Former Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died. He was 46 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that early this morning, we said goodbye the most amazing man, husband and father in the universe,” Bret’s husband, Stephen Hanna-Shufordshe wrote in a statement on Saturday, January 3 through her “Broadway Husbands” Instagram page “Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully and lovingly surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken, but we will continue to make him proud of us.”
Bret, who is survived by Stephen and 3-year-old son Maverick, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma last year. (T-cell lymphoma, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundationis a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can develop in lymphoid tissues, such as the lymph nodes and spleen.)
“It’s officially been a month since I visited the hospital and received a series of (misdiagnoses) to finding out I have T-cell lymphoma,” Bret wrote via Instagram in September 2025. “It’s been a frustrating journey that finally looks like there’s a solution. It’s going to be a long recovery, longer than I even thought.”
Bret resided at a local hospital while undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, this fall.
“Happy Thanksgiving! So thankful we got to spend some time together today with Dad at the hospital,” Stephen wrote via Instagram in November 2025. “We have hope with his new treatment.”
Weeks later, Stephen visited Bret to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
“We are so grateful for your love and support,” they wrote in one publication last month “We are looking forward to a new year and hope to see you all soon.”
Bret Hanna-Shuford and his son Maverick
Courtesy of Broadway Husbands/InstagramAfter Bret’s death was announced, several members of his theater community offered their condolences.
“This news is absolutely heartbreaking and I am so sorry for your loss,” busy philips she wrote via an Instagram comment on Saturday. “You both brought so much light, beauty and hilarity into the world and I send you and your family only so much love and my deepest condolences.”
Sharna Burgessfor her part, she said she was “devastated” to hear of Bret’s death.
“I’m devastated to hear this. I’m so sorry. Sending you and Maverick so much love and courage and strength,” Burgess, 40, replied. “You are an extraordinary human and father and husband and Maverick is lucky to have you with him. Brett will always be with you.”
Beanie Feldstein, Michael Buckley, Ryan Ratelle, Keiko Lynn i Kara Lindsay also offered his support in the comments section.
“Oh, my heart just broke into a million pieces,” said Lindsay, a Broadway vet she battled stage II breast cancer in 2024, he wrote. “Bret, you are so loved and we will miss you here on earth. Praying for you Stephen and your sweet son. I am so sorry for your loss.”
Playwright and director Tim Federle he also recalled working with Bret in his early careers.
“Endless crazy costumes and inside jokes with the infinite @bretshuford, who we’ve lost but will never forget,” Federle, 45, wrote via his Instagram Stories on Saturday. “We were dancing fish together and high schoolers and dressing roommates, and it left a handprint on a lot of hearts.”