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Gavin Creel remembered by Bette Midler, Lin-Manuel Miranda and more
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Gavin Creel remembered by Bette Midler, Lin-Manuel Miranda and more

Bette Midler and Lin-Manuel Miranda are among those who led the tribute to Broadway veteran and Tony winner Gavin Creel after his death.

Creel died Monday at his home in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 48 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Creel’s publicist Matt Polk confirmed to ABC News.

Gavin Creel at the Opening Night Gala for the Encores production curtain call for “Into The Woods” in downtown New York on May 4, 2022.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage via Getty Images, File

Creel suffered from metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma and was diagnosed with cancer in July.

A beloved actor, singer, composer and lyricist, Creel was first introduced to Broadway show tunes and classics while a student at Jefferson Elementary School.

In 2022, he landed the breakout role of Jimmy Smith in the Broadway production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which earned his first Tony Award nomination.

He won a Tony Award for “Hello, Dolly!” and received another nomination for ‘Hair’. He also won an Olivier Award for ‘The Book of Mormon’.

His death has left the Broadway industry in mourning.

Read on to see how Creel is remembered in tributes.

Bette Midler

Midler wrote on X that Creel was “beloved by the #Broadway community.”

“He played Cornelius Hackl to my Dolly in ‘Hello Dolly’ and I looked forward to working with him every night,” she continued. “He was fantastic. I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Alongside a photo of Creel, Miranda wrote in his Instagram caption that he was “shattered” after learning about his death.

“Gavin Creel was our first King when we only had eleven songs and he wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his stunning charisma and talent,” he wrote. “He is so loved and it is unimaginable that he is no longer with us. My heart goes out to all the friends, family and co-workers who are fortunate enough to be around him. We love you and we will always love you , Gavin.”

Gavin Creel poses at the Opening Night Gala for the Encores production of “Into The Woods” in downtown New York, May 4, 2022.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage via Getty Images, File

Jos Gad

Gad wrote in his Instagram caption on Monday, “Sometimes I don’t have the right words to describe my sadness. Today is one of those days.”

He continued: “We have lost someone far too young, far too early in his journey and far too impactful for our creative community. My heart breaks for his family and his closest friends. This is simply not fair. We will keep you never forgotten.” @realgavincreel.”

Idina Menzel

The actress wrote in her Instagram caption alongside a photo of Creel, “Sweet sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among angels. I love you so much.”

Hannah Waddingham

Waddingham wrote of heartbroken that you lost Gavin. Hope to see you again my friend.

Ben Platt

Platt posted photos of himself with Creel on his Instagram stories and wrote, “There are no words to describe this loss.”

“Gavin was my first role model, idol and hero. He showed me around backstage after I saw my first Broadway show. I couldn’t believe that someone with such a supernatural talent could also be every person in the building’s favorite human. his… it is impossible to express what he meant to the theater and even more difficult to understand that he is no longer there.”