Gavin Creel, Tony Award-winning actor and singer, passed away on September 30, 2024. The cause of his demise was metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, which he succumbed to after a courageous battle. He was born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio.
In 2002, he was part of the Broadway debut of Thoroughly Modern Millie. From there, he emerged as a leading figure in musical theatre. He won critical acclaim and awards in productions like The Book of Mormon. The Tony Award eluded him for quite some time, but he eventually won it for the Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
This was for 2017's Hello, Dolly! and he was also nominated for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hair. Creel spent most of his stage work dabbling in television and film where he's been versatile and been given roles that touched the audience's hearts.
Below are movies and TV shows that uphold the features of Gavin Creel's career.
Gavin Creel movies
1. Eloise at the Plaza (2003)
In this charming family film, Eloise, a feisty little girl, who lives in the Plaza Hotel, has the most wondrous adventures throughout the city of New York. Gavin Creel supports the entertaining role of Bill, an attractive employee at the hotel.
He assists in making friends and useful guides for little Eloise through many exciting escapades, including befriending a lonely guest and putting on a surprise party. Creel filled the film with warmth and a touch of humor while depicting the adventure spirit, communicating so well with the younger audiences.
The movie preserved the magic of childhood imagination with the importance of friendship and kindness in arguably a busy city.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
2. Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
This follow-up to Eloise at the Plaza finds Eloise preparing for Christmas celebrations at the hotel. Gavin Creel reprises his role as Bill, an assistant to Eloise as she goes up to all her holiday celebrations while facing the challenges of the season. It potentially brings a takeover of the hotel.
His supportive nature is key in helping Eloise spread the joy and cheer of the holiday season back to friends, reinforcing themes of friendship and holiday cheer. Together, they go on a series of merry adventures that underscore the magic of Christmas in New York City.
Creel brings charm and comedic timing to the lightheartedness of this film, making it one of the most treasured holiday classics for families.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
3. She Loves Me (2016)
The classic musical is a filmed Broadway production, and it is centered on two co-workers, Amalia and Georg, unknowingly falling in love through anonymous letters exchanged in a Lonely Hearts ad.
The film features Gavin Creel playing the role of Steven Kodaly: charming, self-centered, yet naughty by his own devices, whose romantic pursuits create tension and humor throughout the story.
His character presents an obstacle and foil to the central couple and complicates the love triangle with his flirtatious machinations.
Creel brings charisma and wit to the role, thus amplifying what could have been a rather quaint exploration of love and deception, set against a Budapest perfumery.
Where to watch: PBS Passport
4. The Ceiling Fan (2016)
Creel plays a role in this short film that brings love and loss to the screen through a unique narrative. In it, a couple takes to mulling over their relationship paralleled with unresolved feelings in the space of their apartment.
That emotional depth comes from Creel's portrayal of nostalgic as well as regretful moments of human bonding. That subtlety of features allows it to bestow an intimate view of the relationships and memories.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Gavin Creel's TV shows
1. American Horror Stories (2021)
American Horror Stories are anthology horror tales drenched in the morbid and supernatural genre. Gavin Creel plays the role of Troy, whose life darkens when he gets entangled in all kinds of peculiar incidents related to a haunted house.
His work brings depth, vulnerability, and tension. Meanwhile, other characters bring suspense and emotions. But, their facets are feigningly small.
Creel's role particularly shows how versatile an actor he is, stepping from musical theater to horror storytelling.
Where to watch: Hulu
2. Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (2019)
Based on Disney's Tangled, this animated series portrays Rapunzel as she ventures through her kingdom and ends up discovering the most valuable thing in life: herself.
Matthews, who is voiced by Gavin Creel, is a supportive and comedic ally to Rapunzel. Matthews assists in instructing Rapunzel in her newfound freedom and responsibilities, with themes such as friendship and bravery.
Creel's voice and performance, paired with humor and heart, help grow the entire story.
Where to watch: Disney+
3. Submissions Only (2010)
This is a comedy web series giving insight into the backroom proceedings of Broadway auditions and casting calls. Gavin Creel stars as himself in this one, as he does in real life. But this time around, he interacts with fictitious characters and his storyline through the highs and lows of auditioning.
Such authenticity lends this series a healthy dose of humor and reveals facets related to the struggles of living a performer's dream.
Such direction heaves off through the light-hearted and meaningful commentary on the competitiveness of theatre which an aspiring artist can identify with.
Where to watch: YouTube
4. Central Park (2020)
Animated musical sitcom, Central Park, follows the Tillerman family, who live and work in Central Park. They battle to save their neighborhood from a greedy land developer. Included in the series is Young Hank Zevansky, voiced by Gavin Creel.
Young Hank brings depth and a lively perspective to the narrative through his portrayal of the park's vibrant community. This musical is filled with musical numbers with social themes. It also has warm storytelling combined with humor.
Creel's performance makes the show enjoyable for all ages to watch.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
5. The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (2009)
A standard fixture on late-night talk shows, Gavin Creel stopped by this iconic show to charm viewers with his singing and personality, as well as through his effervescent banter with host Conan O'Brien.
His television appearances usually revolved around songs from the reprise of the shows he'd worked on in Broadway appearances. This way, the audience could hear his remarkable voice.
These appearances weren't just touting Gavin Creel's charm but were also helping bridge the divide between the world of Broadway theater and mainstream entertainment, introducing the nature of his work to a more casual public as it entertained fans with its playfulness and musicality.
Where to watch: Peacock
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Gavin Creel's roles are a true reflection of his legacy that will inspire a new generation of stage performers!
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