Wayne Brady comes out as pansexual: Let’s Make A Deal star, 51, describes his journey to accept his sexual orientation and ex-wife offers support

Wayne Brady officially came out as pansexual in a new interview Monday.

The Let’s Make A Deal star, 51 – who was previously married to actress Mandie Taketa – opened up emotionally about discovering his identity and discussed how he has received overwhelming support from his loved ones.

The TV personality shares daughter, Maile, 20, with Mandie, who he was married to from 1999 until their divorce was finalized in 2008. He also helps co-parent Taketa’s infant son whom she shares with current partner, Jason Fordham.

Brady initially explained to the outlet that he thought he might be bisexual, but said he later came to identify as pansexual because to him, “pan” means you can be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual. or non-binary.’

And I think, at least for me right now, that’s the right place. I took pan to mean that not only can I be physically attracted to one of these people or types, but I can also be attracted to the person who is there,” the comedian shared. People magazine.

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 investigate why I sought myself and happiness in a lot of people.’

Following the tragic passing of actor Robin Williams nearly 10 years ago in 2014, the star stated that he “became involved with certain groups, like Glenn Close’s group, Bring Change To Mind, because he was very outspoken about mental health.”

“And not just the buzzword of mental health, but what do I really have to do to function in this big world and still be okay with yourself and, more importantly, love yourself so you don’t hurt yourself?”

The TV personality indicated that focusing on his mental health had a positive impact on his personal growth.

“Once I opened that door for myself, I had to start getting to know myself and admitting things that I might have suppressed, repressed, or just didn’t want to deal with,” he said, adding that while he found joy in his work, the feeling was absent in other parts of his life.

‘But the pity is that I come home and don’t have that joy. I have joy because I love my daughter and my family. I like being a father more than chocolate ice cream.’

Wayne continued, “But that can’t be my only joy. I must love myself. And then I realized I had a problem because if I can spend it all on stage and on camera, but then I come home and there’s a love deficit, what’s going on? That was my lowest 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.’ Because I knew coming out would help him be happier,” she said.

Self Discovery: The Let’s Make A Deal star opened up emotionally about discovering his gender identity and discussed how he has received overwhelming support from his loved ones; seen in January

Focus on mental health: The TV personality said that focusing on his mental health had a positive impact on his personal growth; seen in November 2022 in Los Angeles

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.

Before coming out, the TV personality admitted that he had “handled the shame,” adding, “A shame cake, just eat it every day — then worry about… people finding out.”

However, he admitted that while he has a “great community of friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community,” he had “always felt like a sham for not being honest 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 the freedom to still live in the shadows and keep a secret.”

“How does it feel to actually not be embarrassed, to not feel like, ‘Oh, I can’t be part of this conversation because I’m lying?’ I had to break that behavior.’

Wayne admitted that he is still on his self-growth journey, explaining, “I am still coming together. But when I’m healthy, I can go on stage at Let’s Make A Deal and be the best Wayne Brady 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 someone’s best partner one day, because I’m doing this for myself.”

Regarding whether he’s entered the dating scene, Brady revealed, “I’m single, but it’s not about you being with anyone right now. I still have some work to do. Then, as a single, open-minded pansexual, Wayne can make up his mind and be free and open to other people.”

Before tying the knot with Mandie, the former Dancing With The Stars competitor was previously married to Diana Lasso from 1993 until their divorce was finalized in 1995.

He is currently co-parenting with Mandie to raise their daughter Maile, as well as her son Sunny, whom she shares with partner Jason Fordham – who the couple welcomed via adoption in 2021.

In the past: The TV personality shares daughter, Maile, 20, with Mandie, who he was married to from 1999 until their divorce was finalized in 2008; former couple seen in 2006

Co-Parenting: He is currently co-parenting with Mandie to raise their daughter Maile, and also her son Sunny, whom she shares with partner Jason Fordham; Wayne seen with Jason, Mandie and daughter Maile in 2022

The star also notably lived and quarantined with his ex and her partner during the Covid pandemic and shared Access to Hollywood at the time, “We’re like this new nuclear family…”

During an earlier interview with Us weeklyBrady opened up about his relationship with Taketa since their divorce, explaining that the “secret” to their positive co-parenting relationship is “time and knowing when to let things go for the greater good.”

He also gushed that his ex is “the most amazing woman in the world and one of the most amazing mothers, I think, to ever walk the planet.” Our daughter’s proof of that and the fact that she beats 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 – will appear in an eight-part, unscripted reality series scheduled to air on Hulu, per Variety.