‘American Horror Stories’ star Gavin Creel dies, aged 48

1 October, 2024

Gavin Creel, a star of stage musicals on Broadway and the West End, as well as American Horror Stories, has died at the age of 48.

The Tony-winning actor had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in July, with news of his passing being confirmed on Monday (September 30) by his partner, Alex Temple Ward.

He had been suffering with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, and had been undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering before recently transitioning to hospice care at home. He died at his home in Manhattan.

Creel won the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in Hello, Dolly! opposite Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce on Broadway in 2017. He had been nominated for previous roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hair.

Reacting to the news, Midler wrote on Instagram that she “looked forward to working with him every single night.” She added: “He was fantastic. I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss.”

He also received an Olivier Award for his role as Elder Price in The Book Of Mormon, originating the role in the West End version of the musical. His final role on Broadway was in the 2022 revival of Into The Woods, playing Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf.

In 2021, he starred as Troy in the first season of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Stories, as well as the singing waiter Bill in the films Eloise At The Plaza and Eloise At Christmastime, opposite Julie Andrews.

Creel was born on April 18, 1976 and grew up in Findlay, Ohio. He was introduced to musicals by his teachers, and later attended the Department of Musical Theater at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, graduating in 1998.

While starring in the 2009 revival of Hair, he began campaigning for marriage equality in the US, founding the non-profit organisation Broadway Impact, alongside Rory O’Malley and Jenny Kanelos.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham was another to pay tribute to Creel, writing on X: “I’ve just had to sit down. I keep rereading his name thinking everyone’s got it wrong. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiley, talented man. The absolute real deal, talent pouring out of every pore. I’m heartbroken you’ve gone Gavin. I hope to see you again my friend. God I’m shaken to my core.”

Creel is survived by his partner Ward, his parents Nancy and James Creel and his sisters Heather and Allyson.

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