The Broadway community is mourning the loss of a remarkable soul, Bret Hanna-Shuford, who passed away at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with a rare type of cancer. Known for his vibrant presence on stage, Bret left an indelible mark with his performances in renowned productions such as Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
On Saturday, January 3rd, Bret’s loving husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, conveyed the heart-wrenching news through a heartfelt message. “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 expressed. He shared how Bret spent his final moments wrapped in love, with his family by his side. The message emphasized how deeply Bret will be missed, yet how his loved ones are determined to carry forth his legacy with pride.
Unfortunately, Bret had been diagnosed with a challenging combination of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, conditions that severely impacted his immune system.
Bret was not only an accomplished performer but also a devoted family man. He and Stephen are proud fathers to their three-year-old son, Maverick. The couple often shared glimpses of their family life on their Instagram account, ‘Broadway Husbands,’ which boasts a following of 255,000 fans.
In August 2025, as medical needs grew, supporters rallied to establish a GoFundMe campaign to assist Bret with his expenses. The campaign illustrated how the dual diagnosis had forced Bret to pause many personal aspirations, including his graduate studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Bret had to put these dreams aside just as the family was beginning a new chapter in Orlando.
The family faced this challenging time with resilience. As noted on the fundraiser page, what was meant to be a time of growth turned into a daunting fight for health and stability.
Throughout his ordeal, Bret remained transparent and shared updates with his supporters. Even from his hospital bed on Christmas Day, he reached out with a hopeful note: “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 echoed his enduring spirit and gratefulness despite adversity.
Bret Hanna-Shuford will be remembered not just for his extraordinary talent but for the love and courage he embodied. His presence on and off stage touched countless lives, and he leaves behind cherished memories for his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Bret, and thank you for the joy and inspiration you brought to the world.
