Michael Gray, the actor who brought Billy Batson to life in the live-action series Shazam!, which aired on CBS in the 1970s, died on October 16 in Palm Desert, California, of natural causes. This was confirmed by his representative to Deadline. Gray was 75 years old.
The actor became known to the general public thanks to his role in Shazam!, one of the first live-action programs broadcast during the Saturday morning block on American television. The news of his passing has generated numerous expressions of affection from those who grew up watching the series during its original run.
From The Little People to Shazam!: Michael Gray’s television beginnings
Before achieving popularity with Shazam!, Michael Gray had already taken his first steps in television. In 1972, he was cast in the NBC series The Little People, starring Brian Keith and Shelly Fabares.
A couple of years later came the role that would define his career: Billy Batson, a teenager capable of transforming into the superhero Captain Marvel just by saying the magic word Shazam!. In the series, the character traveled the country with his mentor, played by Les Tremayne, aboard a 1973 Dodge Open Road motorhome, solving injustices wherever he found them.
Gray was not the only actor to play Billy Batson in the television franchise. The role was also played by Jackson Bostwick and, subsequently, by John Davey.
What Michael Gray said about his role in Shazam!
At a panel held at the 2012 Comic-Con, Michael Gray recalled how he experienced his arrival to the project. He explained that, not knowing the character or the story beforehand, he had to quickly learn everything necessary for filming.
The actor described the experience as equally fun and exhausting, and highlighted the excitement of being part of one of the first live-action programs broadcast on Saturday mornings, regardless of whether it was prime time or not.
Shazam! aired on CBS between 1974 and 1976.
A teen idol with a broader career
During the 1970s, Michael Gray also became a teen idol, frequently appearing on the covers of magazines aimed at teenage audiences, such as Tiger Beat.
His television career also included guest appearances on iconic series of the era, including The Brady Bunch, where he played Marcia's boyfriend in a 1973 episode, as well as Dynasty, Marcus Welby, M.D., Room 222, and The Flying Nun.
In film, Gray participated in the television movie Run, Simon, Run, where he played Burt Reynolds' younger brother. He also appeared in two 1970 productions: Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Myra Breckinridge.
His most recent work
In recent years, Michael Gray maintained a presence in the entertainment industry. He provided his voice for four episodes of the FX animated comedy Archer, playing one of Sterling Archer's childhood idols, in a character identified as TV's Michael Gray.
The actor was also part of the Surge of Power film franchise and appeared on the show Comic Book Men, broadcast by AMC.
One of his most celebrated moments by fans of the saga was his appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, where he shared a scene with Zachary Levi, who plays Captain Marvel in the modern film version, in a direct nod to the original 1970s series.
Family and legacy
Michael Gray is survived by his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, whom he married in 1994. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper, and his son-in-law, Lee Barker.
Frequently asked questions about Michael Gray and Shazam!
Who was Michael Gray and why is he known?
Michael Gray was an American actor known primarily for playing Billy Batson in the live-action series Shazam!, which aired on CBS between 1974 and 1976.
How did Michael Gray die?
As confirmed by his representative to Deadline, Michael Gray passed away from natural causes on October 16 in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 75.
Who played Billy Batson in Shazam!?
The character of Billy Batson was played by several actors throughout the series: Jackson Bostwick, Michael Gray, and, subsequently, John Davey.
Did Michael Gray appear in any modern Shazam! movie?
Yes. Michael Gray had a cameo in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, where he interacted with Zachary Levi, who plays Captain Marvel in the current films, as a tribute to the original 1970s series.
What other series or movies did Michael Gray work on?
In addition to Shazam!, he participated in series such as The Little People, The Brady Bunch, Dynasty, Marcus Welby, M.D., Room 222, and The Flying Nun, as well as the films Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Myra Breckinridge. He also voiced a character in the animated series Archer.
