Broadway and West End star Gavin Creel has died at the age of 48 from an aggressive form of cancer.
The actor and singer specialised in musical theatre and had over three years in the leading role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, for which he won an Olivier Award as a member of the original West End cast.
Creel went on to win a Tony Award for the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, in which he starred opposite Bette Midler, while his other credits included Hair, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Waitress, Mary Poppins and La Cage aux Folles.
In July Creel was diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma and began treatment in New York, but his condition worsened rapidly and he died at home on Monday.
Posting a tribute via X, Hannah Waddingham wrote: "I've just had to sit down. I keep rereading his name thinking everyone's got it wrong. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiley, talented man. The absolute real deal, talent pouring out of every pore. I'm heartbroken you've gone Gavin. I hope to see you again my friend. God I'm shaken to my core."
Midler said on Instagram: "Beloved by the #Broadway community, the radiant actor #GavinCreel has died from a rare form of cancer. He played Cornelius Hackl to my Dolly in "Hello Dolly" and I looked forward to working with him every single night. He was fantastic. I can't believe he's gone. What a loss."
Creel is survived by partner Alex Temple Ward, his parents and two sisters.
Neil Wilkes
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