Gavin Creel was a celebrated American actor known for his time as a renowned Broadway star, but he did transition into film and television. Creel studied musical theater before making his Broadway debut in 2002 as Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, earning his first Tony Award nomination. His career flourished with standout Broadway roles, including Claude in the 2009 revival of Hair and Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, the latter earning him an Olivier Award. In 2017, Creel won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! opposite the great Bette Midler.

Beyond the stage, Creel appeared in television projects and was a pᴀssionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, co-founding Broadway Impact. In 2024, Creel was diagnosed with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a rare and aggressive cancer, and he died from the illness on September 30, 2024, at the age of 48. His death was mourned across Broadway, with theaters dimming their lights in his honor. Aside from his appearances in Broadway musicals, Creel appeared in a number of movies and television shows. His performances in these тιтles are a true showcase of the late actor’s unmatched talent.

7

Eloise At The Plaza (2003)

Bill

Eloise at the Plaza brings Kay Thompson’s charming children’s book to life. The story follows Eloise, a spirited six-year-old girl who lives in New York City’s Plaza H๏τel. With her nanny, played by the always elegant Julie Andrews, Eloise embarks on mischievous adventures, causing chaos while uncovering a budding romance between a H๏τel guest and a prince.

In Eloise at the Plaza, Gavin Creel played Bill, a charming and kind H๏τel waiter who often becomes embroiled in Eloise’s schemes. Bill is warm-hearted and down-to-earth, contrasting with the high-society world of the Plaza H๏τel. He also has great chemistry with Sofia Vᴀssilieva’s Eloise. Creel’s performance brought sincerity and charm to the role, showcasing his early on-screen talents before he became a major star on Broadway.

6

Eloise At Christmastime (2003)

Creel Reprised His Role As Bill

A sequel to Eloise at the Plaza, Eloise at Christmastime follows the adventures of Eloise, who is still a troublemaker and living with her Nanny at New York’s luxurious Plaza H๏τel. As Christmas approaches, Eloise busies herself with holiday mischief and matchmaking. In this sequel, Bill falls in love with the wealthy Mr. Peabody’s daughter, Rachel. However, Rachel is engaged to a snobbish and unkind man whom Eloise is determined to expose.

Gavin Creel once again shines as Bill, whose love for Rachel is sincere but complicated by their different social standings. His performance brings warmth and depth to the role, making Bill one of the most endearing characters in the film. The actor’s connection with Rachel, combined with Eloise’s playful interference, adds charm to the holiday story. Creel’s work in Eloise at Christmastime showcased his natural charisma and musical talents years before his Tony-winning Broadway career. The movie remains an endearing Christmas classic, with Creel’s portrayal of Bill adding to its joyful holiday spirit.

5

All Aboard! Rosie’s Family Cruise (2006)

Creel Plays Himself

All Aboard! Rosie’s Family Cruise is a 2006 documentary that follows the journey of a group of LGBTQ+ families as they embark on a cruise organized by Rosie O’Donnell. The cruise celebrates diversity, inclusion, and love, bringing together families of various backgrounds and idenтιтies. The film captures the intimate moments of these families, showcasing their bonds and highlighting the challenges they face in a society that often marginalizes them.

Gavin Creel plays a significant role in the film, both as a participant and as a musical performer. As a renowned Broadway star, Creel’s presence in the documentary adds a layer of celebrity engagement to the event, bringing attention to the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. He performed at the cruise’s entertainment events, showcasing his talent and charm alongside the families’ personal stories. The film is a heartfelt exploration of love, acceptance, and community, and Creel’s contributions helped to amplify its message of acceptance and inclusion.

4

She Loves Me (2016)

Steven Kodaly

The 2016 movie She Loves Me is a filmed stage production of the beloved Broadway musical based on the 1937 play Parfumerie by Miklós László. Set in the 1930s Budapest, the romantic comedy follows two feuding shop employees, Amalia Balash and Georg Nowack, who are unaware they are secret pen pals falling in love. The production was performed at the legendary Studio 54 and was the first Broadway show ever to be livestreamed online.

Gavin Creel starred as Steven Kodaly, the charming yet deceitful ladies’ man working at the perfume store. His performance brought a mix of humor and arrogance to the role, making Kodaly a delightfully two-faced character. Creel’s charisma and strong vocals shone in numbers like “Ilona,” where he seductively woos a coworker while revealing his self-serving nature. His portrayal added depth to the comedic antagonist, making him both frustrating and entertaining. Creel’s performance in the filmed production allowed theater fans worldwide to experience his talent, solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer.

3

The Ceiling Fan (2016)

Creel Was A Producer On The Short Film

The Ceiling Fan is a 2016 short film co-directed by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead. It follows a woman working alone in her countryside home as she attempts to install a ceiling fan, finding unexpected emotional depth in the simple task. Through minimal dialogue and strong visual storytelling, the film explores themes of solitude, resilience, and self-reliance.

Gavin Creel served as a producer for The Ceiling Fan, playing a key role in bringing the project to life. His involvement in this independent film showcased his pᴀssion for storytelling beyond the stage, while his collaboration with Keenan-Bolger and Wetherhead highlighted his commitment to supporting creative projects within the theater and film communities. Though he did not act in the film, Creel’s contribution as a producer helped shape its artistic vision, making it a compelling and intimate short film experience.

2

Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017–2020)

Matthews

Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure is the spin-off series born from the hit Disney animated film, Tangled. The series follows Rapunzel as she adjusts to life as a princess in Corona, exploring new adventures alongside Eugene, also known as Flynn Rider, Pascal, Maximus, and her new handmaiden, Cᴀssandra. The show expands on Rapunzel’s story, introducing new characters, magical mysteries, and thrilling quests.

Gavin Creel lent his voice to Matthews, a character who serves as one of the royal guards in the kingdom of Corona. He is initially portrayed as loyal and dutiful, working alongside his fellow guards to protect the royal family. Matthews is notably involved in several key moments, helping to support the main characters through their various adventures. He provides comic relief and stability within the show’s broader, more dramatic moments, and that’s thanks to Creel’s excellent voice acting.

1

American Horror Stories (2021–Present)

Troy

Gavin Creel appeared in American Horror Stories, the anthology spinoff of American Horror Story, bringing his theatrical talent to the world of horror television. In Creel’s most notable appearance, he played Troy, a mysterious and charismatic character entangled in supernatural and psychological horror in the Murder House episodes of the series. His performance stood out for its emotional depth, blending charm with an unsettling edge, which added intrigue to the storyline.

Creel’s ability to convey vulnerability and menace simultaneously made his character memorable among fans. Despite his background in musical theater, Creel’s work in American Horror Stories demonstrated his range beyond the stage. His episodes allowed him to step into a darker genre, proving his adaptability as an actor. Whether portraying a victim of terrifying circumstances or a character with sinister motives, Creel brought the same dedication and nuance that made him a Broadway star.