Veteran Broadway Star Bret Shuford Dies at Age 46
Veteran Broadway star Bret Shuford has passed away at the age of 46. The cherished performer was diagnosed in August with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive immune disorder linked to T-cell cancer.
Bret Shuford’s Broadway Legacy
Shuford made his Broadway debut in the beloved musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A passionate supporter of Disney, he also danced in ensembles for productions like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, where he understudied roles such as Flotsam and Prince Eric. His Broadway journey continued with productions like Wicked, where he understudied Dr. Dillamond and the Wizard, as well as Amazing Grace and Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour.
Touring and Regional Work
In addition to his Broadway exploits, Shuford toured in renowned productions such as Dreamgirls and South Pacific. He was an active participant in benefit concerts for the Actors’ Fund, showcasing his talent in performances of:
- The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
- A Wonderful Life
- On the Twentieth Century
Regional and Screen Appearances
Shuford’s career spanned numerous regional theaters, including Theatre Under The Stars in Houston, Paper Mill Playhouse, Asolo Rep, and Alabama Shakespeare. Beyond stage performances, he appeared in several popular soap operas, such as:
- All My Children
- Guiding Light
- As the World Turns
He also featured in notable screen productions, including an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Martin Scorsese’s film The Wolf of Wall Street.
Musical Contributions
A talented performer, Shuford collaborated with various symphony orchestras, singing with the:
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Pittsburgh Symphony
- Baltimore Symphony
- Fort Worth Symphony
Personal Life
Shuford is survived by his husband, Stephen Hanna, whom he met during their Broadway careers. The couple co-managed the social media account BroadwayHusbands, where they shared their journey as LGBTQ parents. Their son Maverick and Shuford’s mother also survive him.
For those wishing to support the family, a donation page has been established.
