Influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford dies at 46: Broadway alum battled cancer

former broadway actor and influencer Brett Hannah Shuford already dead. He is 46 years old.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news early this morning, we say goodbye The most amazing man, husband, and dad in the universe,” Brett’s husband, Stephen Hannah Shufordwrote in a statement released via their Broadway Husbands on Saturday, January 3 Instagram Page. “Brett Hannah-Shuford passed away peacefully and with the love of his family. Our hearts are broken, but we will continue to make him proud.”

Bret leaves behind Stephen and their 3-year-old son, Maverick, who was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma last year. (T-cell lymphoma, according to Lymphoma Research Foundationis a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop in lymphoid tissue, such as lymph nodes and spleen. )

“It’s officially been a month since I went to the hospital and went through a series of (misdiagnoses) until it was discovered that I had T-cell lymphoma,” Brett wrote via email Instagram September 2025. “It’s been a frustrating journey, but it finally feels like there’s a resolution. It’s going to be a long recovery, longer than I thought.”

This fall, Brett stayed at a local hospital while undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy.

“Happy Thanksgiving! So grateful we got to spend some time with dad in the hospital today,” Stephen via Instagram November 2025. “We’re very hopeful about his new treatment.”

A few weeks later, Stephen visited Brett to celebrate Christmas.

“We are so grateful for your love and support,” they wrote in a joint statement. postal last month. “Looking forward to the new year and hope to see you all soon.”

Following the announcement of Brett’s death, several members of the theater community expressed their condolences.

“This news is absolutely heartbreaking and I am so sorry for your loss.” busy phillips wrote via an Instagram comment on Saturday. “You both brought so much light, beauty and joy to the world and I send you and your families so much love and my deepest condolences.”

Shanna BurgessFor her part, she said she was “devastated” to hear of Brett’s death.

“I’m devastated to hear the news. I’m so, so sorry. I’m sending you and Maverick so much love, courage and strength,” Burgess, 40, replied. “You are an extraordinary man, father and husband, and Maverick is lucky to have you with him. Brett will always be with you.”

SecondIni Feldstein, Michael Buckley, Ryan Rattle, Keiko Lynn and Kara Lindsay They also expressed their support in the comments section.

“Oh, my heart just broke into a million pieces,” said Lindsay, a veteran Broadway actor. Fighting Stage 2 Breast Cancer 2024, writes. “Brett, you were so loved on earth and you will be missed. Praying for you, Stephen, and your sweet son. I am so sorry for your passing.”

playwright and director Tim Federer Also remember working with Brett early in his career.

“Endless crazy outfits and endless inside jokes with @bretshuford, who we lost but will never forget,” Feder, 45, wrote on his Instagram Stories on Saturday. “We did the fish dance together and had the bench and roommates dress up, and he left his handprint on a lot of people’s hearts.”