The Essential Screen Roles: A Retrospective On Gavin Creel’s Movies And TV Shows

The world of entertainment lost a brilliant light with the passing of Gavin Creel in September 2024, yet his legacy endures not only on the Broadway stage but also through a select, powerful collection of movies and television shows. While he was primarily celebrated as a two-time Tony Award-winning musical theater star, Creel’s screen career demonstrated a versatile talent capable of moving from heartwarming family fare to chilling horror, proving his immense range was not limited to the bright lights of New York's theater district.

This retrospective, current as of December 2025, serves as a comprehensive look at Gavin Creel’s screenography, highlighting the key roles that introduced his charm and dramatic skill to a wider, global audience. His transition to film and television, though brief, left a memorable mark, showcasing an actor whose presence could elevate any production, whether it was a Disney Channel movie or a dark anthology series.

Gavin Creel: A Broadway Legend’s Biography and Milestones

Gavin James Creel was born on April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio, and quickly grew into one of the most respected and beloved talents in contemporary musical theater. His career was defined by a magnetic stage presence and a powerful, versatile voice that earned him the highest accolades in the industry.

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• Full Name: Gavin James Creel
• Born: April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio
• Died: September 30, 2024, at age 48
• Education: University of Michigan (BFA in Musical Theatre)
• Notable Awards & Honors:
  • Tony Award (2017): Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hello, Dolly!
  • Laurence Olivier Award (2014): Best Actor in a Musical for The Book of Mormon (West End)
  • Drama Desk Award: Two-time winner
  • Grammy Award: Winner for Best Musical Theater Album (for Hair)
• Key Broadway Roles:
  • Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002, Tony Nomination)
  • Claude in Hair (2009, Tony Nomination)
  • Elder Price in The Book of Mormon
  • Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!
  • Wolf/Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods (2022)
  • Dr. Pomatter in Waitress

The Unexpected Screen Career: From Plaza Waiter to Horror Villain

Creel's screen work often came during lulls between his major stage commitments, offering a fascinating glimpse into his ability to adapt his theatrical energy for the camera. His filmography, though short, contains two roles that are fondly remembered by a generation of television viewers, alongside a surprising, later-career turn into the horror genre.

The Beloved Bill the Waiter: The ‘Eloise’ TV Movies (2003)

For many, Gavin Creel’s most recognized screen credit is the role of Bill the Waiter in the two Disney-produced television movies based on Kay Thompson’s classic children’s books. These roles came early in his career, shortly after his breakout Tony-nominated performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

• Eloise at the Plaza (2003): Creel played Bill, a charming and kind waiter at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. The film starred Sofia Vassilieva as Eloise and the legendary Julie Andrews as Nanny. His performance was a perfect blend of genuine warmth and musical theater charm, making Bill a memorable, supportive presence in Eloise’s mischievous life.
• Eloise at Christmastime (2003): Creel reprised his role in the sequel, further cementing his character as a fan favorite. These family-friendly films showcased his natural charisma and ability to shine even in supporting roles alongside major stars.

The Eloise movies hold a special place in his filmography as they allowed a wider, non-Broadway audience to experience his talent. The contrast between his youthful, bright-eyed performance here and his later, darker roles highlights the sheer breadth of his acting capabilities.

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A Chilling Turn: ‘American Horror Stories’ (2021)

In a dramatic shift from the wholesome nature of the Eloise films, Gavin Creel took on a significant guest-starring role in the *American Horror Story* spin-off anthology series, *American Horror Stories*. This role demonstrated his willingness to embrace darker, more complex material, providing one of his most challenging and memorable screen performances.

• Series: American Horror Stories (Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2)
• Role: Troy Winslow
• Details: Creel played Troy Winslow, a family man with a dark secret who moves into the infamous Murder House. The role required him to play a character with considerable psychological depth and a shocking twist, proving his dramatic chops in a modern television setting. He appeared in the two-part premiere, "Rubber Wo(man): Part One" and "Rubber Wo(man): Part Two."

His work on the show, alongside fellow Broadway star Aaron Tveit, was critically noted for its intensity and marked a powerful, if brief, foray into mainstream television horror. It remains a testament to his versatility as a performer who could handle both the light and the shadow of human experience on screen.

A Complete Screenography and Final Projects

While his stage work dominated his career, Gavin Creel’s screenography is a fascinating document of a performer exploring new mediums. His appearances, though few, were always impactful, often leveraging his background as a singer and stage performer.

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Gavin Creel: Select Film and Television Credits

The following list represents the most notable screen roles and appearances in Gavin Creel’s career, showcasing his work across television movies, anthology series, and televised performances:

• Eloise at the Plaza (TV Movie, 2003) as Bill the Waiter
• Eloise at Christmastime (TV Movie, 2003) as Bill the Waiter
• American Horror Stories (TV Series, 2021) as Troy Winslow (2 episodes)
• All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise (Documentary, 2006) as Himself
• Stars on Stage From Westport Country Playhouse (TV Special) as Himself
• WICKED in Concert (TV Special, 2021) as Himself (Performer)
• Late-Night Appearances: Guest performer on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Late Show with David Letterman.

The Legacy of His Final Work

In the final year of his life, Gavin Creel continued to explore new creative avenues, culminating in the highly personal and critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice. This project, which he wrote and performed, was a collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MCC Theater.

The autobiographical show, featuring 16 original, pop-infused songs, documented his journey of self-discovery as he explored the vast collections of The Met, having been a "museum novice" for most of his two decades in New York City. Premiering in late 2023 and running into 2024, Walk on Through was a powerful, intimate theatrical songwriting debut that served as a beautiful, final testament to his enduring creativity and his profound ability to connect with an audience, regardless of the medium.

Gavin Creel’s screen roles, though fewer than his stage credits, provide an invaluable record of his immense talent. From the sweet, supportive Bill to the dramatically complex Troy Winslow, his performances continue to resonate, reminding us of the star’s powerful, versatile, and unforgettable presence.