Did Bret Hanna-Shuford have children? Family details revealed following his passing at 46

Bret Hanna-Shuford, beloved Broadway performer and social media influencer, passed away at 46, leaving behind his husband, Stephen Hanna, and their young son Maverick, whom the couple welcomed on March 26, 2022, via surrogacy.

Collectively known as the Broadway Husbands, the pair often shared their parenthood journey through their online brand of the same name, alongside glimpses into their lives as performers. They also utilize their platform to share their experience with egg donors and surrogacy.

In a 2023 interview, the couple talked about the process and how they navigate fatherhood. Bret shared:

"Up first was finding a fertility doctor. And we did that through an organization that helps gay men navigate this path. It feels reassuring to find an IVF clinic that's going to be inclusive. Our doctor is the one who really guided us. We got our specimen tested, and then we went for a 'team day' where they basically did a physical and all the genetic testing."

As it wasn't a smooth-sailing journey, having a surrogate that previously didn't work out before finding the right one, the pair had some advice to share with other gay couples who want to take the same path. Stephen Hanna said:

"It's so much easier said now than it is to hear when you're on the other side. It's going to happen. If you want to have a child, it's going to happen. There will be setbacks. But, in the right moment, it's all going to work out. You just have to keep believing and taking the necessary steps to move forward."

Bret Hanna-Shuford also didn't hold back, recognizing the obstacles in this journey.

"Let go of your own timeline. It's going to be frustrating, if you're trying to hold on to some sort of deadline. If you're moving forward, you're moving forward. You'll eventually get there."

The Broadway star added:

"I also think, specifically for LGBTQ+ people, it can feel very lonely when you're on this path—especially if you're surrounded by a lot of heterosexual relationships and families. They're not going to understand all that goes into this [process]—and expecting them to have some sort of compassion or understanding is setting yourself up for disappointment. As much as you can, let go of needing outside validation."

Bret Hanna-Shuford passes at 46

On Jan. 3, Stephen Hanna delivered the sad news that his husband, Bret Hanna-Shuford, had passed away at 46, months after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

"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. 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 couple first met in 2006 and got engaged in 2008. They tied the knot in April 2011 at Greenwich Town Hall in Greenwich, Connecticut.

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The late Broadway vet was known for his works Beauty and the Beast, Amazing Grace, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Little Mermaid. He also appeared in Only Murders in the Building, The Good Fight, Law and Order, and more.

Also Read: Who is Stephen Hanna? Broadway star Bret Hanna-Shuford's husband and family life explored following his death at 46

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