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Gavin Creel Headshot

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

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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
[US Tour]
US Tour, 2023
Wolf, Cinderella's Prince
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Wolf, Cinderella's Prince
[West End]
Original West End Production, 2021
Elder Price
[West End]
Original West End Production, 2019
Dr. Pomatter [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company One-Night-Only Benefit, 2018
Billy Buck Chandler
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Cornelius Hackl, Cornelius Hackl [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Dr. Pomatter [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Broadway Revival, 2016
Kodaly
[US Tour]
1st National US Tour, 2012
Elder Price
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Elder Price [Replacement]
[West End]
London Revival, 2010
Claude
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Claude
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival [Cancelled], 2008
Jesus
[West End]
Original London Production, 2004
Bert [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Jean-Michel
[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Performer, Other Roles
[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Charles Darnay
[New York]
Workshop (i), 2004
Performer
[New York]
New York Concert, 2003
Performer
[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 2003
Hollis Bessemer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Jimmy Smith
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
The Tribe, Principal, Father
[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]
[]
US Premiere, 2000
Ugly
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1999
Nick Piazza
[New York]
Workshop, 2001
Melchior

Writing

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Gavin Creel from another Broadway star or creative.

Gavin Creel

Gavin Creel


TV Shows

She Loves Me
[ 2016 ] Steven Kodaly
Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure
[ 2019 ] Matthews
American Horror Stories
[ 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

News

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.
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.’
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPRING AWAKENING Original Cast Recording Coming to Vinyl for the First Time, Featuring Unreleased Lea Michele & Gavin Creel Duet
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 7, 2026

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Tony Award-winning hit musical Spring Awakening, the first-ever vinyl release of the original Broadway cast recording will be released by Decca Broadway this summer.
Video: Caissie Levy Sings 'What Do I Need With Love' at MCC MISCAST26
by Michael Major - Jun 30, 2026

Caissie Levy performs 'What Do I Need With Love' from Thoroughly Modern Millie at MCC Theater's MISCAST26, the annual gala featuring Broadway stars in roles they would not traditionally play. Watch the video!
Andrew Kober Dives Deep Into GIULIA: THE POISON QUEEN OF PALERMO, Saying Goodbye to THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES and More
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 21, 2026

About to world premiere Jennifer Nettles’ new musical, Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo, Andrew Kober reflects on the rehearsal process, his 10 Broadway shows starting with the beloved Hair revival, and performing in five musical productions—from The Queen of Versailles to The Wild Party—in one NYC season.
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Choreographers Want to Take on a Revival of FAME Next
by Michael Gioia - Jun 7, 2026

In the Tony Awards press room, choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons teased they want to do a revival of the musical 'Fame' next.

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 several prestigious theater awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Hello, Dolly!. He also won the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, Creel won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Hello, Dolly!. He also received the Best Actor in a Musical award from the Olivier Awards for 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).

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