Gavin Creel, the Tony award-winning actor who appeared in iconic Broadway shows, died Sept. 30 after a brief bout with cancer. He was 48.

The singer, with an instantly recognizable voice, starred in hits including “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “The Book of Mormon.” However, one performance was particularly impactful in South Florida.

It was just more than a year ago that Creel did an intimate live performance at Hunters in Wilton Manors. HarmonyWaves presented the show, and he was one of their first performers and helped put the local production company on the radar.

Harmony Waves’ founder, Gary Van Horn, shared his gratitude in an emotional statement on social media.

“This is so sad! I was texting with him a few weeks ago. Thank you for helping create HarmonyWaves! You were one amazing person! Today, heaven got a singing angel!”

On its own page, HarmonyWaves posted, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Gavin Creel, who graced our inaugural event just a year ago with his incredible talent and spirit. Gavin, your voice and presence will be deeply missed, but we know you'll keep singing in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Creel’s partner, Alex Temple Ward, announced the news of his death. Creel was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer less than three months ago.

Creel grew up in Ohio. According to Playbill.com, he had frequent sing-alongs with his grandma, who was a piano-playing music teacher. He developed a love of Broadway from his elementary school teacher, who gave him his first solo with The Music Man’s “Gary Indiana.”

Creel graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in 1998.