Broadway star Gavin Creel’s friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

Broadway star Gavin Creel's friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for the arts and a soft spot for stories of resilience and inspiration, I find myself deeply moved by the life and passing of Broadway sensation Gavin Creel. His final words to his friend, urging him to live life to the fullest, serve as a poignant reminder that time is precious and each moment should be cherished.


The heartfelt last words of Broadway star, Gavin Creel, before his untimely death at age 48 have come to light.

Known for numerous triumphant stage appearances in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, She Loves Me, and Hello, Dolly!, this cherished Broadway figure even shared the limelight with celebrities like Bette Midler and Jane Krakowski.

On September 30, as reported by his partner, Alex Temple Ward, Creel passed away during the course of treatment for an uncommon and aggressive type of sarcoma.

A flood of tributes have come from some of the most prominent figures on Broadway. Composer and lyricist Benj Pasek, for instance, shared an Instagram post featuring a heartfelt message his performer friend sent before passing away – a message that inspired him to seize every moment in life.

‘Not living is the one thing I have learned so far during this time that is NO LONGER AN OPTION EVER AGAIN. Live. If you are alive LIVE,’ Creel’s message read.

Broadway star Gavin Creel's friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

Pasek wrote in his caption, “I can’t find the right words, so I’ll let Gavin’s message stand on its own. This was the final text he shared with me. If you are still breathing, LIVE!

Stars from Broadway who have honored Creel are also Sutton Foster, Josh Gad, and Idina Menzel.

My dear friend, Foster, who co-starred with Creel in Thoroughly Modern Millie and shared the stage with me, posted on Instagram a photo of us, along with the words, ‘I’ll always cherish you.’

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who collaborated with Creel during the initial phases of the musical Hamilton, also penned an emotional note, expressing: ‘Devastated.’

Gavin Creel became our initial monarch, captivating us even with just 11 songs, a Burger King crown, and an extraordinary charm and skill that left us spellbound.

He continued: ‘He is so loved and it is unimaginable that he’s no longer with us.

‘My heart goes out to all the friends and family and collaborators lucky enough to be in his orbit. We love you and we’ll always love you Gavin.’

Sarcoma refers to an uncommon category of cancers that usually develop within supportive or connecting tissues such as bones, muscles, fats, nerves, and blood vessels, among others. These cancers tend to manifest frequently in the limbs (arms and legs).

Broadway star Gavin Creel's friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

A post shared by Benj Pasek (@benjpasek)

Broadway star Gavin Creel's friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48
Broadway star Gavin Creel's friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

Creel also played Troy Winslow on the TV series American Horror Stories.

It’s said that he was receiving care at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, following his diagnosis with cancer in July.

However, he recently transferred to receive hospice care at his home.

Creel has earned deep admiration within the New York theatre scene, accumulating an impressive collection of roles on stage throughout his career.

In 2002, the actor was exceptionally recognized with a Tony Award nomination for making his first appearance on Broadway as the main character in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Later, he got another nomination for his stellar portrayal of Claude during the 2009 Broadway reprisal of Hair, where he shared the stage with Caissie Levy.

In the years between 2012 and 2015, this actor graced the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Later on, he was honored with an esteemed Olivier Award for his performance in the West End production of the musical.

A post shared by Sutton Foster (@suttonlenore)

A post shared by Lin-Manuel Miranda (@lin_manuel)

In 2006, Creel graced the West End with his performance as Bert in Mary Poppins, and he returned to the West End stage in 2010, repeating his role in Hair during its transfer.

Among his notable stage performances are La Cage aux Folles in 2004, She Loves Me in 2016, Waitress in 2019, and Into the Woods in 2022.

In 2017, the actor who hails from Ohio was awarded a Tony Prize for his performance as Cornelius, opposite Bette Midler, in the Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!

Additionally, Creel appeared alongside Broadway icon Jane Krakowski in the 2016 revival of She Loves Me, much like Midler.

On-screen, he gained numerous followers for portraying the singing waiter Bill in the movies “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmastime,” where he starred with the esteemed Dame Julie Andrews.

Instead of giving gifts for Gavin, his family kindly asks you to make donations in his memory to the organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

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2024-10-03 00:34

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