A Lasting Legacy on Film

On the surface, the late Gavin Creel was a Tony-winning Broadway luminary, known for his magnetic stage presence and a remarkable singing voice. Beneath that glossy exterior, though, lay a passionate artist deeply committed to raising awareness about mental health. He was always unafraid to discuss his own struggles with anxiety and loneliness—a quality that made him a natural choice when asked to film a documentary called COMMON DENOMINATOR. Now, that documentary is set to be released, offering a rare glimpse into the final chapter of Gavin Creel’s life and a powerful reminder of the connective threads binding us all.

A LOOK AT COMMON DENOMINATOR

COMMON DENOMINATOR is an ambitious new series conceptualised to open up frank, honest conversations around mental health. Each 35-minute instalment revolves around a central question: “What is the common denominator that connects us all?” The show invites celebrated artists—actors, singers, composers, and more—to speak candidly about their own mental health journeys. The aim is not to prescribe solutions or lecture the viewer; rather, it aspires to demonstrate that even the most celebrated figures, those whom many idolise, go through the same emotional battles as anyone else.

When Gavin Creel was approached to be the very first participant, he was enthusiastic from the start. According to Harris Schwartzberg, who co-developed the series and co-founded the producer organisation Two Bridge, Gavin Creelimmediately embraced the concept, exclaiming that openness and vulnerability were already second nature to him. Within ten days, cameras were rolling to capture what would become the pilot episode of COMMON DENOMINATOR—an episode that now, tragically, also stands as Creel’s final on-camera appearance before he passed away from a rare form of sarcoma at age 48 in September 2024.

THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC

For the uninitiated, Gavin Creel was no ordinary performer. He won a Tony Award for his role in HELLO, DOLLY! and left a lasting impression in shows such as HAIR and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Beyond Broadway, he had a far-reaching impact on audiences from the West End to regional theatres across the United States. His final stage appearance was WALK ON THROUGH: CONFESSIONS OF A MUSEUM NOVICE, a show he wrote and performed in, exploring the artworks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York—a testament to his evolving identity as both actor and writer.

Wherever Creel worked, he made a point of weaving mental health advocacy into his approach. He spoke openly about his own experiences with anxiety, striving to show others they were never alone in feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. His authenticity made him a fitting—and generous—choice for the COMMON DENOMINATOR pilot, especially considering the personal themes at its core.

A UNIQUE FORMAT OF STORYTELLING

What makes COMMON DENOMINATOR stand out from other interview-led documentaries is its multifaceted approach to capturing its subjects’ lives and emotions. Yes, there are interviews; yes, there’s candid conversation. But there’s also live performance, behind-the-scenes footage, and a palpable sense of excitement as Creel prepares for opening night of WALK ON THROUGH. It’s this layered structure that transforms the episode from a standard Q&A into an immersive, heartfelt narrative.

Along the way, viewers see Creel chatting with four-time Emmy winner Maurice Dubois, who acts as host. Directing this unique project is Emil Nava, known for his innovative style and ability to bring out honesty in front of the camera. As a viewer, you’re privy to moments both spontaneous and deliberate—like a tearful monologue about the meaning behind his “both” tattoo, or an impromptu musical interlude when Creel spots a piano that has been cleverly slipped into the set.

PERFORMANCE AS THERAPY

One of the emotional highlights occurs when Creel sits down at that piano to perform Hold You, one of his original songs. According to Schwartzberg, it was a moment that struck everyone present with its sincerity. Even visual artist Peter Tunney, busy constructing a one-of-a-kind collage piece for the show, paused to absorb the power of the performance, tears welling up at the raw emotion filling the room.

Watching Creel lose himself in the music underscores one of the core ideas behind COMMON DENOMINATOR: that creative expression can be a vital outlet when grappling with mental health concerns. Whether it’s painting, singing, or writing, these forms of self-expression allow artists—and indeed anyone—to process internal struggles in a way that can reach others on a profound level. For many, it’s also a lifeline, a cathartic release that affirms why the arts can be so essential to our collective well-being.

THE SURPRISING ARTISTIC REVEAL

A distinctive element in this pilot episode involves Peter Tunney and his creative process. Tunney collected press clippings, photos, and personal mementos from Gavin Creel’s life to build a striking mixed-media collage. This piece of artwork evolves as the documentary progresses, culminating in an emotional unveiling for Creel. Ten signed giclée prints were also gifted to Creel so he could donate them for fundraising causes, reflecting his longstanding passion for philanthropy.

This collaboration goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is a vivid reminder of how mental health issues can be tackled from different angles. The synergy between Creel’s performance and Tunney’s visual artistry creates a palpable sense of unity. It’s a testament to the notion that shared vulnerability can bring out new depths in our creativity and strengthen community bonds.

