Michael Kearns, the Hollywood actor best known for his role in Beverly Hills 90210 and as the first openly HIV-positive star in the industry, has died aged 76. He passed away on October 5, according to journalist Karen Ocamb, who announced the news in the Los Angeles Blade and described herself as a friend of Kearns.
Health difficulties before death
Filmmaker Roland Palencia confirmed the actor's death and revealed that Kearns had faced health challenges in the months before his passing. Palencia said Kearns had been "in and out of emergency rooms over five times within a three-month period." The nature of the health problems was not specified, and his cause of death has not been made public.
Kearns publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis in 1991, becoming the first openly HIV-positive actor in Hollywood at a time when the disease was met with widespread fear and discrimination. He had also portrayed an HIV-positive character in the television series Life Goes On.
Career and activism
Born on January 8, 1950, Kearns graduated from Chicago's Goodman School of Drama in 1972. His career spanned theatre, film and television, including appearances in the thriller Body Double and the Emmy-winning television film And the Band Played On, which explored the AIDS crisis, as well as a recurring role on Beverly Hills, 90210.
Kearns was also a committed campaigner for greater understanding and support for people affected by HIV and AIDS. He co-founded Artists Confronting AIDS and served as a commissioner for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
Tributes and legacy
Paying tribute, Ocamb described the impact Kearns had made on the LGBTQ+ community and those involved in AIDS activism. "Today, a stunned gay theatre and AIDS activism world is mourning the loss of the ubiquitous and creative artist who helped so many, literally touched so many, and probably died not knowing how beloved he really was," she wrote.
Kearns came out as gay in the mid-1970s and married Philip Juwig in 1992, who died later that same year. He later adopted a daughter, Tia Katherine. He had been due to attend the Circa: Queer Histories Festival on October 11, just days after his death. A post on the theatre's Facebook page read: "We share the community's sorrow in this loss and celebrate the incredible impact he has had on our mission and the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ Rights movements. Thank you, Michael, for all you gave this world."
