Michael Gray, the actor best known for playing Billy Batson in the CBS superhero series Shazam!, has died aged 75. His representative confirmed to Deadline that Gray died of natural causes on October 16 in Palm Desert, California.
A Career Defined by Shazam!
Gray starred as Billy Batson, a teenage boy who could transform into the superhero Captain Marvel by saying the word "Shazam!". He appeared in 28 episodes of the show, which ran from 1974 to 1976 on CBS's Saturday morning lineup.
Speaking at a Comic-Con panel in 2012, Gray recalled being cast in the role: "I didn't know the character or the story when I was initially cast, so I had to be a quick study – so it was fun and exhausting, challenging and thrilling, all at once." He added: "It didn't matter that it was on Saturday morning or primetime – though the fact that it was one of the first few live-action shows on Saturday morning was exciting. It truly was a thrilling show to work."
Tributes from Friends and Fans
John Davey, who played Captain Marvel in the series, said in a statement that Gray was "just a loving, sweet guy with a great sense of humour". He added: "He loved acting, loved doing the show and, in recent years, loved appearing at Comic-Cons. He really enjoyed meeting and chatting with the fans. Mike was a wonderful man - I don't think he ever stopped smiling."
LA publicist Danny Deraney wrote on X: "God speed Michael Gray who played young Billy in Shazam the TV series. God how I loved this show." One fan wrote: "One of my favorite Saturday morning shows when I was a boy. RIP Michael Gray."
Beyond Shazam!
In the series, Gray's character Billy traveled the country in a 1973 Dodge Open Road motorhome with his guardian Mentor (Les Tremayne), looking for crimes to solve. Captain Marvel was initially played by Jackson Bostwick before John Davey took over.
Before Shazam!, Gray appeared as a guest in The Brady Bunch in 1973, playing Marcia's boyfriend. He also acted in programmes such as Dynasty, Room 222, Marcus Welby, The Flying Nun, and more recently Archer.
