Wicked Broadway star Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
On Saturday, January 3, the actor’s husband, Stephen Hanna-Shuford, announced the upsetting news in a statement to social media.
“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 wrote in his post.
“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…”
As per reports, Hanna-Shuford, who had Broadway credits from productions including Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, which impacted his immune system.
The performer and husband Stephen share a three-year-old son, Maverick, and regularly chronicled their day-to-day lives on their Instagram page, titled ‘Broadway Husbands’, which has some 255,000 followers.
A GoFundMe campaign was established in August of 2025, seeking support in relation to Hanna-Shuford’s mounting medical needs. The fundraiser revealed that a duel diagnosis of HLH and T-Cell Lymphoma had forced him to set aside major life goals.
“This diagnosis has required Bret to put many dreams on hold, including stepping away from his graduate program at UCF, just as he and Stephen had begun settling into their new home in Orlando with their sweet son, Maverick,” the page read.
“What should have been a season of new beginnings has instead turned into an unexpected battle for health and stability.”
Bret kept fans informed throughout his health battles. As recently as Christmas Day, he posted from his hospital bed: “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!”
