Renowned Broadway actor Bret Hanna-Shuford, famous for his performances in “Wicked” and “The Little Mermaid,” passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 46 due to a rare form of cancer. His spouse, Stephen Hanna, reported the sad news on the couple’s shared Instagram account, Broadway Husbands, which had a following of over 255,000 people.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe,” Stephen wrote on the morning of January 3. “Our hearts are broken, but we will continue to make him proud of us.”
In the summer of 2025, Hanna-Shuford was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and T-Cell Lymphoma. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH, is a rare and life-threatening disorder that overstimulates the immune system, causing an excessive production of histiocytes and lymphocytes that attack the body’s tissues. T-Cell Lymphoma is an aggressive type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells that usually assist the immune system in fighting disease.
Hanna-Shuford, born May 20, 1979, in Beaumont, Texas, carved out a substantial career in musical theater. He started his Broadway journey in “Beauty and the Beast” and later performed in “Wicked,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Amazing Grace,” and Cirque Du Soleil’s “Paramour.” He also toured across the country in shows like “South Pacific” and “Dreamgirls.”
His contributions were not limited to the stage. Hanna-Shuford featured in Martin Scorsese’s film “The Wolf of Wall Street” and took part in the TV series “Only Murders in the Building.” He also performed aboard the Disney Cruise Line, a testament to his lifelong admiration for Disney entertainment.
After graduating from Wagner College in 2001, Hanna-Shuford launched his professional career. He met Stephen in 2007, and they got married in 2011 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their son, Maverick, was born in 2022. Stephen and their three-year-old son survive Hanna-Shuford.
The family had lately moved to Orlando, Florida, where Hanna-Shuford started graduate studies at the University of Florida. He was pursuing an MS in Architectural Studies with an emphasis on themed environments, intending to become a Disney Imagineer. His goal was to merge his theatrical experience with design and architecture to create immersive experiences at Disney theme parks.
Together, Hanna-Shuford and Stephen established the Broadway Husbands social media brand, chronicling their lives as gay parents in the entertainment field. Their content touched millions of viewers on Instagram, YouTube, and their podcast, where they shared insights into parenting, sobriety, adoption, surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ family advocacy, offering visibility for families often lacking mainstream representation.
After his diagnosis, a GoFundMe campaign began in August to help with medical expenses and living costs. The campaign raised over $320,000, with donations from Broadway stars and supporters from the theater community. The fundraising page noted that the diagnosis forced Hanna-Shuford to postpone many dreams, including pausing his graduate program just as the family had started to settle in their new home in Orlando.
Throughout his illness, Hanna-Shuford remained open about his health challenges on social media. In October, he disclosed that he had spent three days unconscious in the intensive care unit. Despite his condition’s severity, he continued to express gratitude for the support he received from followers and friends.
On Christmas Day, Hanna-Shuford posted from his hospital bed, stating, “Merry Christmas to all of you. We are so grateful for your love and support! Looking forward to a new year and hope to see you all soon. Sending love!” This message would be among his last public communications.
The theater community reacted with a flood of condolences following the announcement of his death. Broadway performers, dancers, and industry professionals shared memories and tributes on social media, reflecting on Hanna-Shuford’s kindness, talent, and generosity.
Besides Stephen and Maverick, Hanna-Shuford is survived by his parents, Preston and Deanna, and his brothers Todd, Eric, and Bart. His extended family and a network of friends in the theater community also mourn his loss.
Prior to his death, Hanna-Shuford completed a children’s book titled “Good Night, Break a Leg.” The book, which celebrates the theatrical life and families with parents in the performing arts, is scheduled for posthumous publication in the summer of 2026. This project is another aspect of Hanna-Shuford’s creative legacy, extending his impact beyond the stage to young readers and their families.
Over his career, Hanna-Shuford showcased versatility as a performer, transitioning between ensemble roles and prominent parts in major Broadway productions for over two decades in the industry.
Hanna-Shuford’s choice to pursue graduate studies in themed environment design was a natural progression of his career, allowing him to apply his understanding of narrative and performance to physical space design.
Hanna-Shuford’s death at 46 ends a multifaceted career in entertainment. From his early Broadway debut to his recent academic pursuits, Hanna-Shuford constantly sought new ways to engage with storytelling and performance. His influence extended beyond the roles he played to the community he helped establish through Broadway Husbands and the representation he provided for LGBTQ+ families in the arts.