Renowned actor and singer Gavin Creel, aged 48, tragically passed away on September 30, 2024. He was celebrated for his remarkable performances in iconic stage musicals like Spring Awakening and The Little Mermaid.
Publicist Matt Polk confirmed the news of Creel’s death, sharing with the Associated Press that the actor died in his Manhattan home. Polk also revealed that Creel had been bravely fighting metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma since July 2024.
Gavin Creel’s partner, Alex Temple Ward, also disclosed that the late actor had been undergoing treatment for this serious condition. Creel was receiving hospice care at his home after being admitted to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
For those unaware, Alex Temple Ward is involved in the musical theater scene and is known for his work on his D&D podcast, The Last Refuge. According to his website, he has played various roles across multiple theater companies and also excels in swimming while hosting a podcast titled The Last Refuge.
Upon the news of Gavin Creel’s passing, social media was inundated with tributes. Comedian Randy Rainbow shared a nostalgic video on Facebook featuring a past conversation with Gavin, stating:
“Our time together was brief, but like everyone who’d ever seen or heard his work, I was madly in love with him for many years. He was a singular talent who left an indelible mark.”
The official page of Waitress the Musical also honored Gavin Creel with a heartfelt Facebook post that included a tribute clip, stating:
“Gavin was the king of kindness and goodness and we were lucky enough to be part of his legendary career.”
Additionally, actor Josh Gad shared his sorrow on Instagram, expressing his inability to find the right words to convey his grief. His caption read:
“We have lost someone far too young, far too early still in his journey and far too impactful to our creative community. My heart breaks for his family and his closest friends. This is just not fair.”
Alex Temple Ward: A Multifaceted Career
As highlighted on his LinkedIn page, Alex Temple Ward has resided in New York City for many years. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee and was an active member of the swimming team.
“I have worked in the fitness industry via instruction and customer service, and have experience in child care and youth instruction, currently managing social media for a successful gaming podcast.”
Alex Temple Ward boasts a diverse array of acting experience, having performed at esteemed venues such as The Palace Theater and Hemlock Theatre Company. From 2016 to 2017, he also served as a mainstage performer with the Disney Cruise Line.
In 2017, he performed as a soloist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and held roles such as manager on duty and master swim instructor at Equinox. He continues to work as a social media manager for The Last Refuge: A D&D Podcast.
Alex is also active on Instagram, boasting over 2,000 followers, and is represented by the Luedtke Agency. His recent posts have showcased his singing talents, including a performance at The Green Room 42 in New York on June 7.
While Alex Temple Ward was romantically linked with Gavin Creel for a significant period, specific details about their relationship timeline remain undisclosed.
In addition to Gavin’s immense talent, he is survived by his parents, Nancy Clemens Creel and James William Creel, as well as his sisters, Elise Creel and Allyson Jo Creel. Gavin’s extensive career also included notable appearances in television shows such as American Horror Stories, Central Park, and She Loves Me.
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