Wayne Brady has revealed that he underwent a significant amount of therapy to come to terms with the dynamics of his blended family. The Let’s Make a Deal host opened up about the profound changes his family has experienced in recent years during an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday. Brady shared insights about his family’s journey, which will be showcased in their upcoming reality TV series, Wayne Brady: The Family Remix. Alongside him were his ex-wife Mandie Taketa, their daughter Maīle Masako Brady, and Taketa’s partner Jason Fordham, all of whom are part of the show’s cast.
When Jennifer Hudson inquired about his openness regarding their family dynamics, Brady candidly responded that it was a result of a lot of therapy. He expressed, “Therapy and family, and it feels amazing. This show and us creating it, it was a way of entering this second act of life of trying to live in authenticity.” These changes stemmed from Brady and his ex-wife striving to live genuinely. Brady publicly came out as pansexual last year, revealing a more authentic version of himself.
Reflecting on his personal growth journey, Brady shared, “I feel that I’ve been able to prosper, personally. Coming out as someone who has dealt with mental health issues, and by coming out as pansexual, and coming out about our family dynamic, now it’s a more authentic Wayne that’s even on camera and on stage and I’m a better father. I think I’m a better man because when you stop hiding things, you can truly be.”
In a 2023 interview with People, Wayne Brady disclosed that he first came out to Mandie Taketa, who was supportive and acknowledged that him coming out would lead to his happiness. Brady acknowledged Taketa as the linchpin that sustains their healthy co-parenting relationship, emphasizing her pivotal role in keeping their family unit intact even post-divorce.
Brady’s journey as a parent has evolved significantly in recent years. Aside from co-parenting Maīle, he also shares parental responsibilities for Taketa and Fordham’s son, Sundance-Isamu, who became part of their family through adoption in September 2021. Subsequently, Brady welcomed another child, Val Henry, with his ex-girlfriend Tina, adding a new dimension to his role as a father.
Wayne Brady’s story of navigating blended family dynamics and embracing authenticity serves as a testament to personal growth, resilience, and the power of family unity.