Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for American Horror Stories star Gavin Creel following the shocking news of his passing on Monday at the age of 48. Gavin, who was only diagnosed in July with a rare and aggressive type of cancer, passed away at his Manhattan home.
His partner, Alex Temple Ward, shared that Gavin had been undergoing treatment for sarcoma, a cancer that forms in connective tissues such as bones, muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. The disease commonly affects the arms and legs.
The actor had been receiving care at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering before being transferred to hospice care at home, reports the Mirror.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gavin made a lasting impact on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for his debut as a lead in the 2002 production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Gavin also gained recognition in the UK for his portrayal of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon from 2012 to 2015, a role that won him a prestigious Olivier Award. In 2017, he secured a Tony Award for his role as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! alongside the iconic Bette Midler.
Bette led the tributes on social media, writing on X: “Beloved by the Broadway community, the radiant actor Gavin Creel has passed from a rare form of cancer.
“He played Cornelius Hackl to my Dolly in Hello, Dolly! and I looked forward to working with him every single night. He was fantastic. I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss.”
Broadway legend Idina Menzel shared on Instagram: “Sweet, sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among the angels. I love you so much.” Bernadette Peters added: “Gavin Creel. What a beautiful soul, what a fine person, a great performer and voice. RIP. We are all so sad.”
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham expressed her shock on X: “I’ve just had to sit down. I keep re-reading his name, thinking everyone’s got it wrong. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiley, talented man.
“The absolute real deal, talent pouring out of every pore. I’m heartbroken you’ve gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again, my friend. God, I’m shaken to my core.”
Gavin is survived by his mother, Nancy Clemens Creel, father, James William Creel, sisters, Heather Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel, and his partner, Alex Temple Ward. A private funeral will be held, with a memorial service planned for a later date. The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
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