The Final Text: Jonathan Groff Reveals Touching Last Message From Late Ex Gavin Creel
The enduring connection between Broadway powerhouses Jonathan Groff and the late Gavin Creel has taken on a profoundly poignant new dimension following Creel’s tragic passing in September 2024. In a deeply emotional revelation, Groff recently shared the final, powerful text message he received from his former partner and close friend, offering a heartbreaking glimpse into the full-circle moment their relationship achieved just before Creel’s death. This story of love, friendship, and profound mutual respect has resonated deeply with the theatre community and fans worldwide, highlighting the private bond between two of the stage's most beloved actors.
The shared anecdote, which Groff recounted at a major public event, provides a fresh and unique perspective on their history, which included a romantic relationship that helped Groff navigate his public coming out. The raw honesty of his reflection underscores Gavin Creel's monumental impact on Jonathan Groff's life and career, cementing their legacy as one of Broadway's most influential and supportive relationships.
A Complete Profile: Jonathan Groff and Gavin Creel
The relationship between Jonathan Groff and Gavin Creel was a significant chapter in both of their lives, intertwining their personal and professional journeys on and off the Broadway stage. Here is a brief biography of the two acclaimed stars.
Jonathan Groff: Biography and Career Highlights
- Full Name: Jonathan Drew Groff
- Born: March 26, 1985, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Career Start: Groff first gained prominence in 2006 for his Tony-nominated role as Melchior Gabor in the original Broadway production of Spring Awakening.
- Notable Stage Roles: King George III in Hamilton, Franklin Shepard in the Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along (for which he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical).
- Notable Screen Roles: Jesse St. James in the TV series Glee, Holden Ford in the Netflix series Mindhunter, and the voice of Kristoff in Disney's Frozen franchise.
- Coming Out: He publicly came out as gay in 2009.
Gavin Creel: Biography and Career Highlights
- Full Name: Gavin James Creel
- Born: April 18, 1976, in Findlay, Ohio
- Passed Away: September 30, 2024 (aged 48), from cancer.
- Career Start: Creel was a three-time Tony Award nominee, winning the award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly!
- Notable Stage Roles: Claude in the Broadway revival of Hair, Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, and his Tony-nominated debut as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
- Activism: He was a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a co-founder of the Broadway Impact organization.
- Connection to Groff: Creel replaced Groff in the role of Claude in the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair, a role Groff originated in the Public Theater’s Central Park production.
The Full-Circle Moment: Jonathan Groff’s Emotional Revelation
The deeply personal story of Jonathan Groff’s final interaction with Gavin Creel was shared during the New Yorker Festival on October 26, 2024. Groff was on stage to discuss his career, particularly his celebrated run in the Stephen Sondheim musical Merrily We Roll Along, but the conversation took an unexpectedly emotional turn.
Groff explained that he had recently given an interview where he spoke candidly about his relationship with Creel, specifically crediting him for inspiring his decision to come out publicly in 2009. At the time, they were dating and attended the National Equality March (also known as the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal Rights), where a reporter asked Groff about his sexuality. Groff recalled that Creel’s presence gave him the courage to answer truthfully, marking the first time he publicly acknowledged being gay.
Just days after the interview was published, Groff received a text message from Creel. This communication was significant because, while they had remained friends, they had not been in close contact for some time. Creel, who was battling cancer, had read the interview and reached out to his former partner.
The Heartbreaking Text: "I Know Now That I Mean As Much to You"
The text message Creel sent to Groff was a profound and final validation of their connection. Groff shared the exact, gut-wrenching quote with the audience at the New Yorker Festival.
Gavin Creel's text read: “I think I know now that I mean as much to you as you mean to me.”
Groff described this as a "full-circle moment," a final opportunity to "close the loop" on their relationship before Creel’s passing. Creel passed away from cancer just three months later, on September 30, 2024. Groff’s ability to share this intimate moment highlighted the depth of his gratitude and the irreplaceable role Creel played in his life. He expressed being "so grateful we got to close the loop on that" before the tragic loss.
The Impact of Their Broadway Legacy and Friendship
The story of Groff and Creel is a powerful reflection of the supportive and often intertwined nature of the Broadway community. Both actors were Tony winners and nominees, contributing significantly to the modern musical theatre landscape.
Their connection goes beyond their personal relationship. They are linked through key works that define their careers:
- The Hair Connection: Groff originated the role of Claude in the 2008 Central Park production of Hair, and Creel took over the role for the 2009 Broadway revival, a symbolic passing of the torch between two major talents.
- A Shared Stage: Both were prominent figures in the Broadway Impact movement, using their platform to advocate for equal rights.
- The Sondheim Link: Groff’s recent Tony win for Merrily We Roll Along and Creel’s celebrated career are both testaments to their mastery of complex musical theatre.
The public sharing of Creel's final text message serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing love and appreciation to those who shape our lives. It has become a touching tribute to a beloved star and a beautiful testament to the enduring power of friendship and love, even after a romantic relationship ends. The theatre world continues to mourn the loss of Gavin Creel, but his legacy, and the profound impact he had on Jonathan Groff, lives on through these heartfelt memories.
Groff's vulnerability in sharing the text message—a private moment made public—has given fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the award-winning performances in *Mindhunter*, *Frozen*, and *Hamilton*. It reinforces the idea that true connections, like the one he shared with Creel, are what truly matter in the end.
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