NEW YORK — Gavin Creel, a famous musical theater actor, died Monday after a short, aggressive battle with cancer.
Creel, 48, was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma in July. His partner confirmed his death with People Magazine on Monday.
Metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the body’s bones or soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels and nerves.
Before transitioning to hospice care at home, he was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
The Tony Award-winning star is known for his leading roles in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Hair,” “Hello, Dolly!” and the recent revival of Into the Woods, among others.
Creel won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2017, for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly!” starring Bette Midler.
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A native of Findlay, Ohio, Creel feel in love with musical theater in his sophomore year of high school after nabbing a role in their production of Camelot, according to People.
The actor’s family and close friends are asking for privacy while they grieve. They request that gifts in Gavin’s memory be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
There will be a small private gathering for the family and a celebration of life will be held for the community at a date to be announced.
