Gavin Creel receives heartbreaking tributes from Bette Midler, Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham and more A-list stars following his shocking death aged 48

Gavin Creel received an outpouring of love and heartbreaking recognition after receiving the shocking news of his death at age 48 on Monday from complications from an aggressive form of cancer.

Its Hello, Dolly! Co-star Bette Midler led the celebrity tributes for

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

Midler was followed by stars such as Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham, Frozen star Idina Menzel, Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annie star Bernadette Peters and many more from stage and screen.

Gavin Creel has received heartbreaking tributes from Bette Midler, Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham and more A-list stars following his shocking death aged 48 (pictured above in April).

According to his partner Alex Temple Ward, Creel died on Monday, September 30, while being treated for a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma.

Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham wrote on

Adding: “Not this man, not this beautiful, smiling, talented man.” Absolutely awesome, talent oozing from every pore. It breaks my heart that you’re gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again, my friend. God, I’m shaken to the core.’

Evil superstar and Broadway legend Idina Menzel wrote on her Instagram page: “Sweet, sweet Gavin Creel.” An angel among angels. I love you so much.’

Bernadette Peters wrote: “Gavin Creel. What a beautiful soul, what an amazing person, a great artist and a great voice. RIP. We are all so sad.’

Lin-Manuel Miranda said he was “shocked” in a heartfelt post, writing: “Gavin Creel was our first King when we only had 11 songs and he wowed the audience with just a Burger King crown and his wits the finger.” -stunning charisma and talent.’

Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham, Frozen star Idina Menzel, Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annie star Bernadette Peters and others paid tribute

Bette Midler starred with Gavin in a revival of Hello, Dolly!

Creel (right, in blue satin) is seen with Bette Midler at her Hulaween event in 2017

Adding: “He is so loved and it is unimaginable that he is no longer with us.” My condolences go out to all the friends, family and staff who were lucky enough to be around him. We love you and we will always love you, Gavin.’

“There are no words to describe this loss.” “Gavin was my first role model, idol and hero,” wrote Broadway actor Ben Platt on his Instagram Stories.

“He took me backstage after I saw my first Broadway show.” I couldn’t believe that someone so supernaturally talented could also be every single person’s favorite person in the building. “I wanted to sing just like him and be just like him.”

“Frozen” star Josh Gad wrote: “Sometimes I don’t have the right words to describe my sadness.” Today is one of those days. We lost someone who was far too young, far too early in his journey, and had far too much influence on our creative community. My heart breaks for his family and closest friends. That’s just not fair. We will never forget you.’

Creel was said to be undergoing treatment at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering after being diagnosed with cancer in July.

Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt has written a touching tribute

However, he recently transitioned to hospice care at his home.

Creel is popular with the New York theater community, having an incredible number of stage performances under his belt.

The actor impressively received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut in 2002 in the lead role of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

He then received another nomination for his starring role as Claude in the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair opposite Caissie Levy.

The star also played Elder Price in The Book of Mormon from 2012 to 2015 and later won a prestigious Olivier Award for the musical’s West End run.

Creel’s family has requested that gifts in Gavin’s memory be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

Tributes poured in for Creel on Monday as New York City Center wrote on X: “We have lost our prince.” New York City Center and encores! The family is devastated today by the death of Gavin Creel. The world has less light.’

GLAAD issued a statement saying, “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Gavin Creel, the out actor and Broadway star who delighted audiences over the years.” He was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, an advocacy group that mobilized the New York theater community in support of same-sex marriage.

Adding, “In 2010, Creel accepted the Special Recognition Award for Hair at the GLAAD Media Awards. “Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.”