Gavin Creel's Enduring Legacy Beyond the Stage
Photo: Matthew Murphy
We lost Gavin Creel yesterday. It still hurts. I’m still processing the surrealness of talking about him in the past tense. He was a force of nature on the Broadway stage, capturing hearts with his soulful voice, boundless energy, and infectious enthusiasm.
But his artistry extended far beyond his performances. He brought a generous spirit to every project, empowering his fellow cast members, collaborating with directors and creatives, and lending his voice to causes he believed in. He wasn’t just interested in shining on stage—he wanted the entire theatre community to thrive. He didn’t just care about his castmates on stage—he wanted to make sure they were safe after they left the theatre.
In a career defined by artistic brilliance, his legacy is also one of deep compassion and commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.
At the heart of Gavin’s journey as an artist was his love for his alma mater, the University of Michigan. A proud graduate of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, he often spoke about how his time at Michigan shaped him not just as a performer, but as a human being. It was at Michigan that he truly began to hone his craft, discovering the depth of his passion for theatre and the importance of community.
In fact, he dedicated most of his Tony acceptance speech to the school.
He also encouraged people to donate and start scholarships to nurture the next generation of performers. Later on, he founded a scholarship fund with best friend and fellow Michigan alum Celia Keenan-Bolger aimed at supporting students engaging in social justice causes while at school. His unwavering support of the institution and its students demonstrated his belief in the power of education and the arts. Gavin was always about clearing the path for others.
There was rarely a camp or summer workshop where I didn’t see him interacting with students and kids who wanted to be him someday. There are countless stories of his encouraging words and detailed notes when helping aspiring artists. “Brave” is what I was told he would constantly praise younger students. Their bravery and encouraging them to keep that as they started this career.
As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, he was a proud voice for equality, never shying away from conversations about inclusivity and representation in the arts.
Gavin was instrumental in founding Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization formed in 2008 to mobilize the theatre community in support of marriage equality. Alongside co-founders Rory O’Malley and Jenny Kanelos, their efforts were focused on raising awareness, rallying support, and lobbying lawmakers to recognize the importance of equal marriage rights for all.
His passion for marriage equality was clear in every speech he gave, every interview he participated in, and every rally he attended. One of the most significant moments in his activism came in 2009, when Broadway Impact helped organize the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. Gavin and his co-founders joined thousands of other activists to march for LGBTQ+ rights, demanding equal treatment under the law. He not only contributed to one of the most important civil rights movements of our time, but he also inspired countless others to join the fight for equality.
As we remember Gavin Creel, we are reminded that his legacy is not just his body of work on the stage but the countless lives he touched as an advocate, educator, and mentor.
We will miss you so much, Gavin.