Gavin Creel, a Broadway performer renowned for his lively and passionate performances, gone away, according to his companion Alex Temple Ward. The actor from “Into the Woods” passed away at the age of 48 following a diagnosis of metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, an uncommon and deadly form of cancer. After being diagnosed in July 2024, Creel had care at Memorial Sloan Kettering. After that, the actor moved into at-home hospice care.
His family is grieving the loss of a man with a happy and loving heart. James and Nancy Creel, Creed’s parents, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson, his partner, and Creed Jo Creel, his cherished dog Nina, and Allyson’s spouse, Jen Kolb. A memorial service will be arranged at a later date, and his funeral will be held in private. The family has asked that donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS be made in his honor rather than flowers. The Broadway community, where he was well-known for his activism, optimism, and extraordinary talent, has been deeply affected by his passing. “I adore being in the theater because it gives me a sense of family and belonging to a group that looks out for one another,” the actor once said. We become better people when we give back.
Internet users are currently in grief for Creel, whose voice served as a kind and inspiring symbol of action that gave many people hope. One stunned fan said, “What a shock. RIP, Gavin. Another expressed their sorrow by saying, “I am stunned. rip
.” “This can not be 
,” exclaimed one heartbroken fan, while another, unable to cope with the loss, exclaimed, “I can not believe the news.” Gavin [sic], rest in peace. Additional bereaved individuals expressed their condolences, with one mourning fan commenting, “Devastated. 
RIP,” and another contemplating the abruptness of it all, “OMG no one even realized anything was wrong.” This is absurd. RIP, Gavin. It is not fair in life.”
The remarks made on Creel’s most recent post support Broadway Cares’ assertion that Creel was a shining star whose impact extended well beyond the theater. He has made a deep impact on many people he never met as well as the theater community. Because of his commitment to Broadway Cares, he has donated food, medication, and vital assistance. As a committed supporter, he actively participated in committee meetings for the National Grants Program and served as a vibrant member of the Broadway Cares Board of Trustees.
Executive Director of Broadway Cares Tom Viola said, “He pleaded so passionately for people to donate. Everybody he spoke to was encouraged to do more and have a bigger influence by him, and he would constantly ask himself, “Why would not we help people?” With his electrifying stage presence and amazing voice, Creel won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 “Hello, Dolly!” adaptation. Under Jerry Zaks’ direction, he collaborated with gifted individuals like Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. Growing up in Findlay, Ohio, the actor showed off his abilities for singing, acting, and directing, which helped to develop his talent early on.Â