Wayne Brady attends CBS Daytime Emmy Awards After Party at Pasadena Convention Center on May 05, 2019 in Pasadena, California© Getty Images

Wayne Brady comes out as pansexual – his love life and marriages explored

The Dancing with the Stars alum and Let's Make a Deal host has been married twice before

Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
August 8, 2023

Wayne Brady made waves in the LGBTQ+ community yesterday when he announced that he was pansexual, meaning he is attracted to people regardless of their gender, in the vein of other openly pan celebrities like Miley CyrusDemi Lovato, Janelle Monae, and more.

Prior to his big coming out moment, the actor, comedian, and TV personality, 51, has been in a series of committed relationships that have aided him on his journey to self discovery.

Who are Wayne Brady's ex-wives?

Before achieving his rise to stardom when appearing on the original version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1998, Wayne was married to singer-songwriter Diana Lasso.

© Getty Images

Wayne came out as pansexual on August 7

The former couple tied the knot on New Year's Eve 1993, but their union was short lived, and they were divorced on September 21, 1995.

In April 1999, the Dancing with the Stars finalist married another dancer – Mandie Taketa, with whom he welcomed their daughter Maile Masako Brady in February 2003.

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The two called it quits after seven years of marriage, separating in April 2006 and finalizing their divorce in July 2007. However, they've remained close as friends and co-parents since.

Mandie is currently in a relationship with Jason Fordham, with whom she has a son, and Wayne acts as a co-parent to their son Sunny as well. The blended family were all part of his coming out video shared on TikTok as well.

What has Wayne Brady said about being pansexual?

"Bisexual — with an open mind!" Wayne told People in his own words. "In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn't say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything. 

MORE: Dancing with the Stars' Wayne Brady defends prom night performance after fan criticism

© Getty Images

Wayne was previously married to Mandie Taketa from 1999-2006

"So, I came to pansexual because – and I know that I'm completely messing up the dictionary meaning – but to me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual, or non-binary. Being able to be attracted across the board. 

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The Let's Make a Deal host continued: "And, I think, at least for me for right now, that is the proper place. I took pan to mean that not only can I be attracted to any of these people or types physically, but I could be attracted to the person that is there."

© Getty Images

He and Mandie are co-parents to daughter Maile, now 20 years old

Is Wayne Brady in a relationship?

He also opened up about his attraction to men in the past, but confessed he had never dated any because of the "shame" he felt due to his upbringing and societal pressure.

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Wayne confirmed, however, that he is currently single. "Not dating yet though! I am single, but it's not about being with someone right now. 

© Getty Images

Wayne is also a co-parent to Mandie and current partner Jason Fordham's son, Sunny

"I've got some work to do still. Then, Wayne as a single, open-minded pansexual can make a decision and be free and open to other people."

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