Bret Hanna-Shuford, a beloved Broadway performer known for his roles in productions including Wicked and The Little Mermaid, died January 3, 2026. He was 46 years old.

His husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, announced the death on social media. “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 their joint Broadway Husbands Instagram account. “Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family.”

Hanna-Shuford had been diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and T-Cell Lymphoma in the summer of 2025. The diagnoses came after what the couple described as weeks of uncertainty and misdiagnoses. Both conditions are rare and aggressive, affecting the immune system and requiring intensive treatment protocols.

Born May 20, 1979, in Beaumont, Texas, Hanna-Shuford built an extensive career in musical theater spanning more than two decades. He graduated from Wagner College before launching into professional performance work that would take him across the country and onto some of Broadway’s most prominent stages.

His Broadway credits included Beauty and the Beast, followed by performances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Amazing Grace, and Paramour. The actor’s Disney connections ran deep, reflecting his lifelong passion for the company’s theatrical productions.

Beyond Broadway, Hanna-Shuford appeared in several television productions. His screen credits included roles in Only Murders in the Building and Law & Order SVU. He also had a role in Martin Scorsese’s film The Wolf of Wall Street, demonstrating his versatility across different performance mediums.

Hanna-Shuford met Stephen Hanna in 2007, beginning a partnership that would define both their personal and professional lives. The couple married in 2011 and welcomed their son Maverick in 2022. Together, they created the social media duo Broadway Husbands, documenting their lives as gay parents and advocates for LGBTQ+ families. The platform garnered millions of views across multiple channels, building a community around their experiences.

In August, the couple established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and household costs during Hanna-Shuford’s treatment. The campaign raised over $320,000, reflecting the widespread support from the theater community and their social media following.

The family had recently relocated to Orlando, Florida, where Hanna-Shuford was pursuing graduate studies at the University of Florida. The move represented a new chapter in his career, blending his performance background with design and creative development in themed entertainment.

Hanna-Shuford’s debut children’s book, Good Night Break a Leg, is scheduled for publication in summer 2026. The project, which he completed before his death, will be released posthumously. The book reflects his commitment to sharing the theater world with young audiences and celebrating the unique experiences of children with parents in the performing arts.

Throughout his illness, Hanna-Shuford maintained contact with supporters and fans. His social media presence continued to provide glimpses into his treatment journey and the family’s efforts to maintain normalcy for their young son. The theater community responded with an outpouring of tributes following news of his death, with fellow performers and industry professionals sharing memories and condolences.

The Broadway Husbands platform had become more than a social media account—it evolved into a resource for LGBTQ+ families navigating parenthood and the unique challenges of maintaining relationships within the demanding entertainment industry. The couple’s openness about their journey to parenthood provided visibility and guidance for others pursuing similar paths.

Hanna-Shuford’s performance career demonstrated the breadth possible within musical theater. His roles ranged from ensemble work to featured performances, spanning classic Disney productions, original Broadway musicals, and contemporary works. Each production added to his reputation as a reliable, talented performer who brought professionalism and creativity to every project.

His work ethic and positive presence backstage earned him respect among cast and crew members across multiple productions. The collaborative nature of theater creates tight-knit communities, and Hanna-Shuford’s reputation extended beyond his onstage talent to include his contributions to company morale and ensemble cohesion.

Hanna-Shuford is survived by his husband Stephen, their son Maverick, his parents Preston and Deanna, and his brothers Todd, Eric, and Bart. The family has indicated that memorial arrangements will include both private gatherings and public celebrations of his life, allowing the theater community and supporters to honor his memory and contributions.

His legacy extends through multiple channels: the performances preserved in the memories of audiences who saw him onstage, the digital archive of Broadway Husbands content that documented his family’s journey, and the forthcoming children’s book that will introduce new generations to the magic of theater. Each element reflects different aspects of his multifaceted career and his commitment to sharing his passion with diverse audiences.

The Broadway community continues to process the loss of a performer who represented both traditional theatrical excellence and modern approaches to building audience connections through digital platforms. Hanna-Shuford’s ability to navigate both worlds—maintaining the discipline and craft of stage performance while embracing new media opportunities—positioned him as a bridge between theater’s storied past and its evolving future.