Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Memory of Beloved Tony Award-Winning Actor Gavin Creel

The Broadway community is deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Award-winning actor Gavin Creel, who died on September 30, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 48 years old. To honor his remarkable contributions to the stage, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of one theater from every theater owner on Broadway. The tribute will include the Circle in the Square, Eugene O’Neill, Helen Hayes, Marquis, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Shubert, Stephen Sondheim, St. James, Studio 54, Todd Haimes, and Vivian Beaumont theatres. The date and time for this special commemoration will be coordinated with his family at their request.

Gavin CreelPhoto byPhoto via Gavin Creel website

“It is hard to fathom the loss of Gavin Creel,” Jason Laks, interim president of The Broadway League, said in a press release. “Not only was he an actor of the highest caliber, but he was also a committed activist and champion for so many causes both within and outside of our industry. Gavin gave of his whole self to our community, both in his performances and his charitable work. The Broadway community is lucky to have known him both as an actor and an individual, and to have benefited from the joy that he brought into so many people’s lives.”

An Ohio native and graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Creel’s introduction to the Broadway stage began on the road. In 1998, he performed in the national tour of "Fame," and by 2002, he made his Broadway debut at the Marquis Theatre, originating the role of Jimmy Smith in "Thoroughly Modern Millie"—a performance that earned him his first Tony Award nomination.

Throughout his career, Mr. Creel developed a body of work that showcased his versatility and talent. His stage presence illuminated revivals of beloved musicals, including his Tony-nominated portrayal of Claude in "Hair" and his memorable turn as Steven Kodaly in "She Loves Me." His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in "Hello, Dolly!" Most recently, in 2022, he captivated audiences with his dual performances as both the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in the revival of "Into the Woods."

Creel's impressive list of Broadway credits includes: "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (2002, Tony Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical); "La Cage aux Folles" (2004 Revival); "Hair" (2009 Revival, Tony Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical); "The Book of Mormon" (2011, joined cast in 2015); "She Loves Me" (2016 Revival); "Waitress" (2016, joined cast in 2019); "Hello, Dolly!" (2017 Revival, Tony Award Winner for Best Featured Actor in a Musical); "Into the Woods" (2022 Revival).

Beyond his professional accolades, Creel left an indelible mark on the Broadway community through his activism and charitable endeavors. He co-founded Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting marriage equality. His passion for advocacy and equality led him to use his platform to inspire social change. Creel was also a dedicated supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a charity that helps provide meals, medication, health care, and support to those in need.