Broadway actor Bret Hanna-Shuford, known for roles in Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has died at age 46 after battling a rare form of cancer.
His husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, announced the news on January 3, sharing that Bret passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, conditions that severely impacted his immune system.
Bret and Stephen share a three-year-old son, Maverick, and documented their lives on their popular Instagram account Broadway Husbands. A GoFundMe launched in August 2025 detailed how his illness forced him to put major life plans on hold.
Despite his health struggles, Bret remained grateful and hopeful, posting a message from his hospital bed on Christmas Day thanking fans for their support.
Rest in peace, Bret Hanna-Shuford.