Michael Gray, Star of 1970s 'Shazam!', Dies at 75

Actor Michael Gray, who rose to fame for his role as Billy Batson in the 1970s superhero series "Shazam!," has died at the age of 75. His representatives confirmed his passing on October 16, citing natural causes.

Gray portrayed Billy Batson for 28 episodes of "Shazam!" between 1974 and 1976. The series centered on a teenage boy who could transform into the superhero Captain Marvel by uttering the magic word "Shazam!" The character was based on DC Comics' Captain Marvel, now known as Shazam.

Reflecting on his time on the show at a 2012 Comic-Con panel, Gray described the experience as "a thrilling show to work" on. He admitted to needing to learn quickly about the character and story after being cast, calling it "fun and exhausting, challenging and thrilling, all at once." He also expressed excitement that the show was among the first live-action series to air on Saturday mornings.

Gray made a cameo appearance in the 2023 film "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," which starred Zachary Levi and Asher Angel.

Another "Shazam!" castmate, John Davey, remembered Gray as "just a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humor." Davey added that Gray "loved acting, loved doing the show and, in recent years, loved appearing at Comic-cons. He really enjoyed meeting and chatting with the fans. Mike was a wonderful man - I don't think he ever stopped smiling."

Before his breakout role in "Shazam!," Gray appeared in television shows such as "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Flying Nun," and "Room 222." He also had a recurring role as Ronnie on the NBC series "The Little People." In 1973, he appeared as the boyfriend of Marcia Brady on "The Brady Bunch."

Gray was featured on the covers of teen magazines like "Tiger Beat" during the height of his early career.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray; his stepchildren, Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper; and his son-in-law, Lee Barker.