Gavin Creel dies at 48: what was the Broadway actor’s cause of death?

Broadway and the wider theatrical community are mourning the loss of Gavin Creel, who passed away today, Monday, September 30, at the age of just 48. A celebrated actor, singer, and Tony Award winner known for his electrifying stage presence, Creel’s contributions to musical theatre will leave a lasting impression. Emotional tributes poured in from peers and fans alike.

How did Gavin Creel die?

Creel’s sad passing was the result of something called metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was only diagnosed in July 2024, just a few months ago. The cancer, which spread throughout his body at an alarming rate, claimed his life at his Manhattan home.

Gavin Creel: a career to remember

Creel was born in Findlay, Ohio, back in 1976, and made it big in the world of musical theatre. His Broadway debut came in 2002, when he starred as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie – a role that earned him his first Tony Award nomination. Over the years, he would go on to captivate audiences in productions like Hair and The Book of Mormon, the latter of which won him a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in the West End.

But it was his role as Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! that finally earned him the Tony Award he so richly deserved.

In addition to his achievements on Broadway, Creel was a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He co-founded Broadway Impact, an activist organisation aimed at mobilising the theatre community in support of marriage equality. He was also openly gay, using his platform to support causes close to his heart, including through participation in events like Rosie O’Donnell’s LGBT cruises.