Michael Gray, the actor who became a 1970s teen idol as Billy Batson in the live-action “Shazam!” television series, has died. He was 75. His representative confirmed he passed away from natural causes on Friday, October 16, in Palm Desert, California.
Image credit: Michael Gray (Credits: Variety)
Michael Gray’s Shazam! Role Made Him a 70s Teen Idol
Gray’s career-defining break came when he was cast as Billy Batson in CBS’s Saturday morning live-action “Shazam!”, which aired from 1974 to 1976. As Billy, he could transform into the superhero Captain Marvel simply by uttering the magic word “Shazam!” — then travel the country in a 1973 Dodge Open Road motorhome with his guardian Mentor, played by Les Tremayne, righting wrongs wherever they landed.
At a 2012 Comic-Con panel, Gray recalled the whirlwind of the role: “I didn’t know the character or the story when I was initially cast, so I had to be a quick study — so it was fun and exhausting, challenging and thrilling, all at once.”
A Steady Career and a 2023 Cameo
Before Billy Batson, Gray broke into television in 1972 on NBC’s “The Little People” alongside Brian Keith and Shelly Fabares, followed by guest spots on “The Brady Bunch” (as Marcia’s boyfriend Jeff), “Dynasty,” “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Room 222” and “The Flying Nun,” plus films including “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” and “Myra Breckinridge.” Later in life he did voice work on “Archer” and returned to his signature role with a cameo in the 2023 film “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”
Gray is survived by his wife Stacy Benon Gray, whom he married in 1994, his stepchildren Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper, and his son-in-law Lee Barker. Our Insane Blogs extends its condolences to his family and fans.
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Source: Variety — read the full story there.
