• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  April 18, 1976
• Date of Death:  September 30, 2024

Gavin Creel was an actor, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his contributions to musical theater. Throughout his career, he earned prestigious honors including a Grammy Award, a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award.

Creel was born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio, into a family that encouraged his artistic talents from an early age. Raised in a small Midwestern town, Creel was drawn to music and theater during his childhood, finding a deep sense of joy and purpose in performing. His parents supported his passion, and he was involved in school productions and local theater, where his talents quickly became apparent.

After graduating from Findlay High School in 1994, Creel pursued his dream of a career in musical theater by enrolling at the University of Michigan’s prestigious School of Music, Theatre & Dance. During his time there, he honed his craft under the guidance of industry professionals, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theater in 1998. Creel would later speak fondly of his time at the University of Michigan, crediting the institution and its faculty for shaping his career and artistic sensibilities. His connection to the school remained strong throughout his life, as he often returned to campus to mentor aspiring actors and performers.

Upon graduating from college, Creel moved to New York City to pursue his Broadway dreams. His talent and dedication soon paid off, as he landed the role of Jimmy Smith in the 2002 Broadway production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Creel's portrayal earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, a rare accomplishment for a Broadway debut.

Creel quickly established himself as a versatile and captivating performer. He went on to star in various major productions, including "La Cage aux Folles," "Hair," and "The Book of Mormon," in which he played Elder Price. His portrayal of Elder Price earned him rave reviews and another Tony Award nomination. Creel's ability to balance humor, charisma, and emotional depth made him a standout in every role he took on.

His crowning achievement came in 2017, when he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the acclaimed Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!". Sharing the stage with legends such as Bette Midler, Creel's performance solidified his place among Broadway's elite.

While Creel was best known for his work on Broadway, his career extended far beyond the Great White Way. He starred in West End productions, notably taking on the lead role in *"he Book of Mormon" in London, where he earned an Olivier Award nomination. Creel also ventured into the world of television and film, making guest appearances on shows such as "Eloise at the Plaza" and "The Wonderful World of Disney," and bringing his signature charm and stage presence to the screen.

In addition to acting, Creel was a talented singer-songwriter. He released several albums throughout his career. His music was deeply personal, often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Throughout his life, Gavin Creel was a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to champion equal rights and acceptance. As an openly gay man, Creel was outspoken about the struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals face, both within the entertainment industry and in society as a whole. He co-founded Broadway Impact, an organization that played a crucial role in the fight for marriage equality in the United States. The organization mobilized members of the theater community to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was instrumental in promoting awareness and support for the cause.

Creel died in Manhattan on September 30, 2024, just two months after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma. He was 48.

Gavin Creel's Religion's Beliefs

Gavin Creel had complex relationship with faith and spirituality. Raised in a Christian household, Creel’s religious beliefs evolved over time, particularly as he navigated his identity as a gay man. In interviews, he spoke candidly about the challenges of reconciling his faith with his sexual orientation and the internal conflict that it sometimes caused.

In an interview with Daily Beast about his self-written debut musical, "Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice," in which religion was a predominant theme, Creel said the musical lead up to a final confrontation and agreement or acceptance of God. “I proudly feel God’s blessing,” Creel said. “I don’t believe all this good fortune in my life is no coincidence. I believe I am blessed. I don’t fear God any more. I feel as if I am collaborating with him," Creel said.