Bret Hanna-Shuford, Broadway Actor and Influencer, Dies at 46 After Rare Cancer Battle
Broadway actor Bret Hanna-Shuford has passed away at 46 after a battle with rare cancer. Known for Wicked and 'Broadway Husbands,' his legacy continues through his family.
A beloved voice from the Broadway stage has gone silent. Bret Hanna-Shuford, a versatile performer known for his roles in Wicked and The Little Mermaid, passed away on January 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with rare medical conditions. He was 46 years old.
His husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, shared the news on social media, stating that Bret left the world peacefully surrounded by family. The actor had been diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma and HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) this past summer, conditions that severely impacted his immune system.
Bret Hanna-Shuford Broadway Actor Career and Digital Influence
Hanna-Shuford's career was a testament to his passion for storytelling. After falling in love with musicals at age 5, he went on to perform in major Broadway productions including Beauty and the Beast and Amazing Grace. Beyond the stage, he appeared in The Wolf of Wall Street and lent his voice to the hit video game Red Dead Redemption 2.
However, his legacy extends far beyond his credits. Through the Broadway Husbands platform, he and Stephen documented their journey as fathers to their 3-year-old son, Maverick, breaking barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in the arts. A community-led GoFundMe campaign raised over $300,000 to support his treatment, reflecting the deep impact he had on his peers and fans alike.
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