Michael Gray, the actor widely remembered for his portrayal of Billy Batson in the classic 1970s television series Shazam!, has died at the age of 75. His passing occurred last month in Palm Desert, California.
Reports indicate that the actor died of natural causes, a detail confirmed by his publicist. Gray became a household name during the mid-1970s, anchoring the Saturday morning CBS program that ran for 28 episodes between 1974 and 1976. The series captivated young audiences as they watched Batson transform into Captain Marvel to combat various threats after speaking the show's titular command.
Beyond his superhero tenure, Gray was a familiar face on television throughout the decade. His resume included a recurring role as Jeff, the boyfriend of Marcia Brady, on the hit sitcom The Brady Bunch. He also made early career appearances on Room 222 and secured guest spots on programs such as American Bandstand, Dinah!, and The Little People. His consistent presence on the small screen helped him secure a significant teen fanbase, eventually earning him spots on the covers of popular magazines like Tiger Beat.
Following an active decade in Hollywood, Gray eventually shifted his focus away from acting. He entered the floral industry and, in 1994, married Stacy Benon. He later returned to the entertainment industry in the mid-2000s, contributing his voice to the animated series Archer and appearing in projects such as Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel and Heroes of Extinction.
In a final nod to his most iconic role, Gray made a cameo appearance in the 2023 DC Extended Universe film Shazam! Fury of the Gods, sharing a brief moment on screen with lead actor Zachary Levi. He is survived by his wife, Stacy, along with two stepchildren and a son-in-law.
