Cheyenne Jackson has shared a touching tribute for one of his best friends, the late Gavin Creel.
The beloved Tony-winning actor passed away at the age of 48 on Monday (September 30) after a brief battle with a rare form of cancer.
Cheyenne was friends with Gavin for more than two decades and even stepped in to play the actor’s role in Broadway’s Into the Woods during a brief leave of absence back in summer 2022.
In his tribute post on Instagram, Cheyenne revealed that he was informed of Gavin‘s cancer diagnosis two months ago and had been “bracing” himself for this day. He also revealed one of the poignant things Gavin told him shortly before he passed.
Keep reading to find out more…
“You are so much bigger than a post. But it’s all I got right now. For two months I’ve been bracing myself for this day. Holding my breath. Hoping for a miracle. Reading the outpouring of love from all who loved you brings me some comfort, but I’m still stuck in anger. I’ll get to acceptance, I know I will…but for now I’m not there,” Cheyenne began the post.
He continued, “22 years ago we met and it was an instant spark. You made me feel seen. I felt free with you. I marveled at your ability to make everyone in any room feel comfortable. It was innate for you….never put on. You put people at ease. And then, juxtaposed with the most glorious voice I’ve ever heard and maybe ever will, and a talent and generosity of spirit overflowing. Your curiosity about others and the world was unparalleled and your wicked and disgusting sense of humor was perfect. I loved the way you opened your heart. I loved the way you loved my kids. I could trust you with my secrets and never worry about feeling judged for my mistakes.”
“I’ve never really had many close male friends. Like my father before me, I can be a bit of a lone wolf and I can isolate. But you knew that about me and never let me be alone. You would call until I picked up, and tell me a gross joke until I laughed,” he said. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do without you in my life, but what I AM going to do is live my life. You were VERY clear about that in these last few weeks. You said to me ‘Cheyenne, you have so much life to live. So so much. SO LIVE!’ I promise you. I will. I will love you until the day I die compadre.”
We continue to share our thoughts and condolences to Gavin‘s loved ones during this difficult time.