Wayne Brady Steps Back From Broadway Show After Vocal Polyp Diagnosis
Wayne Brady, the five-time Emmy winner and star of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has been forced off the stage. The 54-year-old entertainer announced he is leaving the production of Ms. Blakk for President on his doctor's orders after being diagnosed with a vocal polyp.
In a Sept. 29 Instagram video, Brady made it clear this is not a choice, it is a necessity. He wrote,
“I'm sending love to @vineyardtheatre and the cast and crew of Ms. Blakk for President. I'm sitting this one out, but that's OK. It just means that my body is making me take the rest and healing that I wouldn't take myself.”
What is a vocal polyp and why does it matter?
A vocal polyp is a blister-like growth on the vocal cords, often caused by long-term vocal strain. It is a serious threat for anyone whose livelihood depends on their voice. Singers like Adele, Steven Tyler, and Björk have all faced similar battles. While common, these growths can sideline a performer for weeks or even months, especially if surgery or laser treatment is required.
Brady fights off doubt and depression
In the video, Brady admitted the diagnosis hit him hard. He said,
“I was definitely in danger of spiraling into a depression last week because we, as performers, we link our talent and our gifts -- like our throats, our face -- we link all that to who we are.”But the veteran entertainer refused to let catastrophic thinking win. He reminded himself,
“I am more than just the guy that is on stage. I have to remind myself that I'm a person, I'm a father, I'm a friend. I have a beautiful family and people who love me.”
Who is stepping in for Brady?
The Vineyard Theatre announced that Tony Award nominee Alto Blankson-Wood will take over the title role of Alan Smith/Joan Jett Blakk. The show, an off-Broadway production inspired by the real-life drag queen Joan Jett Blakk and her 1992 presidential run during the AIDS epidemic, will shift its schedule. Performances now begin Oct. 22, with opening night set for Nov. 8.
Brady's family and support system
Brady has a 23-year-old daughter, Maīle Masako Brady, with his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa. The couple, married from 1999 to 2008, still live together in a blended family with Taketa's life partner, Jason Fordham, and their son, “Sunny” Sundance-Isamu. It is a modern arrangement, but Brady says it works.
Brady promises a comeback
Despite the setback, Brady remains optimistic about the procedure targeting the polyp. He said,
“I'm gonna be fine. Ms. Blakk for President is gonna be an amazing show -- you've gotta go see it. And in just a little while I'll be back on your screens laughing and cuttin' up and singing.”
Support poured in from fans and famous friends. Scott Porter of Ginny & Georgia wrote,
“Brother, we've been at this for a long time. We all go through it, and it is easy to forget it. Rest up, heal completely, and then lead with talent once again.”Dondré T. Whitfield of All My Children added,
“You are not your singing voice, my brother. Your voice is the amplification of your advocacy and your purpose that impacts humanity.”
FAQ: Wayne Brady's vocal polyp diagnosis
What is a vocal polyp?
A vocal polyp is a blister-like growth on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal strain. It can affect anyone who uses their voice heavily, from singers to public speakers.
How long will Wayne Brady be out of work?
Recovery times vary. Depending on whether surgery is required, performers can be sidelined for weeks or months. Brady has not given a specific timeline but says he will be back on stage and screen in 2027.
Will Wayne Brady return to Ms. Blakk for President?
No. Alto Blankson-Wood has taken over the role for the entire run. Brady is focusing on rest and recovery before returning to his other projects.
What is Ms. Blakk for President about?
It is an off-Broadway play inspired by real-life drag queen Joan Jett Blakk and her 1992 presidential run during the AIDS epidemic. The show explores themes of activism, identity, and the American political system.