5 Shocking Truths Wayne Brady Revealed After Coming Out As Pansexual In 2023

For years, the internet buzz surrounding Wayne Brady's sexuality has been a persistent hum, often defaulting to the question of whether the beloved comedian and host was gay. However, the conversation shifted dramatically in August 2023, when the star made a deeply personal and public announcement that redefined his identity, proving that the reality was far more nuanced than simple speculation. This article, updated for the current date of December 15, 2025, dives into the five most impactful revelations from his journey of self-discovery, moving past outdated rumors to embrace his authentic truth. The truth is that Wayne Brady's journey led him not to the "gay" label, but to the term pansexual, a term he now uses to describe his attraction to people regardless of their gender. This candid revelation has made him a powerful voice in the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating a profound commitment to living his life in the open and inspiring countless others to explore their own identities without fear of judgment.

Wayne Brady: A Complete Biography and Profile

Wayne Alphonso Brady is an American actor, comedian, singer, and television personality known for his quick wit and improvisational skills.

• Full Name: Wayne Alphonso Brady
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1972
• Age (as of 2025): 53
• Place of Birth: Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Singer, TV Host, Producer
• Key Career Highlights:
  • Regular cast member on the improvisational comedy show *Whose Line Is It Anyway?* (since 1998).
  • Host of the game show *Let's Make a Deal* (since 2009).
  • Emmy Award winner (multiple times) and Grammy Award nominee.
  • Winner of *The Masked Singer* Season 2 (as "The Fox").
  • Broadway roles including *Kinky Boots* and *Chicago*.
• Marital Status & Relationships:
  • First Wife: Diana Lasso (m. 1993; div. 1995).
  • Second Wife: Mandie Taketa (m. 1999; div. 2007).
  • Daughter: Maile Masako Brady (with Mandie Taketa).
  • Current Relationship: Openly pansexual. He maintains a close, co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa, and her current partner, Jason.

1. The Truth: Wayne Brady Came Out as Pansexual, Not Gay

The most significant and recent update regarding Wayne Brady's sexuality came in August 2023. After years of speculation, which often incorrectly centered on him being gay, Brady revealed he identifies as pansexual. This distinction is crucial. The question of "Is Wayne Brady gay?" is definitively answered by his own words: he is pansexual. Pansexuality, as Brady described it, means he is attracted to people regardless of their gender identity. He explained that he is "attracted across the board," moving beyond the binary limitations of traditional labels. This revelation was the culmination of a long, private journey of self-discovery that he felt compelled to share with the world.

2. His Ex-Wife and Daughter Were His Biggest Supporters

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Brady's coming-out story is the central role played by his family. His ex-wife, Mandie Taketa, and their daughter, Maile Masako Brady, were instrumental in his journey and offered him complete acceptance. Brady and Taketa have maintained an incredibly close and supportive co-parenting relationship since their divorce in 2007. Mandie Taketa was one of the first people he spoke to about his realization. She and her current partner, Jason, have been a source of unwavering support, demonstrating a truly modern and healthy approach to family dynamics. His daughter, Maile, also played a pivotal role. She was the one who encouraged him to use the term "pansexual" after he initially struggled to define his feelings. This family unit proves that love, acceptance, and truth can transcend traditional relationship boundaries.

3. The Journey Started with a Mental Health Crisis

Brady's path to self-acceptance wasn't easy; it was intertwined with his long-standing battles with mental health. He has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, which he has faced throughout his career. He realized that a core component of his mental health struggle was the feeling of needing to conform to a societal expectation of what a successful, masculine Black man should be. The pressure to maintain a certain image—the happy-go-lucky host of *Let's Make a Deal* and the quick-witted comedian from *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*—created a disconnect with his true self. His self-discovery was, in part, an act of radical self-care, recognizing that he needed to be honest about his sexuality to truly heal from his depression.

4. He Initially Misidentified His Sexuality

Before fully embracing the term pansexual, Brady admitted he went through a period of confusion and mislabeling. He initially described his feelings to a close friend as being "bisexual—with an open mind," as he was attracted to both men and women. However, the more he researched and reflected, the more he realized that the term bisexual didn't fully encompass his attraction to people regardless of their gender identity, which includes non-binary and trans individuals. The search for the right word led him to pansexual, a term he now champions as the most accurate descriptor for his identity. This highlights the importance of precise language and self-education in the journey of sexual identity.

5. Wayne Brady's New Outlook on Dating and Relationships

Since his public coming out in 2023, Wayne Brady has spoken about the profound sense of freedom he now feels in his dating life. Living in his truth has allowed him to approach potential romantic partners with complete honesty. He no longer feels the pressure to hide his identity or limit his dating pool based on outdated societal expectations. His current outlook is one of radical honesty and openness, suggesting that his future relationships will be defined by genuine connection rather than gender. This new chapter in his life is not just about a label; it's about advocating for himself and living a life that is truly authentic, setting a powerful example for his fans and the wider community.