Wicked star dies aged 46 as husband says ‘our hearts are broken’
Broadway star and social media influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died. (Getty)
Broadway star and social media influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died. (Getty)
Wicked on Broadway actor and social media influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died aged 46, his husband Stephen has confirmed in a moving Instagram post.
Bret Hanna-Shuford was known for his work on stage, and for his social media brand Broadway Husbands, which chronicled the lives of Bret and Stephen and their three-year-old son, Maverick.
Bret had been diagnosed with an immune condition and an aggressive form of cancer, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, in the summer of 2025.
The couple had shared a sweet selfie from a hospital room on Christmas Day via the Broadway Husbands Instagram account, writing that they were “looking forward to a new year” and were “grateful” for the love and support of their fans.
On Saturday, 3 January, Stephen posted on the account to share the sad news that Bret had passed away that morning.
“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,” he wrote.
“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…”
Following Bret’s diagnosis, a GoFundMe page was set up to support with medical bills and financial pressures while Bret received treatment.
News of Bret’s death was shared on the page, with the page organiser Scott, a close friend, writing: “Sending love to you all… and gratitude for the incredible support Bret’s village provided him these past few months… the most beautiful symbol of a life well lived.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page has amassed more than $333,000 in donations out of the $350,000 target.
As reported by Broadway Buzz, Bret Hanna-Shuford made his debut on Broadway back in 2005, appearing in the ensemble of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
He went on to play roles in Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, and was an understudy for The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond in Wicked. He also appeared on TV in shows including Law and Order: SVU, Only Murders in the Building, and The Good Fight.
Bret and Stephen began dating in 2007, before marrying in 2011. They made their first YouTube video together as the Broadway Husbands in 2013, and have garnered almost 20,000 followers on the platform since.
The duo have amassed more than a quarter of a million followers on Instagram as Broadway Husbands, and almost 200,000 followers on TikTok.
After announcing the passing of Bret, the couple’s shared social media pages were inundated with condolences and heartbroken messages from fans and those who knew the actor.
“This news is absolutely heartbreaking and i’m so so sorry for your loss. you both have brought such light and beauty and hilarity into the world and i’m just sending you and your family so much love and my deepest condolences,” wrote Cougar Town actress Busy Phillips.
“So very sorry. What a beautiful soul and such a fighter. Sending lots of hugs to you and your family,” commented Broadway actor and Duster star Kevin Chamberlin.
Tony Award-winning Merrily We Roll Along actress Lindsay Mendez added: “Sending so much love to your family. Bret will be so so missed by our entire community.”
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
