40 Facts About Gavin Creel

Early Life and Education

Gavin Creel's journey began in a small town in Ohio, where his passion for musical theater took root. His early years laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

1. Early Life: Gavin Creel was born in Findlay, Ohio, and attended Findlay High School, graduating in 1994.
2. Education: He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1998.
3. Early Interest in Music: Creel's love for musical theater began in his sophomore year of high school when he landed a role in their production of "I knew I got bit by the bug because when that show ended, I was depressed," he told filmmaker Jonathan Theodore Baker in a May 2024 documentary produced by The Broadway Collection.

Professional Debut and Breakthrough

Creel's professional career took off with a series of notable roles that showcased his talent and versatility. His early work set the stage for future success.

4. Professional Debut: Creel started his professional career in regional repertory theater, working at Pittsburgh CLO before moving to New York City.
5. First Role in Fame: His first role in a touring production was in Fame: The Musical, which he described as a turning point in his career, making him feel like he had found his place in the city.
6. Broadway Debut: Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 in the leading role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, earning his first Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
7. Tony Award Nomination: His performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie was a breakthrough moment, showcasing his talent and setting the stage for future nominations.

Major Roles and Awards

Gavin Creel's career is marked by a series of significant roles and numerous awards. His performances have left a lasting impact on the world of musical theater.

8. Role in Hair: In 2009, Creel starred as Claude in the Broadway revival of Hair, earning his second Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
9. The Book of Mormon: From 2012 to 2015, Creel starred as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, both on Broadway and in the US National Tour. He originated the role in the West End production and received a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
10. Laurence Olivier Award: Creel won the Laurence Olivier Award for his portrayal of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon's West End production in 2014.
11. Hello, Dolly: In 2017, Creel received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, starring alongside Bette Midler.
12. Grammy Award: His work in Hello, Dolly also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2023.

Other Notable Stage Credits

Beyond his major roles, Creel has an impressive list of other stage credits that highlight his versatility and dedication to his craft.

13. Other Stage Credits: Creel’s other notable stage credits include La Cage aux Folles (2004), She Loves Me (2016), Waitress (2019), and Into the Woods (2022) on Broadway, as well as Mary Poppins (2006) and Waitress (2020) in the West End.
14. National Tours: He has also appeared in the national tours of Fame (1998) and Into the Woods (2023).

Screen Acting and Personal Life

While primarily a theater actor, Creel also ventured into screen acting and was known for his personal life and activism.

15. Screen Acting Roles: Primarily a theater actor, Creel’s most notable screen acting role is as Bill in Eloise at the Plaza and its Christmas-themed sequel.
16. Personal Life: Creel was openly gay and a regular on the LGBT RFamilyVacations cruise with Rosie O'Donnell.
17. Activism: He was one of the founders, along with Rory O'Malley and Jenny Kanelos, of Broadway Impact, an LGBT activist group that mobilized the New York theatre community in the pursuit of marriage equality.
18. Relationships: In 2009, Creel dated fellow actor Jonathan Groff.

Health Challenges and Final Performances

Creel faced significant health challenges later in life but continued to perform and create meaningful work.

19. Health Issues: Creel took a temporary leave from Hello, Dolly in March 2018 to recover from back surgery.
20. Cancer Diagnosis: In July 2024, Creel was diagnosed with melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and began treatment.
21. Final Performance: His last stage role was deeply personal—a musical he penned and starred in called Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice, which explored his affection for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
22. Autobiographical Production: Walk on Through was an autobiographical production that recounted his experiences with relationships, faith, and creativity during the pandemic.
23. Healing Process: Creel revealed that he faced significant challenges while writing Walk on Through, but decided to create it as a means to heal, release, and discover a way forward.
24. Theatrical Aspirations: He expressed his aspiration to create theater that is deeply personal and meaningful, even though it was daunting to present it on stage.

Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

Creel's work and activism had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity and equality.

25. Impact on LGBTQ+ Community: Through his work and activism, Creel made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for marriage equality and promoting inclusivity in the theater industry.
26. Collaborations: Creel collaborated with numerous artists, including Sutton Foster, Bette Midler, Beanie Feldstein, and David Hyde Pierce, among others.
27. Awards and Nominations: Throughout his career, Creel received multiple Tony Award nominations and won several prestigious awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award and the Grammy Award.

Legacy and Influence

Gavin Creel's legacy in musical theater and his influence on young actors and the LGBTQ+ community will be remembered for years to come.

28. Musical Theater Legacy: Creel's legacy in musical theater is marked by his versatility, talent, and dedication to the art form. He played a wide range of roles, from Claude in Hair to Elder Price in The Book of Mormon.
29. Influence on Young Actors: Creel’s advice to aspiring actors was to “get off social media” and focus on living an actual life, urging them to pursue their passion with dedication and hard work.
30. Publications and Documentaries: Creel’s life and career have been featured in various publications and documentaries, including a May 2024 documentary produced by The Broadway Collection.
31. Community Involvement: He was involved in several community projects, including the LGBT RFamilyVacations cruise, which provided a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to come together and celebrate their identity.
32. Philanthropy: Through his work with Broadway Impact, Creel contributed to the fight for marriage equality, mobilizing the theater community to support this cause.

Personal Reflections and Final Tribute

Creel's reflections on his journey and the impact he made on the theater community and beyond are a testament to his enduring legacy.

33. Educational Background: Creel’s educational background in musical theater at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance played a crucial role in shaping his career and artistic vision.
34. Early Career Challenges: Despite facing challenges early in his career, Creel persevered and continued to pursue his dreams, eventually achieving significant success in the theater industry.
35. Creative Process: His creative process was deeply personal and often involved exploring themes of identity, faith, and relationships through his work.
36. Collaborations with Directors: Creel collaborated with several renowned directors, including those involved in the productions of Hello, Dolly and The Book of Mormon.
37. Impact on Musical Theater: Creel’s contributions to musical theater have been significant, influencing the way actors approach their roles and the themes explored in contemporary musicals.
38. Personal Reflections: In various interviews, Creel reflected on his journey, highlighting the importance of community and the people who supported him throughout his career.
39. Legacy in LGBTQ+ Community: Creel’s legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements, as he played a crucial role in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy within the theater community.
40. Final Tribute: Gavin Creel passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of musical theater. His memory will be honored through a memorial planned by his family and friends.

Gavin Creel's Lasting Legacy

Gavin Creel left an indelible mark on musical theater. From his Broadway debut in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" to his Tony Award-winning role in "Hello, Dolly!", Creel's talent shone brightly. His performances in "Hair" and "The Book of Mormon" earned him critical acclaim and solidified his place in theater history.

Beyond the stage, Creel was a passionate LGBTQ+ activist, co-founding Broadway Impact to fight for marriage equality. His personal journey, including his battle with cancer, showcased his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Creel's final work, "Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice," was a heartfelt exploration of his life and creativity. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of actors and artists, ensuring his impact on musical theater remains profound and lasting. Gavin Creel's story is one of talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the arts.