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Originally aired as episode 169 on October 22, 2021. Gavin Creel is an actor, singer and songwriter who received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce.
Gavin Creel
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002, originating the role of Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received his first Tony Award nomination, Creel went on to star in the Broadway productions of Hair (Tony Award nomination), La Cage Aux Folles, She Loves Me, The Book of Mormon, and Waitress. He received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!
Date of Birth: April 18, 1976 (50)
Birth Place: Findlay, OH, USA
Latest News on Gavin Creel:
- Lincoln Center Honors Gavin Creel With Special COME & SING Event Featuring HAIR and INTO THE WOODSOct 28, 2026
- Bernadette Peters to Receive Harold Prince Award at Drama Desk AwardsOct 27, 2026
- Hermitage Artist Retreat to Present Fall Programs With Pulitzer Finalist Monahon, Composer GordonOct 14, 2026
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BIO
Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002, originating the role of Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received his first Tony Award nomination, Creel went on to star in the Broadway productions of Hair (Tony Award nomination), La Cage Aux Folles, She Loves Me, The Book of Mormon, and Waitress.
He received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler.
Creel was among the star-studded cast of New York City Center Encores! critically acclaimed production of Into the Woods starring as Wolf/Cinderella's Prince. The celebrated production transferred to Broadway where Creel reprised his role as Wolf/Cinderella's Prince opposite Sara Bareilles, Brian d'Arcy James, Joshua Henry, Julia Lester and Patina Miller.
Gavin received an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Elder Price in the London production of The Book of Mormon and also appeared on the West End in Mary Poppins, Hair, and Waitress. Creel's musical Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice played off-Broadway at MCC Theater in 2023.
On television, Creel recently performed a solo PBS concert special with Stars on Stage, starred as Troy in Ryan Murphy's anthology series American Horror Stories and played Bill alongside Julie Andrews in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmasttime.
Creel released three original albums: GoodTimeNation, Quiet and, Get Out. Creel was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, the first and only grassroots organization to mobilize the nationwide theater community in support of marriage equality.
A native of Findlay, Ohio, he was a graduate of University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance and a 2022 Fellow at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. He was a board member of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
He passed away in September 2024.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Gavin
[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company One-Night-Only Benefit, 2018
Billy Buck Chandler
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Cornelius Hackl, Cornelius Hackl [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2001
Pan/Bud/Daisy [Replacement], Rick/Dillon/Lorraine [Replacement], Daisy [Replacement], Bud [Replacement], Pan [Replacement], Lorraine [Replacement], Dillon [Replacement], Rick [Replacement]
Writing
See how Gavin Creel connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Gavin Creel from another Broadway star or creative.
Gavin Creel
Connection
TV Shows
She Loves Me
[ 2016 ] Steven Kodaly
[ 2016 ] Steven Kodaly
Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure
[ 2019 ] Matthews
[ 2019 ] Matthews
American Horror Stories
[ 2021 ] Troy, Troy Winslow
[ 2021 ] Troy, Troy Winslow
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Gavin Creel, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Gavin Creel, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Gavin Creel, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Olivier Awards - 2014 - Best Actor in a Musical
Gavin Creel, The Book of Mormon
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Gavin Creel, Hair
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Gavin Creel, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Videos
Video: Caissie Levy Sings 'What Do I Need With Love' at MCC MISCAST26
by Michael Major - 2026-06-30 09:32:19
Video: Danny Burstein on His Tony Nomination- 'Audra McDonald Was Right!'
by Joey Mervis - 2025-05-16 15:34:24
Exclusive: Aaron Tveit Sings 'I Know Him So Well' at MISCAST25- a Tribute to Gavin Creel
by Nicole Rosky - 2025-04-18 10:13:33
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-03 14:32:49
Video: Watch Lea Salonga Perform 'Edelweiss' From MCC MISCAST24
by Michael Major - 2025-03-10 15:58:23
Video: Audra McDonald Talks the 'Tornado' of Mama Rose and How Gavin Creel Inspired Her to Play the Role
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-04 10:53:12
Video: Gavin Creel Sings 'Alone Tonight' in the COMMON DENOMINATOR Pilot
by Nicole Rosky - 2025-01-22 16:48:18
Video: Kate Baldwin Sings 'Everything' from HELD MOMENTARILY at 54 Below
by Michael Major - 2024-12-16 17:05:50
Video: Original NEWSIES Cast Members Team With SUFFS & More For Broadway Votes Music Video
by Michael Major - 2024-10-15 12:13:54
Video: Watch Jinkx Monsoon Sing 'One Day More' at MISCAST24
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-06-30 15:18:00
Video: Mykal Kilgore Performs 'Stars and the Moon' at MISCAST24
by Stephi Wild - 2024-05-06 10:16:31
Exclusive: Watch Lauren Patten Sing 'One Song, Glory' at MISCAST24
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-04-19 17:27:49
Video: Get an Exclusive Sneak Peek at Shoshana Bean in Rehearsal for Her Annual Holiday Concert at The Apollo
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-12-02 16:29:41
Video: Cast of INTO THE WOODS Talks Opening Night in Los Angeles
by Alan Henry - 2023-07-03 11:01:07
News
Lincoln Center Honors Gavin Creel With Special COME & SING Event Featuring HAIR and INTO THE WOODS
by Michael Major - Oct 28, 2026
Lincoln Center will host a special edition of Come & Sing in memory of Gavin Creel. Participants will learn two Broadway finales: “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In” from Hair and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods.
