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Tony Award-winning actor, known for ‘Hair’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’, dies at 48

Tony Award-winning actor, known for ‘Hair’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’, dies at 48

Vaseline 4 days ago

Gavin Creel, the Broadway actor known for roles in “Hair” and “Hello, Dolly!”, died Monday at the age of 48.

The death was confirmed by his partner Alex Temple Ward, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Tony-nominated star died after being diagnosed in July 2024 with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, the report said.

After treatment, he transitioned to hospice care at home.

He was known for leading roles in films including ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and ‘Into the Woods’.

Creel won a Tony Award for his role as Cornelius Hackl in the revival of “Hello, Dolly!”

He also appeared on the West End in 2006 as Bert in Mary Poppins and reprized his role in Hair in 2010.. Creel won the 2014 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Elder Price in “The Book of Mormon.”

Creel is survived by partner Ward, mother Nancy Clemens Creel, father James William Creel, sisters Heather Creel and Allyson Creel and sister-in-law Jennifer Kolb, according to Playbill.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.