THE ROLE OF TWO BRIDGE

Behind COMMON DENOMINATOR’s production is Two Bridge, a mental health advocacy organisation founded by Harris Schwartzberg. After losing his brother, who was bipolar, at the age of 48, Schwartzberg was moved to invest his time and resources in mental health awareness and support. Two Bridge’s focus is on harnessing the power of honest conversation, empathy, and community—principles that informed the design and direction of the documentary series.

On top of that, Schwartzberg has a history of backing the performing arts, including serving on the board of the Dramatist Guild Foundation. His connection with Creel spanned nearly a decade, forged through shared events and fundraisers, including those for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance—where Creel was an alumnus. Over time, the pair became close friends, and it was in Schwartzberg’s own home that some of the songs from WALK ON THROUGH were written, further rooting their collaboration in personal kinship and trust.

SCREENINGS AND STREAMING RELEASE

Although discussions with streaming services for a broader release had been underway, Creel’s sudden passing led Two Bridge to unveil the episode sooner. New York will host two invitation-only screenings on 27 January at the Directors Guild of America screening room. While family, friends, and colleagues form much of the guest list, a select number of fans will be offered a chance to attend through a giveaway—welcomed news for those who still yearn for a more tangible farewell to the star.

In conjunction with these screenings, donations will be accepted for the Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gavin Creel Activist Artist Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan, benefiting budding performers who may follow in Creel’s footsteps. Schwartzberg has pledged to match donations collected on the day, making the event a dual commemoration and philanthropic effort that honours Creel’s memory through continued support of the arts.

Following the special screening, the documentary will become available for streaming in February, providing the wider public with an opportunity to watch and reflect. For fans who never had the chance to see Creel perform live, or for those who wish to remember him in an intimate setting, this documentary could serve as both a memorial and a testament to his unwavering dedication to spreading joy through performance—and compassion through openness.

THE WIDER PERSPECTIVE

Although Gavin Creel was predominantly known in the United States and on London’s West End, his impact has the potential to resonate even in far-flung theatre-loving regions such as Australia. Australian theatre has showcased numerous Broadway exports, and the conversation around mental health in the performing arts sector is just as pertinent there as anywhere else. In recent years, Aussie audiences have embraced internationally acclaimed musicals and solo shows, and many performers are similarly shining a light on mental wellness offstage. Hence, the documentary’s message—and Creel’s final words—could well reach across oceans, benefiting theatre communities around the globe.

MENTAL HEALTH AND THE ARTS

It’s worth noting that anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation affect people from all walks of life, including high-profile performers whose talents seem larger than life. Research has consistently shown that creative professionals often grapple with mental health issues at rates exceeding the general population. While the reasons are multifaceted—unstable job markets, the emotional demands of performance, public scrutiny—what emerges is a clear need for more spaces where candid conversations can happen.

COMMON DENOMINATOR takes a crucial step in offering just that. By featuring beloved personalities who dare to speak openly about fear, failure, and vulnerability, it encourages the rest of us to acknowledge our own difficulties without shame. If a Tony winner like Gavin Creel—someone who commanded the attention of thousands—can reveal his innermost anxieties, then perhaps we, too, can find solace and solidarity in our own struggles.

A LIFE CELEBRATED, A CAUSE ADVANCED

It’s sobering to think that the charismatic smile and boundless energy we see in COMMON DENOMINATOR are from Creel’s final weeks. Yet in many ways, the release of this documentary is a celebration as much as it is a remembrance. His love of music, teaching, and heartfelt conversation shine through—these were the cornerstones of his identity, and they persist within every frame.

Moreover, his participation in this project remains an unwavering gift to those looking for hope and a sense of togetherness. By sharing not just his triumphs but also his fears, Creel showed that mental health struggles do not discriminate, nor do they diminish the worth of one’s talents. Instead, they become part of the tapestry that gives an artist depth, empathy, and sincerity.

If there’s a message to take from the COMMON DENOMINATOR pilot, it’s that we all belong to a single community, bonded by the simplest of truths: we feel both joy and sorrow, success and regret. In one of his poems, Creel reminds us that “Everything is both”—light and dark, wonderful and terrible. That tension holds the power to unite us, if only we choose to acknowledge it.

For those attending the January 27 screening—or awaiting the documentary’s online release in February—there’s the promise of one more encounter with Gavin Creel as he was: earnest, open-hearted, and deeply human. While his physical presence may be gone, the spirit he poured into his final filmed appearance and the mental health mission behind it remain as vital as ever. Perhaps that is the most fitting tribute to a man who lived to bring people together through storytelling, music, and a dash of selfless vulnerability. Even in his absence, his voice continues to ring out—a gentle reminder that we’re never truly alone.