Entertainment · October 22, 2026
'Shazam!' Star Michael Gray Dead at 75
Michael Gray, the actor best known for his portrayal of Billy Batson in the 1970s live-action television series 'Shazam!', died on October 16, 2026, in Palm Desert, California. He was 75 years old. His publicist and family spokespeople confirmed that Gray died of natural causes. Beyond his iconic role in 'Shazam!', Gray was a prominent figure in 1970s pop culture, frequently appearing in teen magazines and guest-starring on several popular television programs of the era.
Read the original coverage
- TMZTabloid
'Shazam!' Star Michael Gray Dead at 75
Read at TMZ ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Michael Gray Dies: 'Shazam!' Star Was 75
Read at Deadline ↗ Michael Gray, Former Teen Idol and Star of ‘Shazam!,’ Dies at 75
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- VarietyTrade
Michael Gray, Star of ‘Shazam!’ TV Series, Dies at 75
Read at Variety ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
Michael Gray, Star of ‘Shazam!,’ Dead at 75
Read at Rolling Stone ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Michael Gray died on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
- He died in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes.
- Gray is most famous for playing Billy Batson on the CBS live-action series 'Shazam!' (1974-1976).
- He had an early television role on the NBC sitcom 'The Little People'.
Reported by only some outlets
- Gray appeared as Marcia Brady's boyfriend, Jeff, on 'The Brady Bunch'.
- He appeared on the covers of magazines like Tiger Beat as a teen idol.
- His television credits include 'Dynasty', 'Marcus Welby, M.D.', 'Room 222', and 'The Flying Nun'.
- His film credits include 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' and 'Myra Breckinridge'.
- Gray once noted in an interview that early special effects during his transformation scenes occasionally left him 'a little singed'.
Confirmed
- Michael Gray died at age 75 on October 16, 2026.
- The cause of death was natural causes.
- The death occurred in Palm Desert, CA.
- Gray's publicist/representative confirmed the passing to multiple outlets.
Reported
- Michael Gray recalled being 'a little singed' by flash devices used for special effects during filming. (The Hollywood Reporter)
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