Wayne Brady says coming out as pansexual in 2023 has made him “better” as a parent, performer, and person.
**At a Glance
- Brady, 53, told News Of Los Angeles that embracing his identity has improved every area of his life
- The “Let’s Make a Deal” host hopes his openness helps young people feel less alone
- He came out in August 2023 after years of mental-health work sparked by Robin Williams’ death
- Why it matters: A major TV personality says living authentically lifts both himself and the next generation
The actor-comedian shared the update during a recent News Of Los Angeles in 10 interview, explaining that the shift is less about dating and more about internal freedom.
“It hasn’t changed in the big sense of, ‘Oh I’m out dating and whatnot,’ because really, I’m kind of [keeping] to myself,” Brady said. “I’m a believer in really trying to help the next generation. And I think that if there’s any little black [or] brown kid growing up in any hood – any town USA – [who] feels bad about themselves or ashamed about themselves or less than, I hope that if they see me… maybe I can be verbal about myself. So I don’t have to carry that rock.”
Brady added that shedding that weight makes every role he plays easier.
“I’m me. That lets me be a better actor. Lets me be a better performer onstage. Lets me be a better dad. Lets me be a better partner to someone someday. I’m happier, I’m brighter.”
Road to coming out
The Emmy winner first told News Of Los Angeles exclusively in August 2023 that he identifies as pansexual.
“I am pansexual,” he said then, defining the term as attraction to persons regardless of sex or gender. “Bisexual – with an open mind!” he added with a laugh.
He elaborated:
- Pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or non-binary
- The attraction can be physical or rooted in the person’s character
- For him, it felt like “the proper place” once he allowed himself to explore identity
Mental-health journey
Brady traced the start of his self-exploration to 2014, when fellow performer Robin Williams died.
“That served as an impetus to begin working on his mental health,” he told News Of Los Angeles.
The process required facing truths he had long avoided.
“Once I opened that door to myself, though, I had to start learning about myself, and I had to start owning up to things that maybe I’d either repressed, suppressed, or just didn’t wanna deal with,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of work on a lot of other things until now, one of the last things on that checklist was: What’s one of the last things that you need to be really happy and to be truly, authentically yourself?”
Family life
Brady co-parents daughter Maile Masako Brady**, 22, with ex-wife Mandie Taketa. He says his authenticity has strengthened that relationship.
By aiming to be the “most Wayne Brady” he can be, the host believes he sets an example for Maile and for viewers who might be struggling with their own identities.
Key Takeaways
- Brady’s 2023 announcement ended years of private questioning
- He credits therapy and self-work triggered by Williams’ passing
- The comedian reports feeling lighter, happier, and more effective onstage and off
- His message to youth: seeing someone visible live openly can lessen shame and isolation
