Broadway Star Bret Hanna-Shuford Passes Away at 46
Bret Hanna-Shuford, a celebrated Broadway star, has passed away at the age of 46. Known for his roles in iconic productions like Wicked and The Little Mermaid, his impactful career spanned multiple areas of performance, marking him as a significant figure in the theater community.
Bret Hanna-Shuford’s Illness and Legacy
The news of his death was announced on Saturday by his husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford. Bret battled with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, conditions that severely affected his immune system. Stephen shared heartfelt sentiments on Instagram, explaining, “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.”
Early Life and Career
Bret was born on May 20, 1979, in Beaumont, Texas. His passion for acting emerged early as he participated in community theater and worked with The Gingerbread Company. His Broadway debut was in Beauty and the Beast, launching a remarkable career with Disney Theatrical.
Broadway and Film Highlights
Throughout his career, Bret made notable contributions to theater with performances in:
- The Little Mermaid
- Wicked
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- A Wonderful Life
- The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
- Amazing Grace
- Cirque du Soleil Paramour
In addition to his stage work, Bret appeared in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and had guest roles in popular TV shows, including:
- Only Murders in the Building
- FBI: Most Wanted
- The Good Fight
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
- All My Children
- Guiding Light
Survivors and Community Support
Bret is survived by his husband Stephen and their son, Maverick. In light of this tragic news, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family during this challenging time. The loss of Bret Hanna-Shuford resonates deeply within the arts community, as he is remembered for his talent, warmth, and contributions to Broadway.
