a battle with cancer, leaving a lasting legacy in theater and activism.

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