Wayne Brady, the Emmy-winning actor and comedian, has been a household name for over two decades with shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Let's Make a Deal . However, his latest venture, the Freeform reality show Wayne Brady: The Family Remix , delves into a more personal side of his life. The show explores Brady's blended family, which includes his ex-wife Mandie Taketa, their daughter Maile Brady, Taketa's partner Jason Fordham, and their son Sundance.
1. The Decision to Share Their Lives
Brady was hesitant to let a camera crew follow him around for the reality show. He considered the potential judgment he might face and wondered if it would affect his livelihood or the family. However, once he quieted those voices, he decided to move forward with the series. 'Let's do it,' he said, emphasizing that they signed up for this journey and were ready to be vulnerable and authentic.
Brady explained that showing a half-truth doesn't work; they had to go there and be real. This decision was not taken lightly, especially given their self-awareness as actors. They had to let go of their scripted material mindset and share real things, which was tough but necessary for the show's success.
2. The Journey to Authenticity
Wayne Brady's journey to embracing his blended family dynamic involved a lot of therapy. He and Mandie Taketa, who divorced in 2004 but remained close friends, started attending therapy separately. This helped them put their differences aside and find a new friendship and family dynamic.
Taketa described their relationship as rekindling a new friendship and family within each other. They coined the term 'The Core Four' for themselves, which includes Maile Brady, Jason Fordham, and Sundance. During the pandemic, they quarantined together and often posted choreographed dance videos on social media.
Brady emphasized that behind each TikTok video was years of therapy, arguing, and tears. He quipped that arguing, therapy, and tears equal a good dance. This blend of therapy and family has made their relationship stronger.
3. The Importance of Therapy
Therapy played a crucial role in their journey to authenticity. Brady admitted that it took 'so much therapy' for him to embrace his blended family dynamic. He shared that therapy and family together feel amazing, and creating the reality show was a way of entering this second act of life trying to live in authenticity.
Brady also discussed how coming out as pansexual has allowed him to prosper personally. He feels that being authentic has made him a better father and man. By stopping the hiding and being true to himself, he can truly be himself on camera and stage.
4. The Blended Family Dynamic
The blended family dynamic is not conventional, but it works for them. Taketa and Fordham do almost everything together, subscribing to 'gentle parenting.' They prioritize their relationship and make sure to work on themselves daily to show up for each other in the best way possible.
Brady praised Mandie Taketa for being the crux of making their family work. Even after their divorce, they decided to remain family and co-parent their children. This commitment has led to a healthy and loving environment for everyone involved.
The family's openness and honesty with each other are key factors in their success. They have learned to communicate effectively and support each other through thick and thin.
5. Conclusion
Wayne Brady's journey to embracing his blended family is a testament to the power of vulnerability and therapy. By being real and authentic, he has created a loving and supportive environment for his family. The reality show Wayne Brady: The Family Remix offers a glimpse into this unconventional yet beautiful family dynamic.
