Michael Gray dies at 75

Michael Gray, best known for his work on the superhero series Shazam!, has died of natural causes at the age of 75.

Passed away October 16

Representatives for Gray told People on Thursday that the performer passed away on October 16.

28 episodes in Shazam! series

Gray played the role of Billy Batson across 28 episodes of the series based on the DC comic characters from 1974 to 1976.

Shazam! premise

The premise saw a teen who turned into superhero Captain Marvel (played by Jackson Bostwick then John Davey) by uttering the phrase Shazam!

2012 Comic-Con panel

He shared in a 2012 Comic-Con panel: 'I didn't know the character or the story when I was initially cast, so I had to be a quick study.'

“I didn't know the character or the story when I was initially cast, so I had to be a quick study”

Shazam! excitement

He added: 'It didn't matter that it was on Saturday morning or prime time - though the fact that it was one of the first few live-action shows on Saturday morning was exciting.'

Quick casting process

Gray said of being cast on the series: 'I don't recall really being in the audition, but I met with the people of the studio.

Short production

Gray said: 'We did an episode in two-and-a-half days, shooting from sunrise to sunset.'

Exhausting role

He added: 'Before I took the role, I was told by a few people in the biz it wasn't a good idea - that I'll be typecast.But a job's a job, so I took it.

2023 cameo

Gray made a cameo appearance in the 2023 film Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which starred Zachary Levi, Asher Angel and Rachel Zegler.

John Davey statement

In a statement, John Davey described Gray as 'just a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humor.'

“just a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humor”

Born September 2, 1951

Gray was born on September 2, 1951, and raised in Miami Beach prior to landing in Southern California to pursue a career in show business.

Early career

Gray honed his craft at the Pasadena Playhouse, and the exposure he received on the cover of teen-oriented magazines at the time such as Tiger Beat paved the way to the role on the show…

TV appearances

He made a series of appearances on TV shows such as Marcus Welby, MD, The Flying Nun and Room 222 before landing his first recurring role as Ronnie on the NBC series The Little People.

Brady Bunch role

He also appeared in an episode of The Brady Bunch as the boyfriend of Marcia (Maureen McCormick) in 1973.

Film work

Gray had worked on films such as Run, Simon, Run; Beyond the Valley of the Dolls; and Myra Breckinridge.

Career break

Following Shazam!, Gray took a break from show business and worked in different fields such as theater education, men’s fashion and a flower company he ran with his wife Stacy Benon Gray, according to Variety.

Recent roles

In recent years, Gray appeared on FX's Archer and in the four films in the Surge of Power franchise, with his final role coming in 2024's Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke.

Survived by

Gray is survived by wife Stacy Benon Gray; stepchildren Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper; and son-in-law Lee Barker.