‘Shazam!’ actor Michael Gray dies at 75: What we know about his cause of death

Michael Gray, famously known for playing as Billy Batson in the 1970s TV series Shazam!, has died at the age of 75 on the week prior to Friday, October 16. Multiple US media outlets, including People Magazine, reported his death on Thursday, October 22, citing Gray’s representative statement saying Gray died of “natural causes”

TMZ reported, citing his publicist, that Grey died in Palm Desert, California, and his health was declining.

Gray started off his television career 1972 when he was cast in NBC’s The Little People alongside Brian Keith and Shelley Fabares. He also appeared in a 1969 sitcom, The Brady Bunch, in a 1973 episode.


His TV persona got well recognized when he played Billy Batson in the CBS live-action series Shazam!. The 1974 series his character would shout the signature catchphrase to turn into superhero Captain Marvel.


He also played a cameo in the 2023 film Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Michael worked on several TV shows throughout his career, like “The Little People,” “Dynasty” and “The Flying Nun.”

He is survived by his wife Stacy, whom he married in 1994; his stepchildren Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper; and son-in-law Lee Barker.