Broadway star Gavin Creel’s friend Benj Pasek reveals his powerful last texts before tragic death aged 48

Broadway sensation Gavin Creel’s final words to a friend have been revealed following the star’s tragic death at the age of just 48.

The beloved Broadway star was known for a string of successful performances in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair, She Loves Me and Hello, Dolly! – appearing opposite stars like Bette Midler and Jane Krakowski.

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

Tributes have poured in from Broadway’s biggest stars, with composer and lyricist Benj Pasek sharing a screenshot on Instagram of the performer’s powerful final text messages to him – encouraging him to live life to the fullest.

‘Not living is the only thing I have learned so far during this time that NEVER AGAIN IS AN OPTION. Live. When you live LIVE,” Creel’s post read.

Pasek added in his caption, “I don’t have the words so I’ll let Gavin speak for himself. This was the last text he sent me. If you’re still alive, LIVE.’

Other Broadway stars who have paid tribute to Creel include Sutton Foster, Josh Gad and Idina Menzel.

“My dear friend,” Foster, who starred in Thoroughly Modern Millie opposite Creel, wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the pair on stage together. “I will love you forever.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who worked with Creel during the early workshop stages of his musical Hamilton, also wrote a moving message, writing: “Shattered.

“Gavin Creel was our first King when we only had eleven songs and he wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his stunning charisma and talent.”

He continued: “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 associates who are fortunate enough to be around him. We love you and we will always love you, Gavin.”

Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that forms in connective tissue, including bone, muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels and more. Sarcomas usually appear in the arms and legs.

Composer and lyricist Benj Pasek shared a screenshot on Instagram showing the artist’s powerful final lyric message to him – encouraging him to live life to the fullest

Creel and Jane Krakowski perform a song from She Loves Me on stage during the 70th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theater on June 12, 2016 in New York City

Creel is pictured performing a song with Sara Bareilles during a photo call for Waitress The Musical at Adelphi Theatre, London, England, UK on Monday, January 20, 2020

Creel also played Troy Winslow in the TV series American Horror Stories.

He reportedly underwent treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York after being diagnosed with cancer in July.

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

Creel is beloved by the New York theater community and has a staggering amount of stage credits to his name.

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

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

The star also played Elder Price in The Book of Mormon from 2012 to 2015 and would later win a prestigious Olivier Award for the West End show of the musical.

Creel had also appeared on the West End stage as Bert in Mary Poppins in 2006 and then reprized his role in Hair in 2010 for the West End transfer.

His impressive stage credits also include La Cage aux Folles (2004), She Loves Me (2016), Waitress (2019) and Into the Woods (2022).

The Ohio-born performer won a Tony Award for his performance opposite Bette Midler in the role of Cornelius in Broadway’s Hello, Dolly! in 2017.

In addition to Midler, Creel also starred with Broadway legend Jane Krakowski in the 2016 revival of She Loves Me.

On screen he gained many fans for playing the singing waiter Bill in the films Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime alongside Dame Julie Andrews.

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