The Broadway community and social media world are mourning the loss of Bret Hanna-Shuford, a renowned performer and influencer, who has passed away at the age of 46.

His family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram over the weekend, expressing their profound loss and gratitude for the love that surrounded him in his final moments. “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,” the message read.

‘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 caption began.

Bret Hanna-Shuford was well-known as one half of the dynamic influencer duo, Broadway Husbands, alongside his partner Stephen Hanna. Together, they captivated audiences online, sharing glimpses into their lives and careers.

The couple are also parents to their three-year-old son, Maverick, who undoubtedly brought joy and light to their lives.

Tragically, Bret’s life was cut short following a diagnosis less than five months ago. He faced a battle with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), two rare and challenging illnesses.

Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at age 46

The star’s family announced the sad news in an Instagram post shared on Saturday

Less than five months ago the entertainer was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

According to Johns Hopkins Johns Medicine, HLH causes the body’s immune system to dysfunction as white blood cells attack its other blood cells, resulting in enlarged organs.

It is more common in kids than adults. 

Per Health Tree, PCTL ‘is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the T-cells in the lymphatic system.’

Hanna-Shuford was open about his health after receiving the prognosis last summer.

He shared updates about the medical crisis across social media as he battled cancer while in the hospital for months.

‘I really want to go home,’ the actor said online in October, revealing he had previously been unconscious in the ICU for three days.

He lamented, ‘I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband. But I’m sending so much love to you, because your love to me has been incredible.’

‘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 caption began

Hanna-Shuford (L) leaves behind a grieving husband, Stephen Hanna (R); pictured in May 2023

Hanna-Shuford was one half of the influencer team Broadway Husbands, with his partner Stephen Hanna making up the other portion. The couple shared three-year-old son Maverick

In October the father-of-one lamented during his months-long hospital stay, ‘I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband. But I’m sending so much love to you, because your love to me has been incredible’

A GoFundMe was set up by Scott Barnhardt in August to help support Hanna-Shuford and his family.

A link reading ‘Help us fight cancer’ was posted on social media. 

Barnhardt, who met the actor in 1999 while attending Wagner College, explained on the site, ‘We are reaching out with hopeful spirits to ask for your love and support.

‘Our dear friend, husband, father, and brother, Bret Shuford, was recently diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and life-threatening immune condition. 

‘After many weeks of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and countless medical visits, Bret finally has answers—but the road ahead will be long and challenging.’

The fundraising effort has reached 87% of its $350,000 goal, with $303,000 raised so far.