by Michael Major - Oct 28, 2026
Lincoln Center will host a special edition of Come & Sing in memory of Gavin Creel. Participants will learn two Broadway finales: “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In” from Hair and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods.
Bernadette Peters to Receive Harold Prince Award at Drama Desk Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 27, 2026
The Drama Desk Awards has named Bernadette Peters, a nine-time nominee and three-time winner, as the recipient of the Harold Prince Award, a lifetime achievement honor recognizing distinguished contributions to theater.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 27, 2026
The Drama Desk Awards has named Bernadette Peters, a nine-time nominee and three-time winner, as the recipient of the Harold Prince Award, a lifetime achievement honor recognizing distinguished contributions to theater.
Hermitage Artist Retreat to Present Fall Programs With Pulitzer Finalist Monahon, Composer Gordon
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 14, 2026
The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced three fall programs featuring playwright Talene Monahon, folk musician Tommy Lubben, opera composer Ricky Ian Gordon, and multi-instrumentalist Jen Shyu at venues across Sarasota County.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 14, 2026
The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced three fall programs featuring playwright Talene Monahon, folk musician Tommy Lubben, opera composer Ricky Ian Gordon, and multi-instrumentalist Jen Shyu at venues across Sarasota County.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 1, 2026- Matthew Morrison Returns to JUST IN TIME and More
by - Oct 1, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 1, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Remembering Gavin Creel: Broadway Looks Back With Pictures and Memories 2 Years After His Death
by Michael Gioia - Sep 30, 2026
It’s been two years since Gavin Creel died on September 30, 2024, at age 48 after being diagnosed with cancer. Longtime friends and members of the Broadway community look back on his life and legacy.
by Michael Gioia - Sep 30, 2026
It’s been two years since Gavin Creel died on September 30, 2024, at age 48 after being diagnosed with cancer. Longtime friends and members of the Broadway community look back on his life and legacy.
Exclusive: Ashley Park Says It Was ‘Heartbreaking’ to Pass Up Broadway Shows, Is ‘Dying’ to Return
by Michael Gioia - Sep 29, 2026
Ashley Park, who has starred as Mindy Chen on Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ since 2020, exclusively tells BroadwayWorld that she misses theater ‘so much.’
by Michael Gioia - Sep 29, 2026
Ashley Park, who has starred as Mindy Chen on Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ since 2020, exclusively tells BroadwayWorld that she misses theater ‘so much.’
Exclusive: Steven Sater Gave Update on Musical NERO With Duncan Sheik 2 Weeks Before His Death
by Michael Gioia - Sep 19, 2026
Duncan Sheik’s frequent collaborator Steven Sater spoke with BroadwayWorld about their musical 'Nero,' which is scheduled to open this fall in London, less than three weeks before the songwriter died at age 56.
by Michael Gioia - Sep 19, 2026
Duncan Sheik’s frequent collaborator Steven Sater spoke with BroadwayWorld about their musical 'Nero,' which is scheduled to open this fall in London, less than three weeks before the songwriter died at age 56.
Exclusive: SPRING AWAKENING Revival Saw About ‘130 Hours’ of Auditions, It Will Be ‘Completely Revelatory’
by Michael Gioia - Sep 14, 2026
Steven Sater exclusively tells BroadwayWorld how the upcoming Off-Broadway revival of ‘Spring Awakening’ will be unlike anything audiences have seen before.
by Michael Gioia - Sep 14, 2026
Steven Sater exclusively tells BroadwayWorld how the upcoming Off-Broadway revival of ‘Spring Awakening’ will be unlike anything audiences have seen before.
