> At a Glance
> – Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford died January 3 at age 46
> – Diagnosed in summer 2025 with rare HLH and T-cell lymphoma cancers
> – Shared his cancer journey publicly, raising funds via GoFundMe
> – Why it matters: His death highlights challenges of rare cancer treatment and community support
Bret Hanna-Shuford, beloved Broadway performer and half of the popular “Broadway Husbands” social media duo, has died following a five-month battle with rare cancers. The 46-year-old actor passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.
Rare Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Hanna-Shuford received his diagnosis in summer 2025 after weeks of uncertainty and misdiagnoses. Doctors identified two life-threatening conditions: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).
HLH causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, while PTCL is an aggressive blood cancer. Making treatment more complex, Hanna-Shuford’s cancer was CD30 negative, limiting targeted therapy options.
Throughout his illness, he documented his journey on social media, sharing vulnerable moments from hospital stays that spanned Thanksgiving and Christmas. In October, he posted after three days unconscious in intensive care: “I really want to go home… I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband.”
Broadway Career and Community Support
The performer boasted an impressive stage resume including:
- Wicked
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Little Mermaid
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Amazing Grace
- Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour
- South Pacific at Lincoln Center
- Ragtime
- Next to Normal
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Stephen Hanna-Shuford confirmed his husband’s death on 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.”
The couple, who shared their family life with 3-year-old son Maverick through their Broadway Hannels accounts, had recently moved to a new home in Orlando before the diagnosis.
Fundraising Efforts and Final Days
Scott Barnhardt, a close friend since their 1999 college days at Wagner College, launched a GoFundMe in August 2025. The fundraiser aimed to cover medical bills and household expenses as Hanna-Shuford stepped away from performing and paused his graduate studies at University of Central Florida.
Broadway community members rallied support, with donations from:
- John Tartaglia
- Douglas Sills
- Thomas Schumacher (former Disney Theatrical Group president)
In his final video post on December 17, 2025, Hanna-Shuford expressed gratitude: “I hope you know how much I appreciate you and your support of me through this time.”
Born May 20, 1979, Hanna-Shuford leaves behind his husband Stephen and young son Maverick. The family vows to “continue to make him proud of us” as they navigate life without their beloved husband and father.
Key Takeaways
- Rare cancer diagnosis came just months after family moved to new Orlando home
- Broadway community provided significant financial and emotional support
- Documented his cancer battle publicly to raise awareness
- Leaves behind husband Stephen and 3-year-old son Maverick
- GoFundMe campaign continues accepting donations for family support
His passing represents not just a loss for his family and the Broadway community, but highlights the challenges patients face when confronting rare cancers with limited treatment options.
