Bret Hanna-Shuford, a Broadway actor known his performances in Wicked and The Little Mermaid, has died. He was 46.
The actor’s husband Stephen Hanna-Shuford announced Bret’s death on Saturday after he was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, which impacted his immune system.
“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,” wrote Stephen on Instagram. “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…”
Born May 20, 1979 in Beaumont, Texas, Bret began acting with The Gingerbread Company as a child, also appearing in local community theater, regional commercials and indie films.
Making his Broadway debut in Beauty and the Beast, Bret continued working with Disney Theatrical in The Little Mermaid, where he met his future husband Stephen.
Bret’s other Broadway credits include Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Wonderful Life, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Amazing Grace and Cirque du Soleil Paramour. He also performed in touring productions of South Pacific and Dreamgirls.
On screen, Bret appeared in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), as well as episodes of Only Murders in the Building, FBI: Most Wanted, The Good Fight, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, All My Children and Guiding Light.
Bret is survived by husband Stephen and their son Maverick. A GoFundMe has been established in support of the family.
