Broadway performer and social media influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at the age of just 46 after it was announced he had been battling a rare form of cancer as tributes continue to pour in for the star
A Broadway star and social media influencer who appeared in Wicked, The Wolf of Wall Street and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has died at the age of 46. Bret Hanna-Shuford’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news through an Instagram post to his loyal followers.
The post stated: “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. Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family.
“Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us,” the post added. The performer had been battling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) for less than five months following his diagnosis.
Just days prior to his passing, he uploaded a cheerful photograph alongside his husband while in his hospital bed. Hanna-Shuford had been openly documenting his medical battle across his social media platforms since receiving his diagnosis last summer.
In October, he revealed he had spent three days unconscious in intensive care, expressing that he “wanted to go home”. A crowdfunding page was established in August to support the performer’s efforts, according to the Express.
The fundraiser explained: “Our dear friend, husband, father, and brother, Bret Shuford, was recently diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and life-threatening immune condition.” It continued: “After many weeks of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and countless medical visits, Bret finally has answers-but the road ahead will be long and challenging.”
The performer was renowned for his extensive Broadway credits. He had appeared in productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and companies of Cirque Du Soleil’s Paramour, Amazing Grace, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Little Mermaid.
He also featured in several television series, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2018), Only Murders in the Building (2023) and The Good Fight (2020). The star also made an appearance in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street.
Off stage and away from the camera, Hanna-Shuford maintained a strong social media presence. Along with his husband, Stephen, they created their joint social media page, the Broadway Husbands, where they chronicled their lives as gay parents.
Survivors include his husband and son, as well as his parents, Preston and Deanna; and his brothers, Todd, Eric and Bart. His fans have flooded his Instagram post with messages of condolences since his passing was announced.
One user posted in the comments: “Just saw the news, it’s so unfair. Cancer completely sucks, he was in such a happy place in life, with a husband and maverick and it’s not fair for cancer to take him away.”
Another user added: “Farewell, Bret, my condolences to his family.” Whilst a third emotionally wrote: “RIP”, followed by a heart.
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