How becoming pansexual helped Wayne Brady become a ‘better’ father

Wayne Brady came out publicly as pansexual in a candid interview in 2023, sharing that he was finally opening up about his sexuality to live a freer life. In a new interview, Wayne Brady, best known for his time on TV series like “Let’s Make a Deal,” “The Masked Singer” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” reflected on his life since coming out, saying that living in his truth has only made him a better person.

Talk with PEOPLE in 2023, Brady, 53, boldly told the publication, “I’m pansexual,” explaining that he’s attracted to a wide range of people, regardless of their sex or gender. He jokingly described him as “bisexual with an open mind.”

The actor shared that he started thinking a lot after Robin Williams’ death. “Once I opened that door for myself, I had to start knowing myself and admitting things that maybe I had repressed, suppressed or just didn’t want to deal with,” he said.

Brady added that one of his goals after Williams’ passing was to live an authentic life. “I have to love myself. And that’s when I realized I had a problem because if I can spend everything on stage and on camera but I come home and there’s a love deficit, what happens? That was my rock bottom,” he shared.

At another point in the interview, Brady noted that part of the reason he decided to come out was to help him become the “best” version of himself to those around him.

“I can be the best father that 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 this for me,” he said.

In a 2026 interview, Brady gave an update on his life since bravely speaking out about his sexuality.

Brady shared that one of his hopes in coming out was to “help the next generation,” specifically to let “any little black [or] a brown kid who grew up in any neighborhood – any city in America” knows and believes he can be whoever he wants to be.

Continuing, Brady said that publicly identifying as pansexual made him “feel lighter” because he could be himself. He also said that being his authentic self helped him become an even “better” parent.

“It allows me to be a better actor. It allows me to be a better performer on stage. It allows me to be a better father. It allows me to be a better partner to someone someday. I’m happier, I’m brighter,” he said.

In 2024, Brady, his daughter Maile Brady, his ex-wife Mandie Taketa, and her new husband Jason Fordham starred in an unscripted Hulu series called “The Family Remix.”

Regarding their decision to present their new normal as a blended family, Brady explained that it was “important” for them to let viewers into their lives so they could “show what a family can be like when you choose each other.”

Brady and Taketa married in 1999 and separated five years later, according to PEOPLE. However, after time away and seeking professional help, Taketa said the two formed a beautiful friendship. “We are kindred spirits,” she said, describing their dynamic.