Happy Birthday, Gavin Creel

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Today is Gavin Creel’s birthday. And even though he’s no longer with us, it still feels right to say it: Happy birthday, Gavin. We miss you. We celebrate you. We still hear you singing.

There’s something sacred about birthdays when someone’s passed. It’s not just a day on the calendar anymore—it becomes a pause, a quiet space to remember all the light they brought into the world. And Gavin brought a lot of light. He radiated it. Onstage, offstage, and everywhere in between.

I keep coming back to this: Gavin wasn’t just a brilliant performer—though he was that, unquestionably. The voice, the presence, the timing, the heart. But what made him special—what made him unforgettable—was how deeply generous he was, especially to students. To the next generation of performers, writers, dreamers. He showed up. He listened. He didn’t act like he was above anyone, even though he absolutely could have. Gavin had the kind of career most people only dream of—and yet he stayed rooted in something real. Something kind.

He made time for theatre students in a way that felt rare and genuine. He didn’t just give advice—he gave encouragement. He made people feel seen. You’d hear stories about him visiting his alma mater, or popping into a masterclass, and leaving students in tears—not because he was intimidating, but because he was so open. So present. He made you believe there was space for you in this business, too.

And then, just when you thought you couldn’t love him more, he’d turn around and use his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, for marriage equality, for justice. His artistry and his activism were never separate. They informed each other.

So yes, today is Gavin’s birthday. And while it hurts that we can’t send him a message or hear him sing live again, we can still honor him. By remembering him. By being a little kinder. By lifting up someone who needs it.

Happy birthday, Gavin. We’re better because you were here.