Michael Gray, Star of 1970s TV Series 'Shazam!', Dies Aged 75
Michael Gray, who played Billy Batson in CBS's 'Shazam!' from 1974 to 1976, has died aged 75, his representatives have confirmed.
Updated in October 2026 to remove an off-topic '£100 cinema test' passage from this obituary, replace generic commentary with reported career facts, add a direct source link, and detach an unrelated 2019 Shazam! film listing.
Michael Gray, the actor best known as Billy Batson in the 1970s live-action series 'Shazam!', has died aged 75. His representatives told Variety he died of natural causes on 16 October in Palm Desert, California, as reported by The Independent.
A Teen Idol of Saturday Mornings
Gray was the lead of the CBS series 'Shazam!', which ran for three seasons between 1974 and 1976 and made him a teen idol, according to The Independent. His character was a teenager who transformed into the superhero Captain Marvel, played by Jackson Bostwick and then John Davey, by speaking the show's title word. Les Tremayne played his mentor.
John Davey paid tribute: "Mike was just a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humor. He loved acting, loved doing the show and, in recent years, loved appearing at comic-cons."
Earlier Work
The Chicago-born actor began on television in 1972 in NBC's 'The Little People', alongside Brian Keith and Shelley Fabares. He appeared as Marcia's boyfriend Jeff in a 1973 episode of 'The Brady Bunch', and in shows including 'The Flying Nun' and 'Marcus Welby, M.D.'
In 1970 he had a small part in the ABC telefilm 'Run, Simon, Run' with Burt Reynolds, and he also appears in 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' and 'Myra Breckinridge'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Michael Gray?
An American actor who starred as Billy Batson in the CBS series 'Shazam!' from 1974 to 1976.
When and how did he die?
He died on 16 October of natural causes in Palm Desert, California, aged 75. His representatives confirmed the news to Variety on 22 October.
Is this the same Shazam! as the recent films?
No. Gray starred in the 1970s television series, not the Warner Bros. film franchise.
Key Takeaways
- Died aged 75: Gray died on 16 October; the news was confirmed on 22 October.
- Defining role: Billy Batson in CBS's 'Shazam!' (1974 to 1976).
- Wider career: 'The Little People', 'The Brady Bunch' and 'The Flying Nun'.
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