Bette Midler, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others remember Gavin Creel

Bette Midler and Lin-Manuel Miranda are among those who led the tributes to Broadway veteran and Tony winner Gavin Creel following his death.

Creel died Monday at his home in Manhattan, New York, at age 48 from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Creel’s publicist Matt Polk confirmed to ABC News.

Creel suffered from metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma and was diagnosed with cancer in July.

A popular actor, singer, composer and lyricist, Creel was first introduced to Broadway tunes and classics as a student at Jefferson Elementary School.

In 2022, he landed the breakthrough role of Jimmy Smith in the Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which earned him his first Tony Award nomination.

He won a Tony Award for “Hello, Dolly!” and received another nomination for “Hair.” He also won an Olivier Award for “The Book of Mormon.”

His death left the Broadway industry in mourning.

Read on to learn how Creel is being remembered.

Bette Midler

Midler wrote on X that Creel was “loved by the #Broadway community.”

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

Lin Manuel Miranda

Alongside a picture of Creel, Miranda wrote in his Instagram caption that he was “shocked” after learning of his death.

“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. “He is so loved and it is unimaginable that he is no longer with us. My heart goes out to all the friends, family and co-workers who are lucky enough to be around him. We love you and we will always love you, Gavin.”

Josh Gad

Gad wrote in his Instagram caption on Monday: “Sometimes I don’t have the right words to describe my sadness. Today is one of those days.”

He continued: “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.” @realgavincreel.

Idina Menzel

The actress wrote on her Instagram alongside a picture of Creel: “Sweet, sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among angels. I love you so much.”

Hannah Waddingham

Waddingham wrote: I am heartbroken that you are gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again, my God, I’m shaken to the core.

Ben Platt

Platt posted photos of himself with Creel on his Instagram Stories and wrote, “There are no words to describe this loss.”

“Gavin was my first role model, idol and hero. He took me backstage after I saw my first Broadway show. I couldn’t believe that someone with such preternatural talents could also be every single person’s favorite person in the building…it’s impossible to articulate what he meant to the theater and even harder to understand that he’s gone.