Wayne Brady has always been known for putting a smile on people’s faces as an entertainer. However, behind the scenes, the Let’s Make A Deal host has faced mental health challenges and gone through significant life changes. Last year, he publicly came out as pansexual, showing a different side of himself to the world. He is not just an actor, comedian, host, and singer; he also wants to open up and let people see who he truly is beyond the stage.
In the upcoming reality show Wayne Brady: The Family Remix, viewers will get an intimate look at Wayne and his family. The show will feature his ex-wife and business partner Mandie Taketa, their 21-year-old daughter Maile who is trying to make a name for herself in the industry, and Mandie’s life partner Jason Fordham. Together, they challenge the norms of traditional family dynamics and show that there is no one-size-fits-all model for families in 2024.
Before the premiere, we sat down with the “Core Four” to get a glimpse of what audiences can expect from the Freeform show.
Wayne & Maile Brady in their new reality show (Disney/John Fleenor)
Was there anyone who was particularly hesitant about being part of the show?
Wayne Brady: We were all a bit nervous about putting ourselves out there, as we were the ones who created the show. But ultimately, we decided to do it as a family because we are proud of who we are and the message of unity that we represent. Despite our fears, we decided to share our lives with the world as a team.
What was the filming experience like?
Maile Brady: Working with the crew was amazing, and they created a supportive environment for us. While it was initially strange to have cameras documenting our everyday life, I felt well taken care of. Being producers on the show also helped, as we were able to have authentic conversations both on and off camera. Overall, it was a rewarding experience.
How would you describe this family dynamic and what are you excited for viewers to see?
Wayne: I’m looking forward to viewers seeing that humor runs in the family, and I’m actually the least funny one!
Who is the funniest then?
Wayne: Maile.
Jason Fordham: When it comes to reality TV, the expectation is often drama and conflict. But we realized that our normal, everyday conversations and interactions are valuable and worth sharing. It was a shift in mindset to embrace the authenticity of our lives rather than trying to manufacture drama.
Wayne Brady, Jason Fordham and Mandie Taketa (Disney/Kevin Estrada)
What can you tease about what viewers will see?
Wayne: Viewers will get an inside look at our work, family collaborations, and Maile’s music career aspirations. We’ll also face some unexpected challenges that viewers will have to tune in to witness. These challenges are relatable and will definitely keep the audience engaged.
Maile: There are some surprising and eye-opening moments that viewers can look forward to. We’re definitely not your typical family, and there may be some unexpected twists along the way.
Wayne: Drama!
Are we talking Kardashians here? What kind of reality show are we dealing with?
Wayne: We like to think of it as a docu-follow rather than your typical reality show. We aim to show that a family can be entertaining without resorting to manufactured drama. We want to emphasize the normalcy of our lives and challenge the stereotypes often seen in reality TV.
Maile: The Kardashians are experts at what they do, but our show offers a unique perspective and a different approach to reality TV.
Representation is crucial, especially now. What message do you hope to convey by sharing your story?
Wayne: Our goal is to show that families come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important for people to see themselves reflected in the media. By showcasing our blended family and the dynamics within it, we hope to inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness and diversity.
Mandie Taketa: Representation matters, especially for families like ours who may not have had role models to look up to in the past. By putting our family on display, we hope to pave the way for other non-traditional families.
The fact that a network has greenlit this series is a significant milestone. What does this mean to you?
Mandie: It’s a huge moment for us to have a platform to share our story. It signifies progress and acceptance of diverse family structures in mainstream media.
What have you learned from this experience? Has it brought you closer as a family?
Jason: This experience has reinforced our bond as a family and made us more conscious of the impact we have on others. We see this show as an opportunity to connect with other families and offer a sense of relatability and understanding to those watching.
Mandie: There were moments during filming where I doubted if we could make it through, but looking back, I see the growth and healing that took place. It was a challenging experience, but it ultimately brought us closer together and showed us the power of resilience.
Wayne: Our story is messy and real, and that authenticity is what makes it compelling.
How long was the filming process?
Mandie: We filmed for just under a year, capturing a range of emotions and experiences along the way.
Any final thoughts for viewers before they tune in?
Maile: Just be kind.
Wayne: We hope to serve as a reminder that love and unity can transcend any obstacles. Family can be found in unexpected places, and we want to inspire others to seek out those connections.
Wayne Brady: The Family Remix Series Premiere, July 24, 10/9c, Freeform (next day Hulu)
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