Exclusive: SPRING AWAKENING Cut Songs, Including ‘Haunting’ Duet With Gavin Creel, Explained
by Michael Gioia - Sep 13, 2026
Steven Sater exclusively tells BroadwayWorld why never-before-heard tracks from 'Spring Awakening' were taken out of the musical and ultimately replaced.
by Michael Gioia - Sep 13, 2026
Steven Sater exclusively tells BroadwayWorld why never-before-heard tracks from 'Spring Awakening' were taken out of the musical and ultimately replaced.
Ariana DeBose, Jessica Vosk, Jordan Fisher and More to Join The American Theatre Wing Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
The American Theatre Wing has revealed the lineup for their 2026 Fall Gala Celebration, which will be held at The Ziegfeld Ballroom. Stars taking part include Ariana DeBose, Jessica Vosk, Jordan Fisher and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
The American Theatre Wing has revealed the lineup for their 2026 Fall Gala Celebration, which will be held at The Ziegfeld Ballroom. Stars taking part include Ariana DeBose, Jessica Vosk, Jordan Fisher and more.
Photos: THE EDGE MOTEL to Open at Theater For The New City
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Tom Rowan's THE EDGE MOTEL will have its world premiere as part of the Dream Up Festival, directed by Ron Lasko and starring Beckett Fleet, Hannah Heil and Max Andrae.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Tom Rowan's THE EDGE MOTEL will have its world premiere as part of the Dream Up Festival, directed by Ron Lasko and starring Beckett Fleet, Hannah Heil and Max Andrae.
BAT BOY Original Off-Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Michael Gioia - Aug 29, 2026
BroadwayWorld looks back at the 2001 Off-Broadway cast of the musical 'Bay Boy,' which included a young Kerry Butler before her star turn as Meredith Parker.
by Michael Gioia - Aug 29, 2026
BroadwayWorld looks back at the 2001 Off-Broadway cast of the musical 'Bay Boy,' which included a young Kerry Butler before her star turn as Meredith Parker.
Video: Watch the Trailer for SARA BAREILLES: GOOD GRIEF Documentary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2026
Josh Alexander’s documentary, Sara Bareilles: Good Grief will receive a nationwide release this fall. The film offers an intimate, unfiltered portrait of Bareilles’ return to the recording studio in years. Watch the trailer for the documentary!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2026
Josh Alexander’s documentary, Sara Bareilles: Good Grief will receive a nationwide release this fall. The film offers an intimate, unfiltered portrait of Bareilles’ return to the recording studio in years. Watch the trailer for the documentary!
HERMITAGE SUNSETS @ SELBY GARDENS to Return for Seventh Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 10, 2026
The Hermitage Artist Retreat will present six outdoor programs across Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses, opening with Hermitage Fellows Madeline Benson, Chris Peters, and Matīss Čudars.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 10, 2026
The Hermitage Artist Retreat will present six outdoor programs across Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses, opening with Hermitage Fellows Madeline Benson, Chris Peters, and Matīss Čudars.
Art as Activism: Dr. Nicole Johnson Is Lighting Pathways to Liberation
by Cynthia L. Dorsey - Aug 9, 2026
Art as Activism on Broadway is a recurring series exploring how theater can move beyond entertainment to serve as a catalyst for social change, advocacy, and cultural dialogue. Through the Harriet Tubman Effect, Dr. Nicole Johnson is using storytelling, imagination and intentional action to transform who gets to create, lead and experience theater.
by Cynthia L. Dorsey - Aug 9, 2026
Art as Activism on Broadway is a recurring series exploring how theater can move beyond entertainment to serve as a catalyst for social change, advocacy, and cultural dialogue. Through the Harriet Tubman Effect, Dr. Nicole Johnson is using storytelling, imagination and intentional action to transform who gets to create, lead and experience theater.
Review: INTO THE WOODS at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
by Julie Gardieff - Aug 6, 2026
Though I am not typically a fan of Sondheim’s work, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ recent production of Into the Woods inspired a complete change of heart. Having seen the 2023 Broadway revival tour starring royalty like Stephanie J.
by Julie Gardieff - Aug 6, 2026
Though I am not typically a fan of Sondheim’s work, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ recent production of Into the Woods inspired a complete change of heart. Having seen the 2023 Broadway revival tour starring royalty like Stephanie J.
The Museum of Broadway Extends CRAFT OF BROADWAY PUPPETRY Exhibit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Museum of Broadway will extend the special exhibit Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit explores the making of beloved puppets such as the animals from Life of Pi, Pudgy from Boop! The Musical, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Museum of Broadway will extend the special exhibit Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit explores the making of beloved puppets such as the animals from Life of Pi, Pudgy from Boop! The Musical, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen.
