Gavin Creel to Be Honored at Public Memorial Celebration on Broadway, 2 Months After His Death

Mar. 15, 2025

Gavin Creel.Photo:Matt Murphy

Matt Murphy

A public memorial celebration has been set for the late Broadway starGavin Creel.

Family and friends will honor the Tony Award-winning actor at the event, which will take place at the St. James Theatre in New York City on Monday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. local time.

It’s suggested that donations in Creel’s memory be made toBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

In addition to the memorial, every Broadway theater in New York City will dim its lights on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6:45 p.m. to honor Creel and the impact he made on the theater community internationally.

Gavin Creel performing at the 2019 Princess Grace Awards Gala on Nov. 25, 2019 in New York City.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Creel was a celebrated songwriter, singer and stage actor known for his Broadway roles inThoroughly Modern Millie,She Loves Me,Hello, Dolly!andHair, among others.

He died on Sept. 30 at the age of 48 amid treatment formetastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the body’s bones or soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels and nerves.

He was diagnosed in July 2024 and treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City before transitioning to hospice care at home, where he died alongside his loved ones including his partner, fellow actorAlex Temple Ward.

In the wake of his death, many members of the Broadway community have spoken out about their love for Creel, including close friends and former costarsBette Midler,Sara Bareilles,Josh Gad,Andrew Rannells,Audra McDonald,Will Swenson,Sutton Foster,Patti Murin,Colin Donnell,Caissie Levy,Kate Baldwin,Beanie Feldstein,Donna Murphy,Joshua Henry.Aaron Tveit,Lin-Manuel Miranda,Idina MenzelandKristin Chenoweth.

Gavin Creel and the cast of ‘Hair’ perform during the 63rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2009 in New York City.Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Andrew H. Walker/Getty

“Anyone who has ever met Gavin remembers a moment (or many) when he made them feel seen and special. A moment (or many) when they basked in his reflected glow. A moment (or many) when that glow made its way into their hearts and remained there forever,” Tony winnerLaura Benanti, Creel’s costar inShe Loves Me,wrote on Instagram. “Gavin was the brightest light in any room. Long may he shine.”

“There are no words to describe this loss," said Tony winnerBen Plattin a post on his Instagram. “Gavin was my first role model, idol and hero. He showed me around backstage after I saw my first Broadway show. I couldn’t believe someone that supernaturally talented could also be every single person in the building’s favorite human being. I wanted to sing just like him and be just like him.”

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Emmy winner and Oscar nomineeColman Domingocalled Creel “a sweet man” in his social media post, adding that the actor was “hilarious and kind.”

“We will all miss him,” Domingo wrote. “He made Broadway so very bright. My heart aches for everyone who loved him. … Give him a standing ovation and throw roses. He did well.”

source: people.com