In a heartfelt reflection on her late friend and co-star Gavin Creel, Tony Award nominee Caissie Levy has opened up about the profound impact he had on her life and career. The actress, who is currently celebrated for her nomination for her performance in the Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of *Ragtime*, revealed that she often feels Creel’s presence, especially during this significant moment in her career.
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Levy, remembering her time spent with Creel in the 2009 Broadway revival of *Hair*, noted that their friendship began to flourish during that transformative period. “Oh yes, I feel Gavin with me all the time,” she stated. “I talk to him.” The bond they formed during this production proved to be both meaningful and lasting. She recalled, “Hair meant everything to me. It’s still the top experience of my career.”
The revival, directed by Diane Paulus, marked several key milestones for Levy. It was her first opportunity to contribute to a cast album, take part in the prestigious Tony Awards, and be involved in a Tony-winning musical. More importantly, the production served as a platform for forming friendships that would endure for nearly two decades, including her cherished connection with Creel, who tragically passed away in September 2024 from a rare form of cancer called sarcoma.
The impact of Creel on Levy’s life was profound, extending beyond their professional relationship. “He sang me down the aisle at our wedding,” she reminisced. “He was my best friend.” Their friendship was characterised by shared experiences that left indelible marks on both their personal and professional lives. Levy reflected on the enduring ties with her former castmates, saying, “We’re still on a group text chain all these years later,” highlighting the lasting connections forged during the musical’s run.
Levy expressed her gratitude for the collaborative spirit that defined their time in *Hair*, noting, “That show meant so much to all of us. We all were just kind of stepping into our own as artists and people and grown-ups.” The activism they participated in offstage and the performances on stage created a profound collective experience for the entire cast, which remains a treasured part of Levy’s career.
Despite the sorrow over Creel’s passing, Levy revealed that her relationship with his memory has grown more comforting over time. Initially, she found it painful to confront reminders of her friend, such as listening to his music or replaying voice memos from him. However, Levy now finds solace in those very memories and often listens to his music as part of her warm-up routine for *Ragtime*. “I just feel like he’s with me all the time and I know he would be beyond proud of me right now,” she shared.
As she reaches this significant milestone in her career, Levy credits Creel for much of her growth as an artist. “I learned so much from him,” she expressed, asserting that his influence has been a guiding force throughout her journey. “I learned everything from him.” With a smile, she affirmed, “He’s with me forever,” indicating that Creel’s legacy will continue to shape her as she moves forward.
As *Ragtime* continues to resonate with audiences, tickets are currently available for the run of the show, with the 2026 Tony Awards set to take place on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall. The event will be broadcasted live on CBS and subsequently streamed on Paramount+, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Broadway.
In conclusion, Caissie Levy’s heartfelt tribute to Gavin Creel reminds us of the deep connections formed within the theatre community. As she navigates this significant chapter of her career, her memories of Creel serve as both inspiration and comfort, underscoring the lasting power of friendship and the shared experiences that define a performer’s journey.