Exclusive: With NOT MY DOG, Analise Scarpaci Breaks Her Own Rules
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 17, 2026
Broadway alum Analise Scarpaci is starring in Not My Dog, a new indie family film from director Danny LeGare. We caught up with the Mrs. Doubtfire star, who spoke about writing a new song for the project, reuniting with her Christmas Story co-star, and why she looks to Sara Bareilles as an artistic inspiration.
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 17, 2026
Broadway alum Analise Scarpaci is starring in Not My Dog, a new indie family film from director Danny LeGare. We caught up with the Mrs. Doubtfire star, who spoke about writing a new song for the project, reuniting with her Christmas Story co-star, and why she looks to Sara Bareilles as an artistic inspiration.
Kenny Leon Elected Chair of the American Theatre Wing's Board of Trustees
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2026
Tony Award-winning director, producer, and industry leader Kenny Leon has been elected Chair of the American Theatre Wing's Board of Trustees. His work spans Broadway, regional theatres, television, and film.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2026
Tony Award-winning director, producer, and industry leader Kenny Leon has been elected Chair of the American Theatre Wing's Board of Trustees. His work spans Broadway, regional theatres, television, and film.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 8, 2026- SIX To Welcome Two New Queens and More
by - Jul 8, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 8, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 8, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 8, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Gavin Creel been in?
Gavin Creel has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
How many West End shows has Gavin Creel been in?
Gavin Creel has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.
What was Gavin Creel's first West End show?
Gavin Creel's first West End show was Mary Poppins which opened in 2004
What awards has Gavin Creel been nominated for?
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Actor in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Book of Mormon, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hair and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie.
What awards has Gavin Creel won?
Gavin Creel has won numerous prestigious awards throughout his Broadway career. He received the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Hello, Dolly!. He also earned the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, also for his performance in Hello, Dolly!. Additionally, Creel won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Hello, Dolly!. He also received the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in The Book of Mormon.
How many shows has Gavin Creel written?
Gavin Creel has written 1 shows including Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice (Writer).
Podcasts
Ep13 - Gavin Creel - The Shame Part
Gavin Creel is a Tony winner and all-around Broadway royalty, but he is not immune to a history of shame and self-doubt. Bobby and Gavin share a common story of growing up gay and being rejected by a culture that led to patterns of self-rejection that they both still navigate, while also sharing how they've healed through self-acceptance and community.
Gavin Creel (Tony Award Winner, Hello, Dolly!) on the Traps of Type
In this Artist Exploration, Gavin and Charlie discuss weighing admission decisions, type, Gavin’s song writing process and his relationship with social media. Charlie and Gavin also play a rousing game of Creel or No-Creel.
Gavin Creel is an actor, singer and songwriter who received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce.
Ep33 - LIVE: HAIR - Caissie Levy, Gavin Creel, Will Swenson & Darius Nichols
After a smash-hit run at Central Park‘s Delacorte Theater in summer of 2008, HAIR returned to Broadway for the first time in over 30 years in March 2009. The story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world.
S1 Ep4: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Talk to anyone in the Broadway community about giving back and you’re bound to hear them sing the praises of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Joe is off vacationing this week, and Dan has settled into his new home in beautiful Colorado, and he's bringing you back to one of our favorites - our interview with Gavin Creel. Gavin has won a Tony Award, and an Olivier, but what we know him as the most-played singer on our car radios.
We join the Tony and Olivier award-winning actor backstage at Waitress to discuss his unbreakable friendship and love for Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, the power of authenticity in the arts, and reveals his (unlikely) dream Jenna.
GAVIN CREEL GAVIN CREEL GAVIN CREEL!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM US TO YOU!!! THE LEGEND IS HERE!! We can't believe that Tony Award and Olivier WINNER Gavin Creel agreed to sit down with us. He is one of the biggest stars on Broadway and, for some reason, he agreed to spend an hour with us.
RJ Brown (13 Reason’s Why) Gushes About Gavin Creel, Fairview, and We Hate Twitter
RJ Brown (13 Reason's Why, The Carrie Diaries, Girls) stops by to talk about going from growing up as a song and dance man in Norfolk Virginia, to being a TV heart throb... well he doesn't say that, Joe says that... BUT!! We're so thrilled he's here.
Tony nominee and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, The Book of Mormon, Hello Dolly) talks with Rory about the challenges of working on long running shows, their fight for marriage equality, and the practice of being happy!
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