American Horror Story and Broadway star Gavin Creel has died at the age of 48

TV and Broadway star Gavin Creel has died at the age of 48 from a “rare and aggressive” form of cancer, his publicist Matt Polk announced.

Creel was best known as a stage star in shows such as Hello Dolly! known. alongside Bette Midler, which earned him a Tony Award in 2017.

In the title role he played alongside Midler Cornelius Hackl.

Midler acknowledged this on InstagramHe described Creel as a “shining actor…he was fantastic.” I can’t believe he’s gone. What a loss.”

Creel also starred in the West End and received a prestigious Olivier Award for Best Lead Actor in a Musical in 2014 for his role as Elder Price in The Book Of Mormon, a role he later played on Broadway.

said British star Hannah Waddingham She was “shattered to the core” after his death.

“I just had to sit down. I keep reading his name and I think everyone has misunderstood something. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiling, talented man,” she posted on X.

“Absolutely awesome, talent pours out of every pore. It breaks my heart that you’re gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again, my friend.”

Actor, producer and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda also paid tribute to Creel, who became his first King George III. was cast when the hit musical “Hamilton” was in the early workshop phase.

“Gavin Creel was our first King when we only had 11 songs, and he captivated audiences with just a Burger King crown and his overwhelming charisma and talent.” he wrote on Instagram.

“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 co-workers who were fortunate enough to be around him.”

“Frozen” stars Idina Menzel and Josh Gad also posted their tribute on social media.

Creel’s first major Broadway role was as Jimmy Smith opposite fellow newcomer Sutton Foster in a 2002 revival of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which earned him his first Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

“My sweet friend. I will love you forever.” Foster said in a post on Instagram.

Creel also played Claude Hooper Bukowski in the 2009 revival of “Hair” on Broadway.

He made his West End debut as Bert in Mary Poppins in 2006 and reprized his role in the 2010 West End film adaptation of Hair.

Other roles included Dr. Pomatter in Sara Bareilles’ musical Waitress on Broadway in 2019, a role he reprized in the West End a year later.

Creel’s television career included a two-part role in Ryan Murphy’s miniseries American Horror Stories opposite Matt Bomer in 2021.

He also appeared alongside Dame Julie Andrews in the television films Eloise At The Plaza and Eloise At Christmastime in the early 2000s.

The star also co-founded Broadway Impact, a grassroots organization that aims to mobilize the theater community in support of marriage equality.

He was born in Findlay, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music.

Creel’s publicist said there will be a small private gathering for the family and a celebration of his life for the theater community will be held at a date to be announced.