by Frank Gaimari

The lights of Broadway shine a little differently now. The theater community — a world built on storytelling, vulnerability, and the magic of connection — has lost one of its most vibrant storytellers. Bret Hanna-Shuford, a talent whose warmth radiated far beyond the footlights, has taken his final bow at the age of 46. While his departure leaves a profound silence where his laughter once rang, his life remains a resounding anthem of authenticity, love, and artistic resilience.

To know Bret’s work was to witness a master class in joy. From the emerald ambition of Wicked to the whimsical enchantment of The Little Mermaid and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bret did not just perform roles; he inhabited them with a generous spirit. He was the kind of performer who understood that theater is an exchange of energy. Whether onstage at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre or in front of a camera for The Wolf of Wall Street, he gave everything he had to the audience.

Bret’s most significant role, however, was not found in a Playbill. It was the life he built offstage with his husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford. Together, as “the Broadway Husbands,” they did something revolutionary simply by being themselves. In a world that often complicates LGBTQ+ existence, Bret and Stephen offered a window into the beautiful simplicity of Queer joy. They showed that a fairytale romance is not just for Disney princes on stage — it is something real, tangible, and hard-won.

Their love story evolved into a new chapter with the arrival of their son, Maverick, in 2022. Bret embraced fatherhood with open arms, pouring his heart into every moment. As a proud dad, he radiated joy and became a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ families, demonstrating that family is built on love and commitment.

However, his joyful and fulfilling world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with two rare and aggressive cancers: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Faced with challenges that would overwhelm most, Bret approached his battle with the same grace, strength, and determination that defined his life. True to his nature, he did not hide his struggle. Instead, he shared it openly, transforming his vulnerability into a beacon of hope and resilience.

Even during hospital stays and treatments that disrupted his graduate studies in Florida, Bret’s creativity never wavered. His upcoming children’s book, Good Night, Break a Leg, serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact artists have. Through their work, they leave behind pieces of their soul, ensuring that their voice and spirit continue to inspire long after they are gone.

In conclusion, the incredible legacy of Bret Hanna-Shuford is honored — a true Broadway star who gave his heart and soul to every performance, onstage and off. His light, creativity, and courage touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. This is his standing ovation — a celebration of a life lived with passion, grace, and purpose.

To learn more about Broadway Husbands, visit the official website at http://www.BroadwayHusbands.com.

Copyright ©️2026 by Frank Gaimari

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.

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