“Broadway Husbands” influencer and actor Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at 46-years-old after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“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,” his husband Stephen posted on Instagram.
“Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us,” the post added.
Hanna-Shuford and his husband shared a three-year-old son, Maverick, and the two would document their family life on their “Broadway Husbands” Instagram page, which has 255,000 followers.
The actor, who had a role on “Wolf of Wall Street,” was diagnosed over the summer with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, rare disorders that attack the body’s immune system.
HLH is a disorder in which the body’s immune system overreacts to a virus and produces too many cells — which go on to attack the body itself, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
T-Cell Lymphoma, is a rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the body’s white blood cells which aid the immune system.
His acting career includes appearances in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Ragtime, Wicked and the Little Mermaid.
A GoFundMe was launched for the ailing Broadway star in August and Broadway stars John Tartaglia, Douglas Sills donated to it, People Magazine reported.
“This diagnosis has required Bret to put many dreams on hold, including stepping away from his graduate program at UCF, just as he and Stephen had begun settling into their new home in Orlando with their sweet son, Maverick. What should have been a season of new beginnings has instead turned into an unexpected battle for health and stability,” the GoFundMe said.
Hann-Shuford was open about his struggles on social media, in October he revealed he spent three days unconscious in the ICU.
“I really want to go home, 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,” he said in an an October post.
He posted a message to his followers on Instagram from his hospital bed on Christmas.
“Merry Christmas to all of you! We are so grateful for your love and support! Looking forward to a new year and hope to see you all soon.Sending love!” he wrote.
