Wayne Brady officially came out as pansexual in a new interview Monday.
The 51-year-old Let’s Make A Deal star – who was previously married to actress Mandie Taketa – opened up about finding his identity emotionally and opening up about how he’s received overwhelming support from loved ones.
The TV personality has daughter Maile, 20, with Mandie, who he was married to from 1999 until they finally divorced in 2008. He also helps co-parent Taketa’s baby boy, who she shares with current partner Jason Fordham.
Brady initially told the outlet that he considered possibly being bisexual, but said he later began to identify as pansexual because, to him, “pan means you can be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, identified as heterosexual, bisexual, or transgender.” or non-binary.’
“And I think, at least for me at the moment, that’s the right place. “I took ‘Phan’ to mean that not only can I be physically attracted to these people or guys, but also to the person who is there,” the comedian told People magazine. .
Coming out: Wayne Brady, 51, officially came out as pansexual as he reflected on his journey to self-discovery over the years in a new interview with People published on Monday; seen in NYC in May 2022
Wayne revealed that he “did all the therapy I could do,” such as being “treated for love addiction.” It’s part of my journey. I had to start investigating why I was looking for myself and happiness in a lot of people.”
Following the tragic death of actor Robin Williams nearly a decade ago in 2014, the star explained that he’s been “involved in certain groups, like Glenn Close’s group Bring Change To Mind, who are very vocal about mental health.”
“And not just the mental health buzzword, but what do I really need to do to function in this big world and still be able to handle myself and more importantly, love myself so you don’t hurt yourself.” ?
The TV personality expressed that focusing on his mental health has had a positive impact on his personal growth.
“Once I opened that door, however, I had to start learning about myself, and I had to start engaging with things that I might have either repressed or suppressed, or that I just didn’t want to confront,” explained he. He added that while he felt joy at work, that feeling was lacking in other parts of his life.
“But it’s a pity that I come home and don’t have this joy. I am happy because I love my daughter and my family. “I love being a dad more than chocolate ice cream.”
Wayne continued, “But that can’t be my only joy.” I have to love myself. And that’s when I realized I had a problem, because if I can give it all on stage and in front of the camera, but then come home and there’s a love deficit, what’s going on? That was my low point.’
Brady first came out to his ex-wife Mandie, and she revealed her initial reaction to the news, while also speaking to People. “I just said, ‘Great.’ “I knew that coming out would help him be happier,” she said.
Self-discovery: The ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ star opened up emotionally about discovering her gender identity and how she has received overwhelming support from loved ones; seen in January
His daughter Maile also discussed her own reaction to her father’s coming out, saying, “I just said ‘okay’.” She also recalled having a “proud smile” on her face when Wayne told her had told.
Before coming out, the TV personality admitted he’s “dealed with the shame,” adding, “A shame cake I just ate every day — and then worried that… people.” could find out.”
However, he admitted that despite having a “wonderful community of friends from the LGBTQ+ community,” he “always felt like a scammer for not being open with myself.”
“I’ve also told myself in the past that no one needs to know about my personal affairs,” later saying, “But that gave me permission to still live in the shadows and remain secret.”
“How does it feel to not actually be ashamed, not to be like, ‘Oh, I can’t be in this conversation because I’m lying?’ ‘I had to break that behavior.’
Wayne admitted he’s still on his path of self-development, declaring, “I’m still getting together.” But if I’m sane I can get on stage on Let’s Make A Deal and the best Wayne Brady be that everyone wants and expects. “I can be the best father Maile needs.”
“I can be Mandie’s best friend, my mother’s best son, and one day someone’s best partner because I’m doing it for me.”
Asked about breaking into the dating scene, Brady revealed, “I’m single but it’s not about being with anyone right now.” I still have work to do. Then, as a single, open-minded pansexual, Wayne can make a choice and be free and open to other people.”
Before tying the knot with Mandie, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant was married to Diana Lasso from 1993 until they finally divorced in 1995.
He is currently co-parenting with Mandie, raising their daughter Maile as well as their son Sunny, whom she shares with partner Jason Fordham – whom the couple welcomed by adoption in 2021.
Past history: The TV personality shares daughter Maile, 20, with Mandie, who he was married to from 1999 until they finally divorced in 2008; former couple seen in 2006
Parenting Together: He is currently co-parenting with Mandie to raise their daughter Maile and also their son Sunny who she shares with partner Jason Fordham; Wayne is seen with Jason, Mandie and daughter Maile in 2022
The star, notably also living in quarantine with his ex and her partner during the Covid pandemic, told Access Hollywood at the time, “We’re like this new nuclear family…”
In a previous interview with Us Weekly, Brady opened up about his relationship with Taketa since their divorce, explaining that the “secret” to their positive relationship as co-parents is “taking your time and knowing when to do things for the good of the public should let go”.
He also gushed that his ex “is the most amazing woman in the world and in my opinion one of the most amazing moms that has ever walked the planet.” The proof of that is our daughter and the fact that she brings me into shape. She’s the reason I think I’ve had the success I have.”
Last month in July, it was announced that Wayne and his family — including Mandie and Jason — would star in an eight-part unscripted reality series that Variety said would air on Hulu.