Wayne Brady on Post-Divorce: Wanted to Build a Family That ‘Choose Each Other’

Wayne Brady’s blended family journey: From separation to Core Four unity

The core idea behind Wayne Brady’s upcoming reality show, “The Family Remix,” which debuts on Freeform on July 24, is this.

Taketa told PEOPLE, “We became healthier as a team. We discovered a deep friendship and a sense of belonging with one another. Our connection felt like that of two souls intertwined. Through the challenges we faced together, our bond only grew stronger.”

After their split, Taketa started seeing Jason Fordham, who was a backup dancer for Wayne Brady during his thriving Las Vegas residency in 2009. Their bond grew stronger over time, and by September 2021, they had welcomed a son named Sundance into their lives. Maile Brady, their 21-year-old daughter from Wayne and Mandie’s previous marriage, is an essential part of their new family setup.

During his reflections on becoming part of the family, Fordham underlined the need for granting everyone ample room at the start to facilitate a harmonious transition, particularly for Maile. “In the initial stages,” he shared with PEOPLE, “I would step back to encourage a thriving environment for our collective future.” He emphasized the importance of fostering open and honest support for each other’s individual growth and development.

Currently, the Core Four – a loving nickname for the quartet – reside in proximity, with each home no more than eight minutes away. They engage in various activities together, such as having meals and going on trips, functioning as one cohesive unit. Their collective memories and dedication to open communication have been instrumental in managing their intricate blended family situation.

Their experience of raising Maile hasn’t been free of difficulties. Brady and Taketa acknowledged how their own rigorous upbringings affected their early parenting methods. “During our first stint as parents,” Brady mused, “a great deal of our childhood hardships resurfaced in the form of rules.” They admitted that their past experiences shaped their initial parenting styles, but they have since adjusted and evolved as they’ve gained knowledge and grown closer together.

As a devoted fan of Taketa’s journey as a mother, I can’t help but be captivated by her experiences. When Maile entered her world at the age of 26, Taketa was eager to share her growth, albeit with some bumps along the way. She confessed that when Maile was young, she found herself resorting to methods like spankings and scoldings during trying times. Timeouts were a common occurrence as well, and Taketa admitted that she held a strict parenting style, influenced by her own upbringing.

Maile, who is currently following her dreams in music and performance arts, plays an essential role in family interactions. Sharing insights from her own upbringing, she provides valuable parenting guidance. Taketa humorously remarked, “Maile’s advice is worth considering since she still retains the memories of our past struggles.” This illustrates their close bond and mutual growth.

Over the years, Brady has described how his bond with Maile has grown stronger. He stressed the significance of respecting her independence and gaining valuable insights from her viewpoint. Brady continued, expressing his admiration for Maile’s intelligence, empathy, and deep thinking abilities. Pridefully, he acknowledged that their relationship has pushed him to relinquish some control as a parent and recognize Maile as an independent adult with unique experiences and perspectives to share.

Wayne Brady’s Family Remix: A Journey of love, growth, and resilience

As they get ready to launch their new reality TV series focusing on family, Wayne Brady, Taketa, Fordham, and Maile aim to motivate audiences with their tale of perseverance, development, and affection. The program will offer a glimpse into their experiences overcoming obstacles as well as their achievements, redefining the concept of a loving family that supports one another.

On July 24 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, Freeform will broadcast Wayne Brady: The Family Remix. The following day, this show will be available for streaming on Hulu. This heartwarming program provides a peek into the daily lives of the Core Four, revealing their common interests, strong connections, and how they’ve evolved into a supportive family unit.

In the journey of life, as Wayne Brady and his loved ones face challenges and surprises, they spread a powerful message: to prioritize love, encourage development, and welcome change. This inspiring perspective offers solace and motivation for families around the world.