Michael Gray, 1970s Shazam star, left Hollywood to start floral business with wife. He returned in 2015 with animated series Archer

Michael Gray, who played Billy Batson in the 1970s television series Shazam!, has died at the age of 75. The actor died of natural causes on October 16 in Palm Desert, California, according to his publicist.

Gray began his acting career with appearances in television shows such as Room 222, The Flying Nun and Marcus Welby, M.D. He gained recognition in 1972 for his role in NBC’s The Little People. A year later, he appeared as Marcia Brady’s boyfriend in an episode of The Brady Bunch.

In 1974, Gray landed the lead role of Billy Batson in the Saturday morning television series Shazam!. Based on the superhero Captain Marvel, the show ran for three seasons. In the series, Batson transformed into Captain Marvel by saying the magic word “Shazam!”

Why did Michael Gray leave Hollywood?

Despite his success on television, Gray felt he was being typecast and eventually decided to leave Hollywood, Entertainment Weekly reported.

He later explored other professional interests, including children's theatre education and men's fashion. He also co-owned a floral business in West Hollywood with his wife, Stacy Benon Gray, until the mid-2000s.

Gray returned to acting in 2015, playing a fictionalised version of himself in the animated series Archer. In 2023, he made a cameo appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, starring Zachary Levi, reconnecting with the superhero franchise that had made him famous.

Michael Gray on his enduring popularity

Gray was surprised by the recognition he continued to receive from fans decades after playing Billy Batson.

“I did Comic-Con International in San Diego and was totally blown away by it. It was mind boggling,” he said during a question-and-answer session about Shazam! in 2012.

He recalled attending a Warner Bros. panel where he saw 700 people. “It almost brought tears to my eyes,” he said, as reported by EW.

Gray also remembered being recognised by a construction worker who approached him excitedly and gave him a hug.

“People still recognize me — I don’t know how. I look more like Mentor now,” he said.

Gray is survived by his wife of 30 years, Stacy Benon Gray; his stepchildren, Ryan Cooper and Laurel Cooper; and his son-in-law, Lee Barker.

His portrayal of Billy Batson in Shazam! remains a defining part of his television career and the legacy he leaves behind.