Palm Desert, California — Michael Gray, best known for his role as the teenage superhero Billy Batson in the live-action series “Shazam!,” passed away on October 16, 2026, at the age of 75. A family spokesperson announced that he died of natural causes, with details of his passing shared publicly a few days later.
Gray starred in the CBS series, which captivated audiences during its original three-season run from 1974 to 1976. The show depicted the adventures of Billy, a young boy capable of transforming into Captain Marvel by uttering the word “Shazam.” Accompanied by his mentor, played by Les Tremayne, Gray’s character traveled in a motorhome, seeking to right wrongs across the nation.
Colleague John Davey, who succeeded Gray in portraying Captain Marvel, fondly remembered him as a kind and humorous individual. Gray previously noted that his initial introduction to the character was limited, claiming he had little knowledge of the story or premise during the early stages of his casting.
The special effects used for his character’s transformation were memorable, if not initially effective. Gray recounted an amusing incident where an early technique went awry, leaving him singed and prompting the production team to reevaluate their approach.
Before his rise to fame, Gray was managed by Tiger Beat magazine publisher Charles Laufer, who aimed to make him the next teen heartthrob like David Cassidy. The success of “Shazam!” thrust Gray into the limelight, but he soon found the intense level of fandom overwhelming to the point of avoiding public outings during the show’s airing.
After “Shazam!” concluded, Gray felt constrained by his association with the role and stepped away from acting for many years. Instead, he pursued careers in children’s theater education and men’s fashion, eventually running a floral business with his wife, Stacy, in West Hollywood.
The enduring legacy of “Shazam!” saw a resurgence in Gray’s life when the series was released on DVD in 2012, leading to a renewed interest in his work. He began participating in fan conventions, relishing conversations with attendees who shared how the show had impacted their childhoods. Gray himself was surprised to learn of the lasting impression the series left on so many.
Born on September 2, 1951, in Chicago, Gray spent his early years in Miami Beach, Florida. He later studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, which led to his first onscreen role in the 1969 episode of “Room 222.” His early career included guest appearances on popular television shows such as “The Brady Bunch” and “Dynasty,” alongside a role in the telefilm “Run, Simon, Run.”
Gray’s return to acting materialized in the 2010s as he lent his voice to the character TV’s Michael Gray on the animated series “Archer.” He also took on a role in the superhero comedy franchise “Surge of Power.” Most notably, Gray made a cameo appearance in 2023’s “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” sharing a brief scene with Zachary Levi, who portrayed a new version of Billy Batson.
He is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, whom he married in 1994, as well as his stepchildren and son-in-law. Michael Gray’s contributions to television and his impact on fans’ lives will long be remembered.