If you’re looking for a traditional Hollywood scandal involving Wayne Brady and a wife, you’re going to be waiting a long time. It’s actually kind of boring in the best way possible. Wayne isn’t currently married, and he hasn't been for years. But the way he lives with his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa, is basically the gold standard for how to be a human being after a breakup.
They don’t just share a kid; they share a life. They share a production company. They even share a reality show called Wayne Brady: The Family Remix. Honestly, most people can’t even text their ex without getting a headache, but these two are out here redefining what "family" looks like in 2026.
Who is Wayne Brady’s wife? (The ones you might've missed)
Wayne has been down the aisle twice. First, there was Diana Lasso. They got married on New Year’s Eve in 1993. It was one of those short-lived unions that ended by 1995. Not much is out there about Diana, and Wayne tends to keep that chapter pretty private.
Then came Mandie Taketa.
They tied the knot in 1999. Mandie is a dancer, an actress, and a total creative powerhouse in her own right. They had a daughter, Maile, in 2003, but the marriage itself hit a wall. They divorced in 2008. Usually, that’s where the story ends. The lawyers get paid, the assets get split, and you see each other at graduations.
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But Wayne and Mandie did something different. They chose to stay "soulmates," just not romantic ones.
The "Core Four" and how they actually make it work
It’s not just Wayne and Mandie anymore. The dynamic has expanded into what they call the "Core Four." This includes Mandie’s long-term partner, Jason Fordham, and their young son, Sundance.
Wait. Jason used to be one of Wayne’s backup dancers.
That sounds like the plot of a messy soap opera, right? Wrong. Wayne is actually Sundance’s godfather. He calls himself the "Duncle" (Daddy-Uncle). They all live about eight minutes away from each other. They vacation together. They filmed a whole season of a reality show together to show people that "blended" doesn't have to mean "broken."
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Why this matters for Wayne’s journey
In 2023, Wayne came out as pansexual. He told People magazine that he’s attracted to the person, regardless of their gender or "vessel."
The first person he told? Mandie.
She wasn't shocked. She was supportive. That kind of safety is rare. Wayne has been very open about his struggles with clinical depression and "love addiction" in the past. Having a home base that consists of his ex-wife and her new partner provides a level of emotional security that he’s lacked for a lot of his career.
He’s currently single, by the way. He’s said he isn’t in a rush to find a new "wife" or partner because he’s finally learning how to be okay with just Wayne.
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Real talk: It wasn't always easy
Don't let the glossy Instagram photos fool you. Wayne has been very vocal about the fact that this didn't happen overnight. It took years of therapy. It took screaming matches. It took ego-bruising conversations where they had to put their daughter's needs ahead of their own hurt feelings.
- Communication: They talk. A lot.
- Boundaries: Jason isn't "the guy who replaced Wayne." He’s a teammate.
- Consistency: They show up for each other's big moments, no excuses.
There’s a massive misconception that you have to hate your ex to move on. Wayne and Mandie prove that you can actually "divorce" the romance while keeping the partnership. They run A Wayne & Mandie Creative together, producing shows and digital content. They are literally making money together while raising a family that looks nothing like the 1950s version of a household.
What you can learn from the Brady-Taketa dynamic
If you’re navigating a split or a blended family, there are a few tactical takeaways here.
First, stop looking for a "winner" in the divorce. Wayne and Mandie both won because they kept their support system intact. Second, check your ego at the door. Wayne being the godfather to his ex-wife’s new baby requires a level of maturity that most people haven't even touched.
Lastly, authenticity is a lifestyle, not a PR move. Wayne coming out as pansexual at 51 shows that it’s never too late to pivot. If you’re not happy with the current "script" of your life, rewrite it.
The most important thing to remember is that "family" is a verb. It’s something you do every day through your choices. Whether Wayne Brady ever gets married again is almost irrelevant because he’s already built the most stable relationship of his life with the woman he used to call his wife.
Next Steps for Your Own "Blended" Success
- Audit your communication: If you’re co-parenting, are you talking about the kids or are you still litigating the past?
- Find a "Duncle" mindset: Even if you aren't best friends with your ex, can you find one area of mutual respect to build on?
- Prioritize the "Core": Identify the 3 or 4 people who actually matter in your daily circle and ignore the outside noise about how your life "should" look.